Fernando Carmona

What is your hometown?

South Bend, Indiana

What were you doing prior to enrolling at Notre Dame?

Prior to joining the doctoral program at the chemical and biomolecular engineering department I was finishing my my chemical engineering degree at the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez campus.

What obstacles did you overcome to attend Notre Dame?

There were several, academic and personal. To be admitted I had to gain research experience and exceed within my academic program. In addition I had to deal with moving to a relatively far away place away from family. I was already familiar with being independent but not to this degree.

What do you research?

I study through simulations the properties of specialized solvents.

Which Notre Dame clubs or activities do you enjoy?

At the moment I do not belong to any particular clubs but I do interact regularly with activities organized by all sorts of different clubs around campus

Do you live on campus or off?

off campus

What do you like to do in your spare time for fun? What hobbies do you enjoy?

I play piano, cook and play video games.

How do you unwind after a long day of work?/How do you practice self-care?

I generally sleep a lot on free days and after a long week I like to enjoy a night out with some friends or stay in playing video games.

After you graduate, what would you like to do?

At the moment I plan to pursue an academic a career but I'm open to other avenues such as activism through entrepreneurship or consulting.

Why did you choose Notre Dame?

For the community and resources. As a doctoral student, the research group I join is imperative for my professional development and in Notre Dame I had the chance to be co-advised by wonderful professors in my interested field.