"…that is when everything started for me, a 'simple' biochem project about enzymes. I had no clue about the paths I was about to travel."

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Marieliz García-López de Victoria

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1976
B.S. in Chemistry/Biochemistry

University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, 1998

M.S. Theoretical and Computational Physical Chemistry

University of Houston, 2001

Field of work

Chemical/Developmental Engineer

Areas of interest outside work:

Reading, dancing, water sports, going out with friends

I have been working for a year at Schlumberger as a Chemical Engineer for Oilfield Services. I work in the Matrix division in the Well Stimulation Lab. We develop chemical products for the oilfield.

I had worked in many areas of chemistry such as pharmacology, biochemistry, physical chemistry, theoretical and experimental, and inorganic chemistry. I have been tutoring science and math to high school kids and undergraduates for the last 3 years. I was an Organic Chemistry and Calculus Teacher's Assistant at both Universities I graduated from.

I always liked science but it wasn’t until I was in high school that I discovered that I wanted to be a scientist. Basically, we needed to develop a research project for our science class that was going to count as two grades. Well, who was going to tell me that with that homework project I was going to learn so much. Actually, I discover that I really liked it. Then, I went to the International Science and Engineering Fair for my last year in high school and before that to the National Science Foundation meeting to talk about my project. That is when everything started for me a "simple" biochem project about enzymes. I had no clue about the paths I was about to travel. From biochemistry to petrochemical sciences.

I like to read, sometimes. I like to dance, go out with friends… a lot of water sports. I am from and Island so I need my ocean now and then. I like the museums…in general have fun with my friends, which is the best hobby I have. OH!!! I love to talk.

I have been very active for many years in so many different fields. I have to admit some of them I love. But the only thing that gets everyone what he or she wants is to get a good education. If you know how to take advantage of it, it will take you to places you may have never even dreamt of, or meet people from places that could be three days' travel away from your home. Know about other cultures and at the same time enjoy what you do. Education is the only key to success. Yes it is hard, we have all been there. But it is such a small sacrifice for what is waiting for you afterward. With education I can get anywhere I want. It’s not a competition about who is the smartest in class. It is who makes it at the end of the road.