This April we present Gloria Pena, a CINTECX researcher who participated in the CINTECX 2025 Calendar initiative, sharing her experience as a researcher and motivating newer researchers.
GLORIA PENA: “We need scientists who work together as equals to advance.”.
I research surface modification of metal alloys, aluminum matrix nanocomposite materials, and the additive manufacturing of metallic biomaterials with enhanced biocompatibility.
The combination of research and teaching in my work satisfies my compulsive curiosity and the need to share what I learn.
Adaptability is essential in my field due to the changing demands of industry and the advances in materials and processing techniques that require adjusting our work to respond to those demands.
Our group’s work is clearly focused on improving materials for industry, increasing their mechanical resistance to wear and corrosion. We also collaborate on improving production processes in the important educational endeavor of training teachers and engineers, who will build the future.
It is important not to destroy girls’ innate curiosity and to offer activities that maintain their interest and confidence. This effort should motivate families, encouraging them to participate in “typically male” activities, such as starting a business. The field of engineering remains a predominantly male field and that is our challenge.