12/06/2025
Celebrating 10 Years of IRAP!
Over the past few weeks, I had the incredible opportunity to return to my hometown, Yucatan, Mexico, for another successful edition of the Introduction to Research Abroad Program (IRAP). This year is particularly special as we celebrate 10 years since the program's inception as the Engineering Learning Community Introduction to Research (ELCIR).
We are hosting 49 students from Texas A&M (), representing the Colleges of Arts and Sciences (), Agriculture and Life Sciences (), and Engineering (). They are collaborating with 20 Yucatan students from and , guided by eight faculty members (four from TAMU and four from Yucatan), and supported by over 150 researchers, technicians, and staff from institutions.
This program holds a special place in my heart as it bridges my hometown, Yucatan, with my professional life at Texas A&M. Having been part of the program from various perspectives, I am now proud to be part of the Texas A&M team. This time in Yucatan was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends, visit organizations that are integral to my personal and professional life, and showcase the beauty of Yucatan to our Aggies. I also cherished the time spent with my family.
While this marks the close of this phase, the program continues, and we are excited to host the Yucatan delegation in Aggieland this August for the program's closing week.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been involved in this program since 2015. A special shoutout to the Yucatan Government, all participating institutions, faculty, researchers, staff, and, of course, the students from Texas A&M University and from those members of SIIDETEY.
A very special thank you to four individuals who have gone above and beyond since the beginning: Zenon Medina, Maria Alves, Sonia Garcia, and Ricardo Bello. Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in making this program a success.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Here's to many more years of global engagement and collaboration! 🌍