Awards & Honors

Valedictorian Graduate Speaker

University of Rochester

Nacho had the honor of serving as the 2025 Graduate Valedictorian Speaker at the University of Rochester commencement ceremony. In my speech, I reflected on resilience, the importance of human connection, and the courage to step into the unknown. I also dedicated it to my late friend Francisco, whose memory continues to shape how I think about time and what truly matters. You can see the speech in the home page!

Messersmith Dissertation Fellowship

University of Rochester

Nacho was awarded the Agnes M. and George Messersmith Dissertation Fellowship, one of the University of Rochester’s most competitive dissertation honors in the sciences. Selected through a university-wide competition across departments including Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Optics, and pre-clinical programs in Medicine and Dentistry, the fellowship recognizes exceptional excellence in research, teaching, and service.

Merck UCC Research

Merck

Nacho received the 2024 Merck Underrepresented Chemists of Color Research Award, a national award recognizing excellence and promise in chemical research. Selected as one of only 17 awardees across the United States, he was recognized not only for his research accomplishments but also for his potential as a scientific leader, with the award including mentorship and networking opportunities with Merck chemists.

Outstanding Graduate Student

University of Rochester

Nacho was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Student Award in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Rochester in 2024, recognizing excellence in research, commitment to teaching, and contributions to the community. The award is given to a senior graduate student who demonstrates strong leadership and academic achievement within the department.

Richman Fellowship

University of Rochester

Nacho was awarded the Richman Fellowship at the University of Rochester, which recognizes excellence among graduate students in chemistry. The fellowship highlights strong research performance and overall academic distinction within the department.

Esther M. Conwell Fellowship

University of Rochester

Nacho was awarded the Esther M. Conwell Fellowship at the University of Rochester, recognizing outstanding contributions by graduate students in physical chemistry. The fellowship honors excellence in PhD research and overall achievement in the field.

Sherman Clarke Fellowship

University of Rochester

Nacho received an award recognizing excellence in graduate coursework and Teaching Assistant performance, highlighting strong academic achievement and a commitment to high-quality teaching.

Honor Guard Member

Universidad de Córdoba

Nacho was recognized as an Honor Guard Member at the University of Córdoba, an honor awarded to students with one of the highest GPAs in the institution. This distinction reflected his strong academic performance, placing him among the top students in his cohort.

Encouraging Scientific Vocations Fellowship

Argentina

Nacho received the Encouraging Scientific Vocations Fellowship (Argentina), a national undergraduate award that supported him in conducting paid research at the University of Córdoba. The fellowship is designed to promote early engagement in scientific research and foster the development of future researchers.

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