My Bio

I was born in Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the world at 7,300 feet over sea level. Grew up in the Aztec city and attended private catholic schools from K to 12. Liked walking, playing basketball, and football. I was privileged my grandparents took care of me while growing up.

Dreamed to live in the US since I was a child. I've never lacked motivation to improve myself. Started learning English when I was in elementary school. Lived with a Canadian family for five weeks in the summer of 1976 (Ottawa, Ontario). Had the chance to enjoy some Olympic events in Ottawa and Montreal. That was a great teenager experience for me.

I remember running when I was in High School. Ran a couple of track races then. I enjoyed the 400's and 800's, not fast, not too long. I'd wished I knew how fast I ran when I was in High-School. Remember going to a track, not too far from my house, and running laps around it (summer and weekends).

Spent a few summers in the south of the US living with American families (Grand Bay, Alabama). Always loved the experience of living in another country.

Studied chemical engineering (Universidad La Salle in Mexico City) and then studied graduate school (UNAM in Mexico City) and specialized in organic chemistry. I had a very strong influence from my uncle and my aunt, who both studied chemistry in college (UNAM).

Studied a PhD in organic chemistry at Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, Virginia). I had a great experience living four years in Blacksburg (1988-1992). I loved the university and the place.

Lived in Southwest England for 18 months. Worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Exeter University. Played squash at that time.

Lived in Charlottesville, VA for 18 months before coming to Iowa. Worked as a postdoc at the University of Virginia. At that time I was attending Trinity Church and that is where I met this beautiful girl, Karen. She told me she was making a trip to Venezuela, so I offered her to teach her some Spanish. She was a teacher and she liked to run. She had a beautiful apartment and she kept her car very clean. I asked her if she wanted to play squash or racquetball with me and we also went running together many times.
Karen and I married in Charlottesville, VA, on June 24, 1995. One month after I started working at The University of Iowa.

Came to The University of Iowa in 1995. I am a professor of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry. I teach classes to pharmacy students and also in the graduate program. I direct the work of graduate students and have a very productive research laboratory.

I adopted my son in 2005 from Bulgaria, and my daughter three years later from China. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to raise these two smart and talented kids. My goal as a parent is to teach and challenge my children to be independent, good citizens, and enjoy life.