2023-2024 LAC Scholarship Recipients
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Laura Edith Andrade Barron Environmental Engineering MS | Nigel Francis Cybersecurity | Juan Lainez Mechanical Engineering MS | ||||
Bolivia | Dominica | Ecuador | ||||
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"I am very grateful to have been selected for the Latin American Scholarship. This scholarship is important to me for several reasons. It represents more than just financial help; it will allow me to gain the skills and knowledge I need for my future career and provide opportunities to participate in research projects. This support motivates me to work harder and shows me that my efforts are recognized, which makes me even more determined to succeed. I am committed to excelling in my studies and using what I learn to help my community." | "The increasing significance of AI and the prevalence of cyber tools have elevated the demand for cybersecurity expertise in Latin America and the Caribbean. The LAC scholarship has played a pivotal role in enabling me to address this need by removing financial barriers and facilitating my pursuit of a master's degree in cybersecurity at the University of Central Florida. As a first-generation college student, this opportunity has allowed me to fulfill my lifelong aspiration of becoming a leader in the field, capable of making a positive impact on the region." | "My name is Juan José Laínez, and I was born and raised in Ecuador. After completing my undergraduate studies, I realized that I wanted to delve deeper into research in my field. Since I’ve always regarded the United States as a leading country in research, I was determined to study here. However, the cost of attending any university, especially for graduate students, is often very high. When I heard about the LAC scholarship, I knew this was my opportunity to make my dream come true. Now, I am in the U.S., pursuing my master’s degree in mechanical engineering. I strongly believe that this degree will open doors to the U.S. industry and allow me to gain valuable experience in research. Thanks to this opportunity, I am confident that my future in this field will be bright. My parents always told me that the best investment you can make is in educating yourself." |