INTEC PhD students promote 16 research projects
The PhD programs in Energy Management and Environmental Sciences, pioneers in the country, have generated some 40 scientific articles published in indexed journals
SANTO DOMINGO. The doctorates en Environmental science and in Energy management of the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) have resulted in a total of 16 investigations on topics that impact the sustainable development of the Dominican Republic.
The data were released by INTEC research professor Ulises Jauregui, coordinator of the PhD program in Environmental Sciences, during the first Workshop for PhD students and graduates of INTEC programs.
The research generated is based on sustainable energy management and environmental impact management. As a result of this research, high-impact topics are being developed, such as the treatment of domestic wastewater with constructed wetlands, by Yvelisse Pérez, the first graduate of the Doctorate in Environmental Sciences in the country, which is based on the construction of wetlands to treat wastewater from residential areas.
Likewise, the design of an intelligent microgrid energy management system is still under development, promoted by Miguel Aybar, PhD in Energy Management and Sustainable Development and also a professor at INTEC, who researched with the objective of integrating an intelligent electrical microgrid with renewable penetration in low voltage electrical systems, adapted to the country's climatic conditions.
As part of the development of the research, to opt for the title of Doctor in Energy Management for Sustainable Development, the INTEC research professor obtained financing from the National Fund for Innovation and Scientific and Technological Development (FONDOCYT) of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Technology (MESCyT). With the resources, he implemented a microgrid on the INTEC campus that had a year of uninterrupted operation.
Jauregui, who indicated that 2018 new PhDs have been trained since 40, explained that the profile of the students and graduates of each program is unique in the market. In the case of the PhD in Energy Management, the graduate will be able to carry out transdisciplinary analyses in the Research, Development and Innovation (R&D+i) processes, which contribute to the solution of complex problems linked to energy management for sustainable development. In turn, they will be able to manage and/or direct scientific research activity in the university, business or research center environment.
Graduates of the PhD in Environmental Sciences will have the skills to perform scientific leadership roles, scientific research, and development and innovation processes. In addition, they will have the capacity to lead scientific groups and research projects in their corresponding field of action and influence.
Doctorate in Energy Management for Sustainable Development
The PhD in Energy Management, coordinated by professor Iosvani López Díaz, is currently training 24 students in the environmental energy area. Of the projects presented, four are developed with FONDOCYT funds, 29 scientific articles have been published and seven research theses have been submitted. The students and graduates of both PhDs total 64 professionals.
During the panel of experiences of graduates of doctoral programs, moderated by graduate Carlos Pereyra, Máximo Dominguez said that in the postgraduate program he discovered that “there is an incredible opportunity to be able to work and manage many solutions, especially in the current context of our country with electric energy.” In his case, his studies carried out throughout the doctorate are based on the “methodology to optimize the performance of the wholesale electricity market through demand displacement strategies,” in order to contribute to decarbonization.
Edwin Garabito, who is dedicated to teaching, said that the doctoral training has reinforced the critical and methodical review of both undergraduate research papers and scientific and collaborative articles. During his doctoral training, he researched techno-economic models to evaluate the profitability of residential photovoltaic systems.
Deyslen Mariano, a graduate and professor from the Engineering Department at INTEC who developed a short-term electricity demand forecasting model for non-residential buildings based on machine learning, advised those taking the program to seek support from classmates who challenge them to stay focused, even if the theses are individual.
Doctorate in Environmental Sciences
The PhD in Environmental Sciences aims to train researchers and professionals capable of facing environmental challenges by generating knowledge and applying sustainable solutions.
During the second panel moderated by Mildred Sena, a research professor at INTEC, Pamela Michel, a PhD student in Environmental Sciences who is researching “Augmented Reality for Training in Climate Change and Risk and Disaster Management,” said that the experience “helps you as a professional. I am a much better teacher because the postgraduate course allows you to constantly improve. I have managed to evolve, I have managed to be a better Disaster Risk Manager, and above all, it has allowed me to see how much we still have to learn.”
The workshop concluded with a call for collaboration and mutual support between students and researchers, while stressing the importance of facing academic challenges that promote the development of innovative and sustainable solutions to current environmental and energy problems.
El PhD in Energy Management for Sustainable Development It seeks to train highly qualified professionals in the energy and environmental fields with theoretical and practical skills and in the use of advanced technology tools that enable innovative problem solving.
In the case of PhD in Environmental Sciences, aims to train researchers, managers and administrators of scientific and technological innovation processes at the highest level, both nationally and internationally, with the ability to develop research, prepare other professionals and direct processes in the field of environmental sciences and contribute to the sustainable development of the country.