Diego Rios
Physics & Astronomy

Biography:

Diego is a first-generation Mexican-American college student from Colorado. His father Jose Manuel Rios has been his role model for his entire life. He came to the United States as an immigrant with absolutely nothing, and through his guidance and perseverance, Diego has been able to pursue higher education. Diego believes he would be nowhere if it were not for his father and others. He dreams of earning a PhD in physics so that he can one day be put in a position as a professor where he can help others reach their dreams through mentorship, as a thank you to all those who have helped him along his journey. After that, he hopes to work as a research scientist in the nuclear energy sector of a national laboratory. Diego plans to attend the Physics Ph.D. program at University at Buffalo.

Research: 

His research interests include Exoplanets, Nuclear/Atomic Physics, and Teaching.

Research Faculty Mentor:

Zachory K. Berta-Thompson, PhD, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder

Diego's McNair Scholars mentor was Rachel Bowyer