Her work as an undergraduate computational researcher, as well as a strong support system inside and outside of the University of Houston system, have allowed senior Rosa Miraldina Futy to excel in her studies, which includes being selected for an American Chemical Society Bridge Career & Professional Development Award.
The award is open to undergraduate students interested in the Chemical Sciences and that are from groups traditionally underrepresented in the field. As part of winning the award, Futy will also be giving a poster presentation during the ACS Spring 2021 meeting in April on CH4 activation on promoted PGM catalysts.
Futy, a Chemical Engineering major with minors in Chemistry and Energy & Sustainability, was notified of her selection for the award by email.
“When I received the email, I felt very excited,” she said. “Becoming an undergraduate computational researcher sparked my curiosity about the different facets of Chemical Sciences and also encouraged me to consider higher education in the future. This award will be of great help to me, granting me the opportunity to attend different meetings and conferences to connect with individuals from industry and academia and refine some of my skills. My research professor, Dr. [Lars] Grabow, and my research mentor [postdoc] Debtanu Maiti have played a big role in this award. I am very grateful for their support.”
Futy has made the best of her time at UH with a variety of student organizations and opportunities outside of the classroom as well. She currently serves as a PROMES ambassador, the public relations chair for the UH National Society of Black Engineers, and professional development and career fair committee advisor for the UH Society of Women Engineers. She has also completed an internship at Praxair Inc. and a chemical engineering R&D co-op at Albemarle.
“I attribute all of the accomplishments and opportunities I have had to God and to the strong support system I have,” she said. “My faith gives me a sense of purpose and direction, and the positive influence from my father, Henrique Futy, and mother, Filomena Lulu, has helped me believe in myself and become more determined. Additionally, my peers, professors, and mentors have added so much value to me and helped me become a more well-rounded individual. I am always seeking growth and self-improvement opportunities, and my drive and curiosity have also played a big role.”
Futy said she’s already been interested in finding out the inner mechanics of nature, which made Chemical Engineering a natural fit for her.
“Growing up as an inquisitive kid, I have always been passionate about nature and technology, and trying to understand why and how things work,” she said. “Chemical Engineering was among the few majors that I found to allow me to merge both science – physics, chemistry and biology – with technology and engineering. Additionally, the critical thinking and problem-solving focus of the chemical engineering curriculum also led me to pursue this major. As a results-oriented individual, I have always wanted to take on roles that would allow me to cause change and make an impact. Chemical Engineering gave me the sense that I can make a difference, and that I can improve lives!”
Going forward, Futy is scheduled to graduate in May 2021. She has a job opportunity lined up with Micron Technology, an international producer of computer memory and data storage with more than $20 billion in annual revenue.
“I am excited about what's coming next,” she said. “I also plan to pursue a Master's Degree in the future. Moreover, giving back is one thing that I am passionate about, so I plan to find opportunities to continually give back to my alma mater and the student organizations I am involved with.”