Jacques Zacharie Thaddeus (Zaq) Ponce

Global Challenge: Nanoengineering for Health

Bio:

Born and raised in the beautiful islands of the Philippines and recently migrated to the expansive landscapes of Canada, I bring a multicultural perspective to my professional journey in New York. As a Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering sophomore at NYU Tandon, I am focused on studying processes related to producing biochemical and health-applied materials.

Alongside my coursework, I am an undergraduate researcher at the Pinkerton Research Group, where I contribute to nanoparticle and polymer research. Our projects aim to improve the synthesis of nanomaterial platforms with enhanced capabilities for drug delivery, medical imaging, and chronic pain management. Beyond the lab, I serve on the executive boards of NYU's American Institute of Chemical Engineers, International Filipino Association, and Tandon Navigators. 

I aim to pursue a research-focused career that integrates the life and physical sciences with the goal of improving the quality of life for others. At the core of my interests, I am an avid photographer, traveler, and reader, and I will never tire of sharing the experiences I capture with the rest of the world.