Jean Carlos Serrano is a Mechanical Engineering senior who is heading to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology next fall to pursue graduate studies in Biomedical Engineering. His academic record is flawless; he finished his bachelor’s degree in five years, worked on biomedical research on campus, and attended summer research programs in Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Princeton. Yet, despite his unquestionable success, he is grounded and focused, well aware that the only road that leads to triumph is that of hard work and sacrifices.
How has he made it? “Lots of perseverance, patience, but mostly, focusing on the goal.” He uses exercise as an outlet to relieve stress, but he also shared an unusual hobby he has: “This is kind of embarrassing to admit, but I used to make music for a bit, I even played as a DJ in clubs.”
He began his studies at UPR-Humacao at the engineering transfer program and transferred to UPRM as a sophomore, where he has been involved in biomedical engineering research since his third year, mentored by professor Nanette Diffoot from the Biology Department and professor Paul Sundaram from the Mechanical Engineering Department. Their focus was on the progression of cancer. “Other than the chemicals and biological factors, there are many mechanical stimuli involved in the development of illness,” he explains. “That is why it is so important to explore this field (biomedical engineering), because it can help make many advances on the medical field.”
Because of his interest in research, graduate school seemed like the road to take, with the hope of becoming a professor one day. The process of applying was, in his own words, exhausting. Initially, he chose twenty schools in the US that portrayed a strong graduate program within his field of interest. The list was narrowed down, he ended up applying for twelve schools, out of which he got accepted into eight, including Georgia Tech, Cornell,and MIT–the big names in the academia.
The process of waiting for responses was torturous. Yet, as the letters began to came in, he realized he had a huge decision to make–“no pressure, the rest of your life depends on this,” he jokes as he remembers the mixed feelings of excitement and panic he experienced. After visiting several of the schools in which he got accepted, the decision seemed clear; MIT had always been the top contender. Besides its prestige as the best engineering school in the nation, what captivated Jean was more than the rankings. “It was a matter of the heart, it had always been my dream school. Boston is a vibrant and beautiful city. It is somewhere I see myself making a life, a future.”
Aware of the efforts he has had to make to achieve what he has, he is thankful for the people that have led him where he is. If there is something he has learned throughout his five year academic trajectory is that you never reach the top alone; “My parents have been a huge part of this, the have made many sacrifices to help me achieve my goals.” Also, he is very fond to his academic mentor, professor Paul Sundaram. “I owe him every opportunity I have had of working in the field. Not only his recommendations, but his constant support and the way he believes in me. He is like my second father.”
Jean is excited to begin this new stage of his life, the first towards many of what we know will be a brilliant scientific career. “I know it will be tough and challenging, but el Colegio prepares one well in every aspect, I will be fine,” he says with a laugh. As for a piece of advice he would give someone who is just beginning their studies and hoping to follow a similar path, he added, “You must seize every opportunity you have to find what you love and once you do, focus on that and work for it. Surround yourself with the right people, create a balance that works for you, but never loose sight of your goal, and always set your priorities straight.”