Press Releases 2006
November 6, 2006
Alumnus’ Dedication to Chemistry Sets Example for Panamanian Youth
Panamanian Fulbright Research Program Alumnus Dr. Rafael Vasquez has used his extensive knowledge of chemistry to reach out to his country’s scientific youth. For many years, Dr. Vasquez has been initiating steps to improve science and scientific education throughout the country. It has been his mission to encourage the professional strengthening of chemists as important players in the national development and the protection of the quality of life of their fellow Panamanian citizens.
As the head of the collegiate body of chemists for four years, Dr. Vasquez has been improving the public perception of the importance and role of chemistry in our lives. At the University of Panama and Florida State University at Panama, he has taught Chemistry to students in the hopes of continuing the country’s development and to help them become the new generation of scientists with an ongoing social commitment. As a 1986 doctoral graduate from the Hiroshima University and 1993 Fulbright Research Scholar, he has the necessary experience to mentor young scientists by providing insight and guidance to pursue their studies abroad. But Dr. Vasquez reaches out to more than just his university students; he makes regular visits to high school students, and participates in scientific forums that discuss topics such as technology, the environment, and garbage disposal and management practices. In 2005, he also made it a point to lecture to elementary school children about the environment and the importance of recycling.
Dr. Vasquez’ experience in his field has given him a broad base of knowledge that he is more than willing to share with the inquisitive scientific mind. He provided his expertise for the conceptual definition of the first discovery center (EXPLORA) for interactive science learning in Panama. In addition, served as a technical support to the International Consultant for the establishment of the Water Quality Control of Panama, which is Panama’s environmental authority. In 1999 he served as President of the National Congress of Chemistry. He is also a member of the selection committee of the Panama Government’s National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT) for scientific projects and scholarship programs.
For more than 20 years, he has been working towards scientific development in Panama focusing on the quality of the human resources that are needed for sound research, the use of knowledge to provide clear steps for the treatment and handling of hazardous laboratory materials and waste management to improve the quality of life of its citizens. He is an active Member of the National Commission for Solid Wastes and has been in the Ministry of Health for the past seven years. Vasquez is also a staunch advocate for sound soil-management practice and the sustainable development of rural communities.
Dr. Vasquez is the current Panamanian Fulbright Alumni Association’s vice president and has been member of the FAA board for several years. He has taken advantage of the opportunity to serve as an FAA chair to support all its local activities. In efforts to bolster interest in education, he has supported Panama’s FAA local scholarship fund for elementary school children for many years. In October of 2006, Dr. Vasquez was selected as Panama’s Fulbright Of The Year for his outstanding contributions to the Fulbright Community.
Dr. Rafael Vasquez has and will surely continue to be a role model for Panamanian youth and students who strive to become leaders in their field as well as their communities. Under his example, many students will have the opportunity to excel in the learning environment that he has worked so hard to establish.