Chemical explorations: Adventures of learning, teaching and research in the jungle and Caribbean

Abstract

Embarking on a career in a STEM field, especially in the chemical sciences, can be intimidating when you are the first in your family to pursue such a goal. This article reflects on personal experiences in teaching, learning, and conducting chemistry research in unique environments like the Amazon rainforest and the Caribbean. Beginning in Venezuela and leading to a professorship at Ikiam University in Ecuador, the journey was driven by a passion for science and environmental protection. Challenges due to Venezuela's socioeconomic crisis prompted a move abroad, where I focused on implementing process intensification strategies in the Ecuadorian Amazon to address environmental issues in remote areas. The article also discusses the educational and research challenges in these isolated regions, including barriers faced by indigenous students. Despite these difficulties, our team at Ikiam University has made significant progress in establishing research laboratories, developing graduate programs, and forming a research group focused on biomass conversion. Emphasizing knowledge transfer and collaboration with indigenous communities, the article highlights the importance of preserving ancestral knowledge while creating sustainable solutions for environmental conservation. It concludes by reflecting on the integration of scientific research, environmental education, and sustainable tourism to foster local community development and biodiversity preservation.