Meet Jose Rodriguez and Isabel Abreu
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Jose Rodriguez |
Born and raised in Venezuela and Portugal, respectively, both Jose Rodriguez and Isabel Abreu traveled a long way in the name of science to become successful researchers, following their passion for chemistry to Brookhaven National Laboratory.
Rodriguez’ research career began at Simon Bolivar University in Caracas, Venezuela, where he received bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering, and then a master’s degree in theoretical chemistry. From there, he made the long trip to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, to earn a Ph.D. in physical chemistry. His research next brought him to Texas A&M University for postdoctoral work and then, finally, to Brookhaven, where he joined the Lab’s scientific staff in 1991.
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Isabel Abreu |
As Rodriguez settled in at Brookhaven, Abreu began her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at the Universidade de Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal, finishing in 1996. She completed her Ph.D. in biochemistry at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa in 2002. Then, she crossed the Atlantic to become a postdoctoral researcher at Brookhaven, where she worked from 2003 until mid-2005 (she is currently a postdoctoral fellow at The Rockefeller University in New York).
While at the Lab, Rodriguez and Abreu collaborated on several projects, investigating the catalytic properties of nanoparticles and metal-compound surfaces and comparing them with those of biological enzymes. They co-wrote three scientific papers on catalysis. In his own work, Rodriguez often uses synchrotron-based techniques, such as the tools available at the National Synchrotron Light Source, to study catalytic materials. At Rockefeller, Abreu is using a model plant genetic system to investigate how, at the molecular level, plants perceive and respond to changes in their environment, such as droughts.
When not studying catalyic activity, Rodriguez takes part in plenty of physical activity, participating in baseball, soccer, and football. He also enjoys music and literature. Now working and living in the big city, Abreu says she doesn’t have much free time, but, when she can, she likes to go to New York’s many museums and theaters.
For more information: Jose Rodriguez, (631) 344-2246 or rodrigez@bnl.gov .
