Yessica Jimenez spent the summer doing research in Brazil with the support of Richard Vasques, assistant professor in the Nuclear Engineering Program in the Ohio State College of Engineering, and his connections at the Rio de Janeiro State University.

I was involved with a research project “Develop of Polypropylene Composites Reinforced with Graphene Platelets and Short Carbon Fibers for the Automotive Industry” in Novo Friburgo in the state of Rio of Janeiro in Brazil. For me, this experience signified a lot as a professional, but especially as a person. It taught me how to be more independent and believe in my talent and knowledge.

Friburgo is in the mountains; I was nostalgic for where I am from in Colombia. I remember how in my home country the kids that were running everywhere on the streets similar to the way that the people talked and acted. Brazil has a lot of magic, the vibration of their people is something that I will never forget. It is an indescribable feeling to be in Brazil, studying, talking or just being in another culture for three months.

As a professional, it was an incredible honor to be around professional engineers from Brazil that were able to teach me a lot. I learned how to appreciate my career even more and feel my future much brighter and closer. Obrigada Brazil. Eu te amo muito!