Luis F. Torrens Sotomayor Email & Phone Number

Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

University Of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

◇ Ensure that the C-PEDaL’s online presence accurately reflects its activities, research, and facilities while keeping the content engaging and up-to-date.◇ Managed and updated the Center's website and social media pages, including redacting and uploading news, events, and research updates. Enhanced the structure and content of the webpage to improve user experience and engagement. Implemented regular updates and improvements to both the official webpage and social media platforms.◇ Successfully maintained and enhanced the online presence of C-PEDaL, improving visibility and accessibility of information related to the Center’s activities and research. Increased engagement with stakeholders through effective use of digital platforms.

University Of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

◇ Need to enhance K-12 students' understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and safety, while maintaining the laboratory and updating educational activities.◇ Introduced K-12 students to various pharmaceutical manufacturing operations and characterization techniques, including mixing, coating, density analysis, granulation, and more. Educated students on the risks of dust explosions in the pharmaceutical industry and developed new activities to explain segregation concepts. Modified and developed procedures for educational activities such as the Pharmaceutical Operations Course, guided school visits, and summer camps. Oversaw daily laboratory maintenance, including cleaning, safety improvements, and preventive equipment maintenance. Provided training to undergraduate and graduate students on proper equipment use and conducted safety seminars for researchers.◇ Successfully improved K-12 students' knowledge of pharmaceutical processes and safety, enhanced the quality of educational activities, and ensured a well-maintained, safe laboratory environment. Empowered students with practical skills and knowledge essential for their future careers.

University Of Puerto Rico: Mayaguez Campus

◇ Manage and coordinate summer camp activities while introducing K-12 students to pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and ensuring effective educational experiences.◇ Evaluated applications and supervised all summer camp participants, including undergraduate and graduate staff. Introduced K-12 students to various manufacturing and characterization processes in the pharmaceutical industry through demonstrations and interactive activities. Created promotional brochures for the camp and managed electronic information such as laboratory manuals and student data. Demonstrated key concepts including Dissolution Testing, Standard Laser Diffraction for particle size determination, and coating processes. Educated participants on the risks of dust fires and explosions in the pharmaceutical industry and prevention strategies.◇ Successfully provided a comprehensive educational experience for summer camp participants, enhancing their understanding of pharmaceutical processes and safety. Improved the camp's promotional materials and streamlined information management, contributing to the overall success and impact of the program.

◇ Transition from leading younger scouts (Bears) to guiding older scouts (Webelos) through more advanced scouting requirements and preparing them for the transition to Boy Scouts.◇ Designed and executed a comprehensive program focusing on advanced scouting skills, leadership development, and preparation for the Boy Scouts transition. Organized activities that included outdoor adventures, merit badge workshops, and community service projects. Collaborated with parents and other leaders to ensure effective communication and support.◇ Facilitated the Webelos’ successful progression toward becoming Boy Scouts, with noticeable improvements in their leadership abilities and preparedness for future challenges. Created a dynamic and engaging environment that encouraged active participation and skill development.

Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

◇ Lead a group of young scouts (Bears) through their advancement requirements and personal development while ensuring engaging and educational activities.◇ Developed and implemented a structured program that included hands-on activities, skill-building exercises, and community service projects. Fostered a supportive environment to encourage teamwork, leadership, and personal growth among the scouts. Coordinated with parents and other leaders to ensure a well-rounded experience.◇ Successfully guided the Bears through their advancement requirements, resulting in notable improvements in their skills and confidence. Enhanced their understanding of scouting principles and community involvement, preparing them for the next stage in their scouting journey.

Founded in 1848, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world’s largest general scientific society, dedicated to advancing science, engineering, and innovation for the benefit of society. AAAS publishes the prestigious journal Science and provides a platform for collaboration, advocacy, and education across various scientific disciplines.

◇ Enhance the properties of tablets made from Puerto Rican Ipomoea batatas and Artocarpus altilis by optimizing drying and granulation processes to improve material characteristics and tablet performance.◇ Investigate the impact of different drying profiles on material properties using a fluidized bed dryer, and analyze data with DeltaV. Evaluate the effects of blend ratios and moisture content on granulated material and tablet characteristics. Explore the influence of wet granulation techniques on particle behavior and tablet performance using a Fluid Bed Granulator.◇ Improved understanding of how drying and granulation processes affect tablet properties, leading to optimized tablet performance. The research contributes to the development of effective manufacturing techniques for utilizing local food materials in pharmaceutical applications.

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Driven by the necessities of both industry and academia, the Pharmaceutical Engineering Student Society (PESS) mission is to foster an academia-industry partnership that builds Puerto Rico’s biopharmaceutical and medical devices industry professional workforce. PESS envisions to bridge the gap between industry and academia by partnering with the Pharmaceutical Industry Association of Puerto Rico (PIA-PR) to provide a space to collaborate and enhance the visibility of current industry issues and necessities.

Mayagüez, Puerto Rico

◇ PESS members needed to enhance essential engineering skills that are often overlooked in traditional coursework, including leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.◇ Designed and implemented a comprehensive Soft Skill Development Program specifically for PESS members. The program included four modules: Leadership as Motivation (focused on recognizing and developing leadership qualities), Effective Communication (addressing interpersonal issues and enhancing group interactions), De-stressing Teamwork (defining team roles and organizing effective meetings), and Another Perspective for Problem Solving (encouraging creative problem-solving in a team environment). Coordinated and facilitated these modules to foster skill development.◇ Empowered PESS members with crucial soft skills that complement their technical expertise, leading to improved leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. The program contributed to better team dynamics and more effective group interactions within the society.

The Chemical Engineering Graduate Students Association, AEGIQ for its Spanish acronym, is recognized as the official representative body of masters (MS and ME) and doctoral (PhD) graduate students, as well as postdoctoral fellows, of the Department of Chemical Engineering at UPRM. The association focuses on addressing the needs and interests of its members, and contributes to their comprehensive training through academic, professional, and extracurricular activities. The mission of AEGIQ is to promote the academic and professional development of students enrolled in the graduate program of the Department of Chemical Engineering. Our vision is to train leaders in chemical engineering who address challenges of current relevance in the industry and society.

◇ The programs aimed to provide essential professional skills training in Communications, Teamwork, and Leadership to a broad audience, with a need for effective delivery and engagement across various formats and settings.◇ As a facilitator, I organized and led training sessions using the CyberAmbassador curriculum, which includes over 20 hours of adaptable materials. I scheduled and conducted a minimum of 4 hours of training per year, both in-person and online, and managed the logistics of sessions including coordination with speakers, session logistics, and participant engagement. As a host and moderator, I ensured the smooth execution of virtual sessions by handling session logistics, monitoring engagement, and facilitating interactions between the speaker and the audience.◇ Contributed to the professional development of over 5,300 participants through more than 150 workshops since 2018, enhancing their non-technical skills crucial for success in engineering careers. Improved session effectiveness and participant engagement through well-organized and interactive training sessions.

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

◇ The chapter required guidance and support to enhance student engagement, develop leadership skills, and effectively manage chapter activities and programs.◇ Provided strategic advice and mentorship to the chapter’s executive board, helping to navigate challenges and make informed decisions. Developed and facilitated programs to enhance leadership and soft skills among members, and supported the organization of events and activities.◇ Strengthened the chapter’s operational effectiveness and member engagement, resulting in more successful events and a more cohesive leadership team. Enhanced the professional development of members through targeted training and mentorship.

Puerto Rico

Tau Beta Pi Association is the national engineering honor society in the United States, recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and service among engineering students and professionals. Founded in 1885, Tau Beta Pi aims to promote integrity and professionalism within the engineering community while providing a platform for members to engage in various professional and community activities.

University Of Puerto Rico; Mayaguez Campuse

◇ As President, I needed to ensure the chapter’s compliance with regulations, oversee all activities, and manage operational efficiency while collaborating with other associations.◇ Supervised chapter posts and ensured adherence to the chapter’s constitution and regulations. Managed chapter activities and projects, delegated tasks to the board, and made timely decisions. Coordinated with other associations and delivered all required reports to headquarters.◇ Successfully maintained operational excellence and compliance within the chapter, facilitated effective collaboration with other organizations, and ensured timely completion of all required documentation and reports.

University Of Puerto Rico; Mayaguez Campus

◇ The chapter needed a reliable way to keep members and the public informed with the latest news, dates, pictures, and contact information through the chapter’s website.◇ Took on the role of webmaster, responsible for maintaining and updating the chapter's website. Ensured that all content, including news, event dates, and contact information, was current and accurately reflected chapter activities.◇ Enhanced the chapter’s online presence by providing timely and relevant updates, which improved communication with members and the public and increased engagement with chapter events.

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

◇ The role required effective representation of graduate students' interests and addressing issues within the Chemical Engineering Department and the broader engineering faculty.◇ Acted as a liaison between graduate students and the faculty, facilitating the resolution of university-related issues and advocating for the needs and concerns of the graduate chemical engineering community. Engaged with faculty and administration to address academic and administrative challenges.◇ Improved communication and resolution of issues affecting graduate students, leading to a more supportive and responsive academic environment within the department.

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

◇ The camp aimed to inspire high school and middle school students to develop an interest in engineering, particularly within the University of Puerto Rico: Mayagüez Campus.◇ Coordinated extracurricular activities to build skills such as teamwork, creativity, nonverbal communication, and time management. Managed and judged the final competition activity of the camp. Provided explanations of chemical engineering concepts and showcased ongoing research and facilities to give students a deeper insight into the field and the opportunities at the university.◇ Successfully increased students' interest in engineering by providing a hands-on, engaging introduction to the field and the university's offerings, effectively fostering a greater enthusiasm for pursuing engineering careers.

◇ The need to organize a comprehensive engineering symposium to highlight research and industry opportunities, while securing financial support and high-quality speakers.◇ Developed and co-lead the Chemical Engineering Symposium ENGICHEM, focusing on showcasing research and industry opportunities to over 225 attendees from the UPRM community and industry. Created sponsorship packages, collaborated with industry partners, and recruited keynote speakers. Successfully secured over $10,000 in donations from local industries to fund the event.◇ Successfully executed a well-attended symposium that enhanced professional development opportunities and strengthened connections between the academic and industry communities. The event’s success was bolstered by substantial financial support and valuable industry insights.

Founded in 1977, Golden Key is a global honor society that recognizes and encourages academic excellence among undergraduate and graduate students in all fields of study. The society offers members opportunities for leadership development, community service, and scholarships, fostering a commitment to academic achievement and personal growth.

Caguas, Puerto Rico

As an OMEGA Graduate Intern at OMEGA Market Research, I faced the challenge of ensuring uniform distribution of functional ingredients in product blends and characterizing these blends accurately. To address this, I developed an analytical model utilizing NIR technology to evaluate ingredient homogeneity, and characterized blends by assessing their morphology, particle size, bulk density, and moisture content. This approach significantly enhanced the accuracy of ingredient distribution assessments and contributed to more reliable product quality, supporting better decision-making in product development.

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

◇ Assess the feasibility of manufacturing tablets from untreated sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), and ensure they meet basic tablet characterization standards.◇ Analyzed the viability of using these local food materials in tablet production, designing and implementing a batch tablet manufacturing line. Established key characterizations for each stage of the process and developed a comprehensive experimental design to guide the manufacturing and characterization efforts.◇ Validated the feasibility of using untreated sweet potato and breadfruit for tablet compaction, achieving tablets that met essential quality standards. The successful design and execution of the manufacturing line and experimental procedures provided a robust framework for future research and applications in utilizing local materials for pharmaceutical purposes.

University Of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Dr. Carlos Velazquez & Dr. Madeline Candelaria Research Team◇ Examine the impact of formulation conditions, process parameters, and equipment design on the granulation process, focusing on optimizing batch and continuous granulation techniques.◇ Conducted experimental investigations into the effects of blade angle and blade velocity on the growth behavior in high shear batch granulation, utilizing hydrophobic agents to understand their impact. Evaluated the properties imparted by hydrophobic agents on continuous granulation processes. In Phase II, simulated granulation runs using the gPROMS program to develop and validate correlations from simulation results, providing insights into the granulation process.◇ Enhanced the understanding of how blade angles, velocities, and hydrophobic agents affect granulation, leading to optimized processes and better process control. The simulations provided valuable correlations that contributed to more accurate predictions and improvements in granulation techniques.

Arroyo, Puerto Rico

◇ Stryker sought to improve the quality and performance of their shaver blade manufacturing processes, specifically focusing on pickling and passivation.◇ Conducted mass and energy balance analyses to evaluate the pickling and passivation processes. Proposed and developed experimental procedures to determine optimal parameters for these processes.◇ Successfully optimized the manufacturing process by identifying and implementing optimal parameters, leading to improved quality and performance of the shaver blades.

University Of Puerto Rico: Mayaguez Campus

◇ The summer camp needed an engaging way to teach students about ergonomic and human factors, automation, and process control in a manufacturing context, while ensuring safety and effective learning.◇ Developed and implemented interactive activities to explain ergonomic principles and human factors. Guided students in constructing a prototype of an automated process, covering basics such as sensors, actuators, voltage sources, and PLC controllers. Coordinated activities focused on leadership, teamwork, and effective communication, and enforced safety and security measures throughout the camp.◇ Enhanced students' understanding of automation and process control, while fostering key skills in leadership and teamwork. The dynamic approach improved student engagement and learning outcomes, contributing to a successful and educational summer camp experience.

Carolina, Puerto Rico

◇ The company needed to improve the efficiency and quality of tablet manufacturing processes, including addressing issues with coating process leaks and dimensional inspection of equipment.◇ Supported manufacturing operations by monitoring processes, documenting deviations, and providing direct support to compression and coating areas. Investigated coating process leaks to understand mass balance and analyzed the dimensional inspection process for the FETTE 2090 & FETTE 3090i compressors.◇ Contributed to enhanced process efficiency and quality control by identifying and addressing critical issues, which helped streamline operations and improve the accuracy of manufacturing processes.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Chemical Engineering

Master'S Of Science In Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, 3.89/4.0

Bachelor'S Degree, Chemical Engineering, 3.52/4.00

Activities and Societies: Tau Beta Pi Member (President) Golden Key Member Performing Arts College Program (PAEC) American Institute.