REDNACECYT 2024 Summer of Science Program
The goal of the Summer of Science Program is to support female students from indigenous communities in Mexico as they design and execute research projects aimed at improving their local communities. Applicants to the program are students at various levels of postgraduate education, and they prepare proposals aimed at using techniques from algorithms, optimization, and mechanism design, along with insights from the social sciences and humanistic studies to address relevant issues in their communities. Students who are accepted to the program are paired with mentors from MD4SG to work through their projects over the Summer. The end deliverable of this collaboration between mentors and students is a poster presentation which the students give at the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) Conference on Equity and Access in Algorithms, Mechanisms, and Optimization (EAAMO).
This year’s Summer of Science Program is a partnership between the Equity and Access in Algorithms, Mechanisms, and Optimization (EAAMO) research initiative and the National Network of Councils and State Organizations of Science and Technology (REDNACECYT).
This year, we are excited to welcome 29 students from diverse regions of Mexico, representing a wide range of indigenous communities and languages. Among them are students from states such as Michoacán, San Luis Potosí, Chihuahua, Puebla, and Oaxaca. These students come from indigenous communities that include the Purépecha, Tének, Rarámuri, and Náhuatl, each bringing their unique perspectives and cultural heritage to the program. Their projects cover topics such as environmental conservation, healthcare access, and education in indigenous languages, reflecting their commitment to addressing the challenges faced by their communities.
2024 Cohort #
State: Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México
Student Status: Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo
Project Overview: Lake Pátzcuaro is of great cultural, gastronomic and historical importance to the Indigenous Purépecha people, who have inhabited the lake basin region for centuries. However, it is threatened by climate change and accelerated environmental deterioration, a situation that has captured the attention of authorities and civil society to implement actions and programs towards environmental conservation with a primary focus on top-down design, which historically do not integrate community participation and have little positive impact.
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Supervisor: Agnes Medinaceli
Indigenous Community: Pátzcuaro and the Indigenous language Purépecha
State: Las Víboras, Tampamolón Corona, San Luis Potosí
Student Status: Universidad Intercultural de San Luis Potosí, Campus Tanquián
Project Overview: This research deals with Machismo [machismo relates to “the negative characteristics associated with patriarchy, sexism, and chauvinism”] in Tanquián de Escobedo and is based on the work of various authors who discuss the issue and on field research that reflects the reality of Machismo in society; in the development of this work, certain courses of action are proposed to eradicate Machismo in the population, raising awareness about the repercussions this social phenomenon can have.
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Supervisor: Bernardo Pérez Orozco
Indigenous Community: Tének
State: Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
Student Status: Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo
Project Overview: It is crucial to analyze the competitiveness of Mezcal [a distilled alcoholic beverage] producers from the Etúcuaro community, since their municipality has a Denominación de Origen (DOM) [Designation of Origin] for Mezcal with the purpose of proposing innovative strategies for economic development for Mezcal producers, as it is considered the main economic activity for the population.
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Supervisor: Tilsa Oré
Indigenous Community: Tzurumutaro
State: San Luis Potosí
Student Status: Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí
Project Overview: The implementation of an educational intervention in the Tének language aimed at Indigenous adolescents on the human papillomavirus (HPV) proved to be a highly impactful strategy to encompass the essence of the community and its culture. First, this intervention responds to a need in Indigenous communities: access to health literacy. Indigenous communities have faced obstacles to access health and education services due to linguistic and cultural barriers. When carrying out this intervention in the Tének language, it is necessary to include community leaders, traditional medicine knowledge, and Indigenous youth for the intervention to be successful at breaking down barriers and allowing access to information in a comprehensible and meaningful way.
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Supervisor: Dr. Eriko Padron Regalado
Indigenous Community: Cuechod, speaker of the Indigenous language Tének
State: San Luis Potosí
Student Status: Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
Project Overview: This project analyzes the impact of these cultural, linguistic, and economical barriers regarding access to mental health for youth from the Huasteca Potosina region in Mexico, focusing on the prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression.
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Supervisor: Jula Moll-Rocek
Indigenous Community: San José Pequetzén, Tancanhuitz, Tének
State: Guachochi, Chihuahua
Student Status: Universidad Pedagógica Nacional del Estado del Estado de Chihuahua Unidad Guachochi
Project Overview: This research focuses on analyzing the changes Rarámuri children undergo during the process of adapting to the Spanish language from their native language to understand how they transition from being initially monolingual to learning, using, and adapting to Spanish in their daily lives. Analyzing the different stages in this process provides insight into the strategies used and challenges faced by these children.
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Supervisor: María Chavana Villalobos
Indigenous Community: Sarabeachi, Tarahumara
State: Matlapa
Student Status: Universidad Intercultural de San Luis Potosí
Project Overview: This research focuses on designing a dynamic website to interact with the Nahuatl language for students in the Administrative Computing course of study at the Universidad Intercultural de San Luis Potosí, so students can develop projects in this language while learning and preserving Nahuatl.
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Supervisor: Rodolfo Corona
Indigenous Community: Náhuatl
State: Zautla, Puebla
Student Status: Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Project Overview: Since teenage pregnancy in adolescents persists as an issue in rural communities, as well as sexually transmitted infections, this intervention’s approach arose as a proposal for sexual health education. It should be noted that there are different programs in the health sector aimed at preventing teenage pregnancy; however, they are not adapted to the cultural context of adolescents who live in Indigenous communities and towns where their mother tongue is Nahuatl. Therefore, implementing an intervention in the native language of these adolescents helps reduce the inequality gaps in vulnerable groups. Martha Martínez Hernández is currently in the methodology stage where she is developing the topics to be taught during these intervention sessions.
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Supervisor: Alejandro Robinson Cortes
Indigenous Community: Contla, Zautla. Náhuatl
State: Oaxaca
Student Status: Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Project Overview: This research analyzes the different factors that hinder Indigenous women from Sinaloa in exercising their rights regarding access and administration of justice.
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Supervisor: Natali Alcalá Moreno
Indigenous Community: Tezoatlán de Segura y Luna, Oaxaca / Mixteco
State: Aquismón, San Luis Potosí
Student Status: Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
Project Overview: This research analyzes the perception of mental health in older adults in Indigenous communities, as there is a high prevalence of depression in this age group in marginalized groups.
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Supervisor: Michelle González Amador / Sandro Radovanović
Indigenous Community: Tampate 2 secc., Aquismón /Tének
State: Juchitán, Oaxaca
Student Status: Centro de Investigaciones Tropicales de la Universidad Veracruzana
Project Overview: This project analyzes the perception of socio-environmental conflicts in CIIT [the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a trade and transit route in Southern Mexico] to identify aspects of land tenure and territorial governance that influence conflict occurrence and to better understand how these conflicts transpire.
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Supervisor: Ivonne Cruz
Indigenous Community: Zapoteco de Juchitán de Zaragoza Oaxaca
State: Huautla de Jimenez, Oaxaca
Student Status: N/A
Project Overview: The Sierra Mazateca, located northeast of Oaxaca, is a region of great ecological and cultural diversity where recent forest fires have severely affected Mazatec communities, endangering their biocultural heritage and livelihoods. This work focuses on the middle zone of the mountain range, characterized by a humid climate where fire is not common, and aims to identify the causes of the fires and analyze their impact on the ecosystem and local communities, seeking an integrated fire management strategy adapted to the specific conditions of the region.
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Supervisor: José Marmolejo Cossio
Indigenous Community: Mazateca
State: San Luis Potosí
Student Status: N/A
Project Overview: This project aims to determine the relationship between the Social Support Variable and Lifestyles of Older Adults with and without cognitive impairment. In other words, we intend to understand the relationship between these variables using descriptive and inferential statistics. Furthermore, this research aims to understand the extent of support received by elderly who present a mild level of cognitive impairment, and to compare the differences between their quality of life with those without a diagnosis of cognitive impairment.
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Supervisor: Ángel García
Indigenous Community: Huehuetlán, Tének
State: San Luis Potosí
Student Status: Centro de Investigaciones Tropicales de la Universidad Veracruzana
Project Overview: Teenage pregnancy is a current public health issue in Mexico, especially among Indigenous women who have a higher risk of complications due to risk factors such as malnutrition, lack of access to adequate health services, socio economic problems (poverty, lack of education, marginalization), and the presence of chronic conditions.
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Supervisor: Imelda May Flores Vázquez
Indigenous Community: Uxtuapan, Native Language is Náhuatl
State: San Luis Potosí
Student Status: N/A
Project Overview: Type 2 Diabetes is a significant challenge within global public health and has a profound impact on family routines and behaviors. Many families must adjust their daily schedules, including eating, exercising, and sleeping patterns to manage the disease and prevent complications. These changes not only contribute to stabilizing the health of the affected member, but provide a sense of normality and cohesion for the family. Therefore, studying the relationship between these routines and behaviors allows for a more holistic and effective focus on analyzing the management of Type 2 Diabetes, promoting the well-being of the individual, family unit, and community at large.
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Supervisor: Raúl Astudillo Marban
Indigenous Community: Ahuehueyo, Native Language is Náhuatl
State: Quiroga, Michoacán
Student Status: Universidad Intercultural Indígena de Michoacán
Project Overview: Implementation of fish farming and documentation of knowledge possessed by members of the working group regarding dish species and their culinary art.
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Supervisor: Salvador Ruiz Correa
Indigenous Community: Santa Fe de la Laguna, Purepecha
State: San Luis Potosí
Student Status: Currently in search of PhD
Project Overview: The issue of obstetric violence in Nahua women from Huasteca Potosina is currently being worked on: Indigenous women face various types and forms of violence in their daily lives, most of which are influenced by their ethnic and class status. However, the most serious forms of violence are directly related to their gender status as they live in contexts with patriarchal patterns of control.
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Supervisor: Daniela Zapata
Indigenous Community: Atehuac and Náhuatl
State: Michoacán
Student Status: Universidad Autónoma Chapingo
Project Overview: Will strategies be used to attack environmental and health-related issues on the island of Janitzio? Based on questions like this, this research presents the progress of the design of the research protocol for the Master’s thesis in Sciences in Regional Rural Development. The objective: to analyze the economic and social behaviors, and ensuing issues, that formed during the period of COVID-19 on the island of Janitzio.
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Supervisor: Ollin Demian Langle Chimal
Indigenous Community: Tzurumutaro
State: Loc. La Sagrada Familia, Tanquián de Escobedo, S.L.P.
Student Status: N/A
Project Overview: This project aims to address the educational disparities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, focusing on a context of educational vulnerability [referring to “those individuals who experience a series of marked difficulties throughout their school career that prevent them from taking advantage of the curriculum and classroom teachings”]. The development of this application seeks to not only facilitate accessible and engaging mathematical learning, but also to mitigate the negative impact caused by the pandemic on the educational system for students in these grades. [Telesecundarias are “middle schools that operate in rural or marginalized communities [within Mexico]...that substitute regular classes with televised content.”]
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Supervisor: Santiago Correa Cardona
Indigenous Community: La Sagrada Familia, Tének
State: Ciudad, Valles, S.L.P.
Student Status: Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL)
Project Overview: The objective of this research is to understand the process of Indigenous youth entering higher education and the factors affecting their enrollment as they decide whether to pursue higher education. Furthermore, as some authors describe, Indigenous women are most vulnerable within this minority; their needs and adversities within the educational field must be addressed. The Country’s contribution, or lack thereof, to their professional development must also be investigated.
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Supervisor: Michelle González Amador
Indigenous Community: Tenek
State: Chihuahua
Student Status: Universidad Pedagógica Nacional (UPN)
Project Overview: The goal of this research is to acquire new skills and general professional knowledge about the community regarding school quality, teacher comportment, student satisfaction, and how these groups interact with each other. Furthermore, to observe if the status of belonging to different ethnic groups affects this interaction and see how community members truly feel about their situation.
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Supervisor: Rubén Martinez
Indigenous Community: Rarámuri
State: Guachochi, Chihuahua
Student Status: Universidad Pedagógica Nacional (UPN)
Project Overview: At the present time, comprehensive education is imperative. However, with the lack of preparation for teachers regarding new uses of technology, it is necessary to re-educate ourselves in the digital age to face rising issues, provide results relevant to modern times, and take advantage of all the resources available. Now, with large quantities of information at our disposal, it is necessary to teach techniques to discern the utility and reliability of these sources. Newer generations, who are significantly more prepared than previous generations, must assume the risks associated with developing technologies. Educators and parents are asked to be alert, but it is still vital to guide newer generations in the effective use of these technologies. Castillo’s project focuses on a catalog of tools to help teachers evaluate which ones are best for daily classroom use.
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Supervisor: Imelda May Flores Vázquez
Indigenous Community: Rarámuri and Odame
State: Guachochi, Chihuahua
Student Status: Universidad Autónoma Indígena de México
Project Overview: This project is a follow-up to a research project carried out in 2023 on the perception of domestic violence in Indigenous women from a community called Baborigame [a remote locality in the Mexican state Chihuahua with high rates of organized crime]. Beyond highlighting and raising awareness on this issue among people outside the community, the objective is to create tools using technology to provide support to women who are in hard-to-reach areas, so Indigenous women in this situation can identify cycles of violence, have reliable information, and maintain technological resources to contact people who provide psychological and judicial help if necessary, while respecting the values of each of the women involved.
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Supervisor: Saiph Savage
Indigenous Community: Rarámuri and Ódami (Tarahumara and Tepehuan del Norte)
State: Chihuahua
Student Status: N/A
Project Overview: This project focuses on a culturally-informed intervention aimed at Rarámuli adolescents living in urban settlements in the city of Chihuahua, with the aim of developing contraceptive behaviors and a plan of action that considers how, where, and when to use contraceptives.
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Supervisor: Gabriel Pensamiento Calderon
Indigenous Community: San Isidro, Urique Municipality in Chihuahua Mexico; Tarahumara language
State: Ixtolco de Morelos, Cuautempan, Puebla
Student Status: Universidad Intercultural del Estado de Puebla
Project Overview: Marilú López Nava’s research aims to explain the factors that influence the development and permanence of basket crafts in the community of Ixtolco de Morelos. Through this research, Marilú López Nava develops a community project to mitigate the effects of the abandonment of this original activity, exploring, among other things, the potential of online commerce as a tool to revitalize this artisan tradition. With this, Marilú López Nava hopes to contribute to the strengthening of her cultural identity and the well-being of artisans, ensuring the continuity of this practice so valuable to our community.
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Supervisor: Francisco Marmolejo
Indigenous Community: Náhuatl
State: San Luis Potosí
Student Status: N/A
Project Overview: This project focuses on an educational intervention taught in Nahuatl to a population of Indigenous university students from the Universidad Intercultural de San Luis Potosí del Municipio de Matlapa, where the educational materials and the intervention were completely in Nahuatl. The level of knowledge was measured in a pre and post intervention, where there was an increase in the level of knowledge of over three points on average, which served as an indication that this intervention was effective.
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Supervisor: Karen Medina
Indigenous Community: El Crucerito, Tancanhuitz (HUASTECO)
State: Puebla
Student Status: Benemérita universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Project Overview: This research focuses on promoting community participation and developing the management model for the preservation and conservation of heritage to mitigate the loss of cultural and environmental heritage, such as community knowledge and memories. In addition, it will also stimulate social unity that will contribute even more to strengthening their culture, their natural resources and the appropriation of their territory that will ultimately lead to supportive economic strategies that will contribute to local development.
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Supervisor: Maria José Lozano
Indigenous Community: San Felipe Tepatlán
State: Matlapa S.L.P.
Student Status: Currently looking for Master’s degree
Project Overview: Educational inequalities refer to differences in access to educational resources and opportunities that affect the academic performance of students. These inequalities can arise from various socioeconomic, geographic, ethnic, or gender factors.
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Supervisor: Salvador Ruiz Correa / Jerry Sevillano
Indigenous Community: Bo. De Arriba/Náhuatl
State: Escatachuchut, Ixtepec, Puebla
Student Status: Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Project Overview: Within the nursing field, it is crucial to know the social determinants that influence patient denial of this test to determine how to promote prevention policies. Through changes in beliefs, culture, and levels of knowledge, these women can know more about the cytological test and its benefits, improve their attitudes and put this test into practice to obtain the acceptance of early detection of cervical cancer through cytological studies. In addition, it is a significantly accessible diagnostic test for the entire population, especially for those in rural areas. However, despite the face that it is accessible and free, many women refuse to take this test due to erroneous beliefs, fear, lack of interest, or lack of time among other reasons.
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Supervisor: Paula Rodríguez Díaz
Indigenous Community: Escatachuchut, Totonaco
Organizing Team and Mentors #
The following mentors are also the main organizing team from MD4SG facilitating the Summer of Science program.
- Dr. Francisco Marmolejo Cossío, Harvard University
- Dra. Tilsa Ore Monago, Rice University
- Dra. Imelda Flores Vazquez, Econometrica Inc.
- Michelle González-Amador, UNU-MERIT and Maastricht University
- Dr. Rubén Martínez Cárdenas, University of York
Full list of mentors:
- Agnes Medinaceli
- Alejandro Robinson Cortes
- Ángel García
- Bernardo Pérez Orozco
- Daniela Zapata
- Dr. Eriko Padron Regalado
- Francisco Marmolejo
- Gabriel Pensamiento Calderon
- Imelda May Flores Vázquez
- Ivonne Cruz
- Jerry Sevillano
- José Marmolejo Cossio
- Jula Moll-Rocek
- Karen Medina
- María Chavana Villalobos
- Maria José Lozano
- Michelle González Amador
- Natali Alcalá Moreno
- Ollin Demian Langle Chimal
- Paula Rodríguez Díaz
- Raúl Astudillo Marban
- Rodolfo Corona
- Rubén Martinez
- Saiph Savage
- Salvador Ruiz Correa
- Sandro Radovanović
- Santiago Correa Cardona
- Tilsa Oré
REDNACECYT #
The National Network of Councils and State Organizations of Science and Technology, A.C., known as REDNACECYT, was established on November 23, 1998, in Guanajuato by Coahuila, Durango, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas.
REDNACECYT has played a significant role in advancing science, technology, and innovation in Mexico. It serves as an organization that unites diverse entities with a shared focus on these areas. It stands out not only for fostering collaboration among entities with distinct objectives related to science, technology, and innovation, but also for actively shaping policies and their application to development in coordination with federal entities.
Initially, REDNACECYT was formed as a platform for discussing programs and initiatives that promote scientific research, technological development, and innovation at the federal level. It facilitates interactions among members and fosters coordination with academia, government, social, and business sectors to shape public policies.
In its early years, REDNACECYT concentrated on national discussions, particularly on federal and state legislation related to science and technology. Over time, it shifted its focus toward federalizing the promotion of scientific and technological activities, maintaining a continuous exchange of best practices and driving the establishment of new councils and similar bodies.
Sinceits inception, REDNACECYT has steadily grown its membership and actively engaged in a wide array of forums. This engagement spans governmental agencies, legislative and executive bodies, federal and state powers, as well as non-governmental organizations.
As REDNACECYT reaches its 20th anniversary, amid a dynamic national and global landscape, it stands as a consolidated force that brings together stakeholders in the scientific, technological, and innovation sectors.
Key REDNACECYT Partners #
The following individuals from the REDNACECYT network have been instrumental in establishing the Summer of Science collaboration with MD4SG and obtaining financial support for our students to attend EAAMO.
- Dra. Rosalba Medina Rivera
- Director of REDNACECYT
- Director of the Council of Science and Technology of the state of San Luis Potosí (COPOCYT)
- Mtro. Raúl Varela Tena
- Director of the Institute of Innovation and Competitiveness of the state of Chihuahua (I2C)
- Dr. Bernardo Jorge Almaraz Calderón
- Director of the Council of Science and Technology of the state of Mexico (COMECYT)
- Dra. Alejandra Ochoa Zarzosa
- Director of Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation of the state of Michoacán de Ocampo (ICTI)
- Dr. Victoriano Gabriel Covarrubias Salvatori
- Director of Council of Science and Technology of the state of Puebla (CONCYTEP)
- Dr. Carlos Karam Quiñones
- Director of the General Coordination for the Promotion of Scientific Research and Innovation of the state of Sinaloa (CONFÍE)
- Dr. Darwin Mayorga Cruz
- Director of the Council of Scientific Research and Technological Development of the state of Veracruz (COVEICYDET)