MIT-Mexico

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (National Autonomous University of Mexico)

Laboratorio Internacional de Investigación sobre el Genoma Humano (International Laboratory for Human Genome Research)

www.liigh.unam.mx

Querétaro, Mexico

Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. There is a specific melanoma subtype, known as acral melanoma (AM), which is the most common type of the disease in several countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia, including Mexico. AM has been understudied compared with other types of melanoma since it represents a small fraction of the melanoma cases in countries that traditionally undertake molecular cancer research, such as the US, the UK and Australia. Because of this, the causes of AM are still unknown, since it is unrelated to ultraviolet radiation exposure, and no effective treatment options are available for patients suffering this disease.

Our research group, based at the International Laboratory for Human Genome Research (LIIGH), at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), has been focusing since 2018 on the molecular study of AM. We have formed research partnerships with institutions both within Mexico (e.g., the National Institute for Genomic Medicine and the National Cancer Institute of Mexico) and abroad (e.g., the National Cancer Institute of Brazil and the Wellcome Sanger Institute). As a result of these efforts, we have now generated several levels of data, including tumour genomic and transcriptomic sequencing, proteomics, genotyping, and a wealth of associated clinical data, of nearly 100 AM patients. In this project, we want to integrate these different levels of data in order to see if we can predict outcome data, such as tumour depth, ulceration status, or treatment response.

For this project, the interested student would have these tasks:
1) Assess the missingness of data, explore ways to alleviate these issues and maximise data utility
2) Test different ways of integrating these data to assess whether useful outcome information can be derived
3) Present their results both in a report and in a presentation to the rest of the research group at the end of the internship.

We can also adapt this project to the applicant's preferred skills and interests - we have data and opportunities in the wet lab as well. We hope that this project is of interest and are ready to host a student and make them feel welcome here in Mexico!

Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN)

Centro de Investigación en Computación (CIC, Center for computing research)

www.cic.ipn.mx

Mexico City

The Government of Mexico City has about 9,000 bicycles that are available to people for a small annual fee. There are about 200 parking stations for these bikes, where you can take one, ride it to another part of the city and leave the bike there. These vehicles need to be taken from parking stations that are almost full of bikes, to near-empty parking stations, using a set of about 20 trucks that transport up to 40 bikes each, and another 20 trucks that transport up to 20 bikes each.

The problem to be solved is to design a close-to-optimal strategy to move the trucks, seeking to maximize the availability of bikes to passengers. Care needs to be given to transport time, vehicle capacity, time of the day, and expected ideal number of bikes at each parking station.

We have large quantities of data about the daily movement of the bikes, dating back to several years. The data base is kept up to date.

The intern is expected (1) to provide a paper solution to this problem; (2) to carry out its programming to completion; (3) to test the solution with real data; and (4) to document the work performed during his(her) stay.

The intern should be fluent in at least two computer programming languages and have good domain of data base technology. Acquaintance with free software tools is useful; it is also useful to build its own software tools, or glue code, as needed. Large quantities (20 megabytes, say) of data are normally processed. Some knowledge of statistics and maximization is useful. I prefer, but do not require, some knowledge of machine learning tools.

Jaime Peña Studio

LIB - Laboratorio de Investigación con Materiales Biogénicos

jaimepenastudio.com

Bacalar, Mexico

Jaime Peña Studio is a collective of creative minds inspired by the essence and magic of nature and the multiverse, using these elements to guide the creation of architecture aligned with planetary energy. Formed as a collaborative family, we operate within a fractal system to share knowledge widely, nurturing young creative talent and offering tools to support their growth and learning. The studio is the culmination of 20 years of research into bamboo and natural materials, applied to architectural and engineering projects. Our team includes architects, computational designers, and interior architects who blend handcrafted techniques with advanced technologies, merging digital and manual design processes.

Our aim is to create architecture that harmonizes with its natural surroundings, crafting spaces that are truly aligned with our planet. Currently, our 10-person team is based in a holistic center in the Magical Town of Bacalar on the Riviera Maya, home to a stunning lake of seven colors. We are looking for people who are passionate about innovation and nature, with an investigative and proactive spirit. Our office is a place of research, knowledge exchange, and personal interaction. We are always aiming to grow as professionals and individuals, placing a high priority on human connections. Knowledge in Rhino, Grasshopper, and visual programming is a requirement.

During this period, students/interns will assist in developing lightweight, three-dimensional bamboo structures, exploring structural strategies through simulations and programming inspired by nature and fractal systems. They will also contribute to researching and creating roofing finishes made from natural materials for bamboo structures. The aim is to apply and test these insights and contributions in real-world projects undertaken by the studio

The student’s role involves researching and developing strategies for bamboo structural designs, with a focus on connection methods, optimization, and structural simplification. Additionally, they will explore and test potential waterproof materials for coverings. Students should be proactive and solution-oriented, with proficiency in digital modeling and programming tools like Rhino and Grasshopper; programming skills are an advantage. They should be collaborative, open to knowledge-sharing with the team, and adaptable in both digital and hands-on work, including performing computational simulations and material testing.

Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada (CICATA) del Instituto Politecnico Nacional

www.cicataqro.ipn.mx/cicataqro/qro/cicata/index.html 

Querétaro, Mexico

This project focuses on the design, development, and testing of a contactless magnetic gear system—a cutting-edge alternative to traditional mechanical gears. The system utilizes magnetic fields to transfer torque without direct physical contact, offering numerous advantages such as reduced maintenance, quieter operation, and improved durability.

The primary objective is to create a scalable prototype capable of demonstrating the system's efficiency and reliability in device applications, such as renewable energy systems. Students will contribute to various aspects of the project, including:

1. Magnetic System Design
-Analyzing the interaction between permanent magnets and their spatial arrangement to optimize torque transfer.
-Using simulation tools to model magnetic field distributions and system performance.

2. Mechanical Integration
-Designing housings and support structures to ensure precise alignment and stability of the magnetic components.
-Exploring modular designs for adaptability to different torque and speed requirements.

3. Prototyping and Fabrication
-Building and assembling prototypes using 3D printing.
-Collaborating with vendors for sourcing high-performance materials such as rare-earth magnets and low-friction components.

4. Performance Testing and Optimization
-Setting up experiments to measure torque transfer efficiency, operational range, and thermal behavior.
-Refining the design based on test results to minimize losses and improve scalability.

5. Applications Research
-Analyze potential use in renewable energy prototypes, such as eolic or hydrokinetic systems.
-Evaluate the environmental benefits of the system in question in comparison to conventional gear systems.

Students will gain hands-on experience with advanced engineering techniques, computational simulations, and experimental testing. They will also have opportunities to enhance their problem-solving skills, collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment, and contribute to a project at the forefront of mechanical and magnetic innovation. This project is an excellent opportunity to explore emerging technologies in magnetic systems and contribute to developing innovative solutions for modern engineering challenges.

Ideally, you'll have a background in mechanical or electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. It'd be great if you're familiar with CAD software and simulation tools. Some understanding of electrical and magnetic principles. Strong analytical and communication skills

FEMSA is a company headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico that creates economic and social value through companies and institutions and strives to be the best employer and neighbor to the communities in which it operates. It participates in the retail industry through a Proximity Division operating OXXO, a small-format store chain, and other related retail formats, and Proximity Europe which includes Valora, our European retail unit which operates convenience and foodvenience formats. In the retail industry it also participates through FEMSA Health, which includes drugstores and related activities and Digital@FEMSA, which includes Spin by OXXO and Spin Premia, among other digital financial services initiatives.

In the beverage industry, it participates through Coca-Cola FEMSA, the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products in the world by volume. Across its business units, FEMSA has more than 392,000 employees in 17 countries. FEMSA is a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability MILA Pacific Alliance, the FTSE4Good Emerging Index and the Mexican Stock Exchange Sustainability Index: S&P/BMV Total México ESG, among other indexes that evaluate its sustainability performance.

Universidad Panamericana is a private nonprofit research university founded in 1967. It has three main campuses and 6 branch campuses in Aguascalientes, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. Universidad Panamericana currently offers 43 undergraduate programs and over 128 graduate programs, with 15,200 undergraduate and graduate students served by 2,657 faculty (38% with PhD) and more than 1,000 staff members.

The Applied Science and Advanced Technology Research Centre (IPN-CICATA Querétaro) is located in the city of Querétaro, in the state of Querétaro, Mexico. It is part of the National Polytechnic Institute and is a scientific and technological research centre designed to serve as a link between the scientific community and the productive sectors of goods and services, to accompany them and offer solutions to their development problems.

In order to achieve this objective, the IPN-CICATA Querétaro develops scientific and technological research programs with an interdisciplinary approach, as well as training human resources at the highest level, thus making a decisive contribution to strengthening the quality and national and international competitiveness of the Mexican productive apparatus.

In terms of research, the IPN-CICATA Querétaro has carried out a large number of projects with the economic support of the IPN, CONACYT and industry, generating patents, utility models, prototypes and various developments in its five different research areas: Image Analysis, Biotechnology, Mechatronics, Alternative Energies and Materials Processing and Manufacturing, which are linked to the economic activity of the region and the country. 

Currently, in the IPN-CICATA Querétaro, the Masters and Doctoral programs have been maintained in the National Quality Postgraduate Program (PNPC) of CONACYT, since its entry in 2007, currently its status is consolidated. It also has a specialization and three programs in its modality with industry.

From 2003, when the first two graduates of the Postgraduate Program in Advanced Technology graduated, until January 2023, 380 students have graduated, of which 101 are doctoral students, 268 master's students and 11 specialized students. The enrollment in this semester is 65 students.