Hector Ulises Lopez Marquez '09
Hector Lopez Marquez set his sights on Cornell when he was a sophomore in high school. Born and raised in Mexico, he moved to the United States at age 14. An inspiring high school teacher recommended Cornell, particularly for its biology program. Hector visited the campus, applied for early decision- and here he is.
He's right in the thick of what he came for, already deep into research on nanofabrication in microfluidics. "I wanted to get involved in research in preparation for medical school," says Hector. He took a course on how to do research on campus, and then emailed a few professors whose work interested him. Carl Batt's specialties included an effort to develop carbon nanotubes that could be used to selectively introduce antigens into cancer cells via lasers at specified frequencies. Part of what excited Hector was that this technology was still in the early stages of development. That meant he could be part of developing the protocols, characterizing the nanotubes, and helping to bring the project to fruition. Currently, he is working on one phase of the project, helping to build a microfluidic device that controls the emission of very small amounts of liquid through a tube. "It's pretty exciting," he says. "Not many places will let you do research at this level so early in your career."
Hector is mindful that this opportunity, like the entire Cornell experience, is a gift from the University's alumni and friends. Annual Fund donations play a significant role in the University's financial aid program. He knew from the outset that financial aid would be necessary for him to go to any university. To come to a school like Cornell would have been impossible without substantial financial aid. "My whole family is really grateful for my scholarship," he says.
During Hector's first year at Cornell, he focused entirely on academics. Now, he believes he has reached a better balance between the academic and social aspects of his life. When he's not studying or working in the lab, he plays soccer at the campus community center, attends PATCH (Preprofessional Association Toward Careers in Health) meetings to hear visiting speakers, and spends time with friends. "I'm happy with my friends, and I really like my professors." He also likes the housing structure, the organization of the campus- and even the food. He has become a Cornellian, through and through.
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