The Department of Chemical Engineering (INQU) at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez congratulates Dr. Yomaira Pagán-Torres and Dr. Hansel Montalvo-Castro on being selected as recipients of the 2026 Catalyzer Research Grant from the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.
The Catalyzer Research Grant supports researchers in Puerto Rico by providing funding to advance promising research projects and strengthen their competitiveness for future federal and private funding opportunities. In the 2026 competition, 16 projects were selected for funding, with each researcher receiving a $70,000 award.
Dr. Yomaira Pagán-Torres received a Catalyzer Research Grant for her project, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Paola Baldaguez Medina, which focuses on advancing research in catalytic materials and processes through the engineering of conductive supports.
Dr. Hansel Montalvo-Castro received a Catalyzer Research Grant for his project, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Yomaira Pagán-Torres, investigating dopant exsolution mechanisms in perovskite materials for CO₂ hydrogenation.
These awards not only recognize the innovative research led by INQU faculty but also highlight the strong culture of collaboration within the department. Through these projects, INQU researchers continue to advance work in catalysis, advanced materials, and sustainable chemical processes while strengthening Puerto Rico’s research ecosystem.
Congratulations to Dr. Pagán-Torres and Dr. Montalvo-Castro, and to their collaborators, on this outstanding achievement!
Learn more: Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust — 2026 Catalyzer Research Grant recipients