Daniel Rivera-Vazquez
Adjunct Instructor
About
Dr. Daniel Rivera-Vázquez is a chemist and an educator with a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico. He specializes in the study of nanomaterials for biomedical applications. He teaches a range of chemistry courses and leads a research group focused on nanomaterials for biosensing, wastewater treatment, and antimicrobial applications. With experience in instrumental analysis, nanotechnology, and materials science, Dr. Rivera-Vázquez has secured multiple grants, published peer-reviewed articles, and holds a patent for CaS nanoparticle synthesis. His dedication to mentoring undergraduate researchers and engaging in community outreach highlights his commitment to advancing science education and innovation. Recognized with awards such as the NIH RISE-2-BEST fellowship, he is an active member of the American Chemical Society and the Materials Research Society.
Education
- Ph.D., Applied Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico
- B.S., Chemistry
Research Interests
- Nanomaterials for biosensing applications
- Guided inquiry-based chemistry education
Programs
- Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Bridge (AD to MSN)
- Nursing (BSN)—Accelerated
- Nursing (BSN)—Postbaccalaureate
- Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies
- Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies
Education
- Ph.D., Applied Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico
- B.S., Chemistry
Research Interests
- Nanomaterials for biosensing applications
- Guided inquiry-based chemistry education
Programs
- Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Bridge (AD to MSN)
- Nursing (BSN)—Accelerated
- Nursing (BSN)—Postbaccalaureate
- Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies
- Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies
Publications
- Caswell, J. and Rivera, D. Effects of Solvent on Nucleation and Growth of CaS nanostructures: a DFT Approach. ACS Spring National Meeting. March 2023. https://doi.org/10.1021/scimeetings.3c00052.
- Rivera, D.; et al. Effect of CaS Nanostructures in the Proliferation of Human Breast Cancer and Benign Cells In Vitro. Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(20), 10494; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122010494.
- Aviles, S. and Rivera, D. Modification of graphene oxide: Towards the development of a cost-effective material for the removal of ions and toxic organic compounds in water. ACS Spring National Meeting. March 2022. https://doi.org/10.1021/scimeetings.2c00048.
- Muñoz-Forti, K; Figueroa, M.; Torres, B.; Bernard, F.; Rivera, D.; Castro, M.E. and Suarez, E. Calcium sulfide (CaS) nanostructure treatment on non-small cell lung cancer. The FASEB journal, 30 (1) 1099.4. 2016.
- Rivera-Vazquez, D.; Santiago-Rodriguez, Y.; González, M.A.; Castro, M.E. Quantum Confinement Effects in Calcium Sulfide: The Role of Indirect Transitions in the Red Shift of the Band Edge in Semiconductor Nanoparticles. MRS proceedings Spring 2014, https://dx.doi.org/10.1557/opl.2014.891
- Rivera, D.; et al. Killing cancer cells with nanotechnology: the effect of CaS nanostructures on the cell replication rate and survival of human mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines. The FASEB Journal. 28 (1) 780.9. 2014.
- Carrasco, N.; Ortiz, C.; Quiñones, J.; Feliciano, G.; Ortiz, A.; Rivera, D.; Castro, M. Suarez, E. Use of levitated cells n3D BiOAssay system to determine cytotoxicity of calcium sulfide (CaS) clusters in malignant cells as potential cancer cell targeted therapy (LB583). The FASEB Journal. 04/2014.
- Manoharan-Valerio, M.; Ortiz, C.; Quiñones, J.; Feliciano, G.; Diaz, A.; Rivera, D.; Castro, M.; Suarez, E. Determination of the IC50 and LD50 of calcium sulfide (CaS) clusters on malignant carcinoma and normal fibroblasts cell lines (LB580). The FASEB Journal. 04/2014.
- González, M.; Rivera, D.; Marcelino, A.; Agront, G.; Rodriguez, R.; Castro, M. The effect of silver nanofibers on the deformation properties of blood vessels: towards the development of new nanotechnologies to prevent rupture of aneurysms. Journal of nanomaterials, 2014.
- Ferrer, E.; Nater, S.; Rivera, D.; Colon, J. M.; Zayas, F.; Gonzalez, M.; Castro, M. E. Turning “on” and “off” nucleation and growth: microwave assisted synthesis of CdS clusters and nanoparticles. Materials Research Bulletin, 47, 2012, 3835-3843.
- Mercado, E.; Santiago, S.; Baez, L.; Rivera, D.; González, M.; Rivera, M.; León, M.; Castro, M.E. One dimensional silver nanostructures on single wall carbon nanotubes: evidence for energy transfer by electric field coupling in plasmonic particles. Nanoscale Research Letters, 2011, 6:602.