2024 GMiS Luminaries

Education  PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of Wisconsin; Bachelors in Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico

Dr. Claribel Acevedo-Velez embodies the qualities of an outstanding researcher, educator, and mentor.  She’s made significant technological contributions at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, and she’s dedicated to societal impact.  Among her many roles includes leading the professional development of her students as she continues to make transformative contributions to her institution. 

As a researcher, Dr. Acevedo-Velez has earned a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of fundamental principles, and a commitment to innovation – all of which she imparts on her students.  Her contributions to the field of Surface and Interface Science are quite remarkable, and her research on liquid crystal LC droplets, or LC, for chemical and biological sensing has highlighted several potential applications detecting analytes such as surfactants, lipids, proteins, and pathogens. 

Her approach in enhancing the colloidal stability of liquid crystal droplets by using surface-modified nanoparticles significantly extends the shelf-life of LC emulsions, making them stable for at least three months to a year. This breakthrough provides a robust platform for developing long-term, deployable sensors but also allows for improved tuning of sensitivity and selectivity for various chemical and biological analytes. These and other innovations have the potential to significantly impact public health and environmental monitoring.

Claribel’s research has garnered significant recognition, including external funding from prestigious organizations such as the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund and the National Science Foundation. Her publications in high-impact journals and numerous patents attest to her work’s originality and practical relevance. Additionally, her active involvement in the Hispanic community through mentoring and outreach initiatives highlights her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM.

Claribel has a particular passion for mentoring, something that’s enabled her to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner.  Her encouragement of independent thinking fosters an environment where creativity and rigorous scientific inquiry thrive.  Since joining the faculty at the University of Puerto Rico after five years at Dow Chemical, Claribel has led a graduate-level research group while dedicating half her time to teaching core chemical engineering and specialized courses in her research area. In support of these roles, she’s actively involved in outreach activities seeking to encourage young students and young women to pursue careers in STEM.

Research at her laboratory is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative with academic institutions across the United States.  It’s also highly relevant to a wide range of technological processes that address problems faced by biomedical and environmental scientists, including the design and formulation of consumer products and delivery systems, chemical and biological sensing, and environmental remediation. 

Through her combined experience in academia and industry, Dr. Acevedo-Velez brings diverse perspectives to research, teaching, and mentoring, which has been key in fostering the professional development of students by enabling opportunities tailored to their respective career aspirations.