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Simons STEM Scholars Program
HomeSimons Scholar ProfileSimons Scholars Profile - Jabiel Aqueron

JabielAqueron

Image of Jabiel Aqueron

Cohort 2

Hometown: Farmingville, NY

Major: Chemical and Molecular Engineering

Year: Sophomore

High School: Sachem High School East

Biography:

At Stony Brook, Jabiel investigates process optimization utilizing Aspen Plus to simulate the sustainable production of carbon-rich materials. Their work also extends into engineering pedagogy, where they implement AI-curated instructional tools into educational models that enhance student engagement and performance outcomes. Most recently, Jabiel was published as the leading co-author in Computer Applications of Engineering Education. Beyond research, they are deeply committed to community building, serving as Vice President for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), a role that allows them to foster collaboration and leadership among peers. In their free time, Jabiel enjoys singing, studying, socializing, and salsa dancing, passions that reflect their creativity and rhythm both in and outside of STEM. Their artistic background includes over ten years of piano training and a stage career where they embraced the spotlight as several lead villains. These experiences continue to shape their discipline, confidence, and ability to perform under pressure. 

Leading the Future:

“I see myself as a STEM leader who values interdisciplinarity and sustainability. My interests in renewable energy and carbon capture highlight my commitment to solving global climate challenges, while my research in pedagogy reflects a dedication to elevating the standard of engineering education. I am driven to integrate technical innovation with collaborative leadership to build a more sustainable future.” 

Why did you become a Simons STEM Scholar?:

“The scholarship, the support, the community, and the academic rigor of the Simons STEM Scholars program all drew me in. My primary reason, however, was the opportunity to get immersed in research. This program provides a unique path to pursue my interests and make something truly meaningful.”

What would you say to someone who is applying?:

“Becoming a Simons STEM Scholar is deeply rewarding. While demanding lots of dedication and perseverance, my journey as a Scholar has shaped my growth immensely. The satisfaction of arriving here makes every challenge along the way worthwhile.” 

Research Experiences:

Published Works —  [1] Aquerón, J., & Nitodas, S. (2025). Enhancing Conceptual Learning in Chemical Engineering and Nanotechnology Through the Flipped-Classroom Model and AI-Curated Modules. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 34(1), e70130. DOI: 10.1002/cae.70130Fall 2024 – Present — Stony Brook University (SBU), New York:  (1) Process Optimization Group under Dr. Stefanos Nitodas on “Optimization of Sustainable Production Pathways for Carbon Nanotubes via Aspen Plus Simulation.”  (2) Engineering Pedagogy under Dr. Stefanos Nitodas on “An Integrated Approach to Educational Video Utilization for Enhancing Learning Effectiveness in Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Core Classes.” Winter 2026 — Turkana Basin Institute (TBI), Kenya: Geology Group under Dr. Gregory Henkes on “Sedimentology and Stratigraphy of Early Pliocene Exposures in South Turkwel, Turkana.” Summer 2025 — University of Puerto Rico (UPR), San Juan: Molecular Aspects of Pharmaceutical Sciences REU Program under Dr. Abel Baerga and Dr. Luis Prieto-Costas on “Identification of Peptaibols from the Mycobiota of the Puerto Rican Boa.” Academic Year 2024 – 2025 — Stony Brook University (SBU), New York: Polymer Nanodesign Group under Dr. Maya Endoh on "Investigation of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Effects on Polymer Structures."