Beyond the degree: FIU graduates focus on innovation and impact

This summer, FIU will celebrate the accomplishments of about 4,700 students during eight commencement ceremonies July 30 – Aug. 2. Among the graduates are exceptional students who are changing the future through ground-breaking innovations, research and initiatives.

They include a chemist who helped develop a portable method of high-speed DNA analysis, a student who founded an organization to educate students on fast-growing Blockchain technology, a physical therapist whose innovations with 3D printing allow people with disabilities to build computer skills and an epidemiologist trying to curb tobacco use in developing countries. These students will be among those recognized as Real Triumphs Graduates during the ceremonies.

“We are proud of the accomplishments of all our graduates,” said FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell. “They are forward-thinking, innovative, unstoppable.”

Real Triumphs Graduates include:

• Nicole Fernández Tejero, 28, is blazing a trail in forensic DNA analysis. Her lifelong interest in the field began when, at age 9, she found a DVD of the television show “CSI” in her mother’s car. Prior to attending FIU, she pursued her passion, joining a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates program in FIU Chemistry Professor Bruce McCord’s lab in 2017. While pursuing her doctorate at FIU, she was part of a team that developed a microwave-based extraction process for forensic biological samples to improve the recovery of profiles from trace levels of DNA in forensic samples. Fernández Tejero is currently completing an internship with the Department of Homeland Security, assisting in tracing bacterial contamination of agricultural products. In the future, she hopes to be a director of a forensics center in her native Puerto Rico. Fernández Tejero will receive a Ph.D. in chemistry on Monday, July 31 at 10 a.m.
  
  
• Juliana Echavarria, 21, founded FIU’s first Blockchain student organization (Blockchain at FIU), dedicated to students interested in the promotion of Blockchain technology, as well as Blockchain education and innovation. As Miami becomes a tech epicenter, Echavarria has established her voice within the tech community, spearheading the inaugural Women in Technology Conference (WITCON) held in Spring 2023. Echavarria also spoke on a panel on solution impact projects during Miami NFT Week. After graduating, she plans to launch her own tech company using artificial intelligence (AI) technology for mental health counseling. Echavarria graduates with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising and applied communications on Monday, July 31 at 3 p.m.
  
  
• Gabriel Ortiz, 25, is committed to making the world a more inclusive place in the computing realm. With help from freelance engineers, accessibility experts, architects, project managers, encouragement from his professors and access to a 3D printing machine, Ortiz created the Below-the-Elbow (BTE) mouse, a hybrid mouse/gaming joystick for use by people with BTE limb differences and other musculoskeletal conditions to practice control and hand coordination. The 3D printed product he developed will help those who cannot hold a traditional controller or use a mouse. Ortiz has presented the BTE Mouse to other nonprofits and physical therapy groups and is designing more 3D products. After graduation, he hopes to make a larger impact through product development and management. Ortiz will receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree on Tuesday, August 1 at 10 a.m.
  
  
• Rime Jebai, 35, saw firsthand the negative impact of tobacco products on patients as a hospital clinical dietitian in Lebanon. Jebai left her home country in search of a research career that would help improve health outcomes in developing countries where smoking is prevalent. While conducting research at FIU’s Clinical Research Lab for Tobacco Smoking, Jebai pioneered the use of innovative statistical techniques that enable policymakers to make informed decisions regarding the implementation of effective and appropriate health warning labels to prevent tobacco use. After graduation, Jebai will join Boston University as a postdoctoral fellow, where she will work on developing pictorial health warnings for cigar smoking. Jebai will receive a Ph.D. in epidemiology on Tuesday, August 1 at 10 a.m.

All commencement ceremonies will be held at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center, located at FIU’s West Miami Dade Campus at 11200 SW 8^th St., Miami, 33199.