REDNACECYT 2025 Summer of Science Program
The goal of this initiative is to support Indigenous students and early-career researchers from across Mexico as they design and carry out projects that address the needs of their local communities. Participants in the program are engaged at different levels of postgraduate education and develop proposals that combine approaches from the social sciences, humanities, environmental studies, health, and applied sciences with community-based knowledge and intercultural perspectives. Each student is paired with an academic mentor who provides guidance throughout the research process. The final outcome of this collaboration is the production of academic contributions such as theses, articles, policy recommendations, or community-driven strategies that seek to generate sustainable impact.
This year’s cohort represents a collaboration between local science councils, universities, and Indigenous communities, with support from mentors based in research institutions across Mexico and abroad.
We are excited to welcome 40+ students from diverse regions of Mexico, representing Indigenous communities such as the Purépecha, Náhuatl, Totonaco, Mazateco, Otomí, Tének, Mixteco, Mazahua, Triqui, Tsotsil, Tseltal, Zapoteco, and Huasteco. They come from states including San Luis Potosí, Michoacán, Puebla, Veracruz, Chiapas, Guerrero, Nuevo León, Sinaloa, Colima, and Quintana Roo. Their projects address urgent issues such as intercultural education, access to healthcare, women’s empowerment, environmental restoration, sustainable tourism, preservation of languages and traditional knowledge, and community-based economic development. Together, these initiatives reflect the students’ commitment to strengthening identity, expanding rights, and promoting sustainable futures for their peoples.
Cohort 2025
Adahi Soledad Hernández Rodríguez
Title: Educational Inequality Existing in Indigenous Communities
State: Tanquián de Escobedo, San Luis Potosí, México
Student Status: In the process of selection for a Master’s program at the Universidad de Tangamanga, Axtla de Terras
Project Overview: This project investigates educational inequality in Indigenous communities, with a focus on Las Lomas in San Luis Potosí. By analyzing social, economic, and technological factors, the study identifies barriers that hinder equal access to quality education at all levels. It highlights the role of access to technology and financial resources in ensuring academic success for Indigenous students, while also emphasizing the importance of intercultural education. The project aims to generate strategies to close the educational gap, empower students and communities, and promote more inclusive policies.
Supervisor: Jerry Sevillano
Indigenous Community: Las Lomas, Huasteco
Adriana Hernández Santiago
Title: The challenges faced by marginalized communities: The struggle to preserve the value of their culture, clothing, history, and the art of Nahuatl embroidery
State: Huasteca Sur, San Luis Potosí, México
Student Status: In the process of admission to a Master’s program at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Project Overview: This project focuses on preserving and revitalizing traditional Náhuatl clothing and embroidery in marginalized communities of the Huasteca region. By working closely with women artisans, it documents iconography, colors, and cultural meanings embedded in traditional embroidery, fostering pride in wearing handmade garments. The initiative highlights the role of Indigenous women as cultural leaders, strengthens cultural identity, and advocates against inappropriate commercialization of ancestral knowledge.
Supervisor: María Ana Chavana Villalobos
Indigenous Community: Los Cues, Náhuatl
Aidé García Villa
Title: Designing strategies for the development of sustainable tourism in the communities of Uranden and Tzentzenguaro
State: Michoacán, México
Student Status: In the process of selection for a PhD program at COLMICH
Project Overview: This project promotes sustainable tourism in the communities of Uranden and Tzentzenguaro, Michoacán. It evaluates the economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism and proposes strategies for responsible practices, dignified employment, and environmental conservation. By raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources such as springs and landscapes, the project aims to build a framework for sustainable community development.
Supervisor: Beatriz Calzada Olvera
Indigenous Community: Tzurumútaro, Purépecha
Ana Karen González Calleja
Title: Water within the Chuchutsipij from the perspective of the Totonacs of Ecatlán, Puebla
State: Ecatlán, Puebla, México
Student Status: Master’s student in Intercultural Learning Environments at the Universidad Intercultural del Estado de Puebla
Project Overview: This project analyzes the Totonaco worldview of water through the concept of chuchutsipij. It examines intergenerational practices, cultural transmission, and the role of water in identity-building. The project contributes to environmental and cultural policy discussions by highlighting the deep connection between people and water in Totonaco communities.
Supervisor: Leticia Lisseth Tituaña Picuasi
Indigenous Community: Jonotla, Totonaca
Ana Nephtali Santiago Bueno
Title: Human rights of Indigenous peoples and communities
State: Tamazunchale, San Luis Potosí, México
Student Status: In the process of admission to a Master’s program at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Project Overview: This project promotes awareness of human and Indigenous rights in the community of Ixtlapalaco Vega Larga, San Luis Potosí. Through workshops and community dialogues, it empowers women and marginalized groups to recognize and defend their rights against violence and discrimination. The initiative contributes to social empowerment and civic participation.
Supervisor: Federico Bobbio
Indigenous Community: El Tepetate, Náhuatl
Angélica Velázquez Hernández
Title: Preservation and dissemination of the mother tongue, based on ancestral knowledge and practices, as a form of community inclusion in Tezapotla Tamazunchale, S.L.P.
State: Tamazunchale, San Luis Potosí, México
Student Status: In the process of selection for a PhD program at CINVESTAV-IPN
Project Overview: This project seeks to preserve and revitalize the Náhuatl language in Tezapotla, Tamazunchale. It uses intergenerational workshops, linguistic documentation, and cultural activities to strengthen community identity and social inclusion. The initiative positions language as a vehicle of heritage and intercultural education.
Supervisor: Luis Armando Mercado Campos
Indigenous Community: Acoyotla, Náhuatl
Atanacia Bautista Vázquez
Title: Validation of materials for social media-based decision-making in late adolescence.
State: Ixtepec, Puebla, México
Student Status: Master’s student in Nursing at BUAP, Puebla
Project Overview: This project validates educational materials that strengthen critical decision-making about social media use among late adolescents. Based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, it develops content for media literacy and critical thinking, ensuring cultural and generational relevance. It seeks to promote mental health and conscious digital practices.
Supervisor: Angel Urbina García
Indigenous Community: Escatachuchut, Totonaco
Celeste Kristal Flores Cuevas
Title: Community assessment of the socio-environmental impact on Mazatec populations affected by forest fires
State: Huautla de Jiménez, Oaxaca, México
Student Status: Diploma in Education for Peace and Leadership of Indigenous Women, Fundación Rigoberta Menchú Tum
Project Overview: This project documents the socio-environmental impact of wildfires in Mazateco communities of Xochitonalco and Río Santiago. Through participatory research, it identifies ecological, economic, and social consequences and proposes community-led restoration strategies such as reforestation and agroecology. The project bridges local knowledge with sustainable development goals.
Supervisor: Tilsa Ore Monago
Indigenous Community: Mazateca (Enná)
Dulce Sonia Oreano Hernández
Title: Indigenous communities exposed to hydrogeomorphological risk: managing unsystematic data in ungauged micro-watersheds
State: Michoacán, México
Student Status: PhD student in Geography at UNAM
Project Overview: This project evaluates hydro-geomorphological risks in Indigenous settlements of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. By mapping micro-watersheds and using geomorphological indicators, it proposes a risk zoning framework. The research integrates geology, hydrology, and community distribution to inform disaster prevention.
Supervisor: Ollin Demian Langle Chimal
Indigenous Community: Botenguedhó, Otomí
Edna Marlene Martínez
Title: Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in the urban Indigenous population of the state of Nuevo León. León
State: Nuevo León, México
Student Status: In the process of selection for a PhD program at UANL
Project Overview: This project studies the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in urban Indigenous populations of Nuevo León using the DASS-21 scale. It identifies socio-demographic factors affecting mental health and highlights gender disparities. The research seeks to influence culturally relevant interventions and public policies for Indigenous mental health.
Supervisor: Jesús David Martínez Hernández
Indigenous Community: Aquismón, Tének
Eduarda Flores Chávez
Title: Psychosocial impact of migration on female day laborers
State: Colima, México
Student Status: Master’s student in Psychology at the Universidad de Colima
Project Overview: This project implements a psychosocial intervention strategy with migrant women agricultural workers living temporarily in shelters. It examines how migration affects their identity, lifestyle, and living conditions. Through training in labor and health rights, and the creation of safe spaces, the project seeks to strengthen women’s autonomy, reduce violence, and foster social participation.
Supervisor: Michelle González Amador
Indigenous Community: Yoso Chun de los Flores, Mixteco
Eduarda Hernández Hernández
Title: Access to healthcare: A dream for Indigenous people.
State: Tamazunchale, San Luis Potosí, México
Student Status: In the process of selection for a PhD program at UANL
Project Overview: This project studies the barriers Indigenous people face in accessing healthcare, focusing on the Nahua community of Atehuac. It highlights structural, sociocultural, and gender-related inequalities that deepen health disparities. The project contributes to intercultural public policy proposals aimed at ensuring equitable healthcare access and human rights.
Supervisor: Luis Fernando González González
Indigenous Community: Atehuac, Náhuatl
Elsa Sánchez García
Title: Counseling and mentoring to promote the participation of Indigenous women and students in Earth and Space Sciences
State: Michoacán, México
Student Status: In the process of admission to a postdoctoral program at the Institute of Geophysics, Michoacán
Project Overview: This project promotes Earth and Space Sciences among Purépecha Indigenous communities by offering mentorship and vocational guidance to students and families. The initiative particularly supports young Indigenous women, aiming to reduce educational gaps, spark interest in STEM fields, and create pathways to professional development.
Supervisor: Andrea Fernández Soto
Indigenous Community: Santa Ana Nichi, Mazahua
Esthela Rodríguez García
Title: Fire and territory: Exploratory analysis of socioecological vulnerability to fire in Indigenous communities of Michoacán
State: Uruapan, Michoacán, México
Student Status: Master’s student in Sciences at INECOL
Project Overview: This project explores socio-ecological vulnerability to fire in Purépecha communities of Michoacán. Using historical data and the pyrobiocultural approach, it investigates how social marginalization and local fire management practices interact with climate change. The research promotes community-based strategies for just and sustainable fire management.
Supervisor: Álvaro Hopkins Barriga
Indigenous Community: Purépecha
Fátima Márquez Hinojosa
Title: Strengthening financial education and savings strategies in an Indigenous community of San Luis Potosí
State: Tancanhuitz, San Luis Potosí, México
Student Status: In the process of selection for a Master’s program at the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí
Project Overview: This project aims to strengthen financial literacy in the Tenek community of El Crucerito. Through culturally adapted workshops and digital tools, it promotes savings, budgeting, and microenterprise management. By empowering women, youth, and small entrepreneurs, the initiative seeks to increase financial autonomy and reduce economic vulnerability.
Supervisor: Alejandro Robinson Cortes
Indigenous Community: El Crucerito, Tének
Fernanda Sebastián Sánchez
Title: Field study of traditional medicine among the Totonaku population of Ahuacatlán, Puebla, to improve community healthcare services.
State: Ahuacatlán, Puebla, México
Student Status: PhD student in Sciences and Humanities at the Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila
Project Overview: This project documents Totonaku traditional medicine practices in Ahuacatlán, Puebla. Through ethnobotanical analysis, interviews, and photography, it creates a bilingual (Totonaku–Spanish) catalog of medicinal plants. The project values ancestral knowledge, contributes to health promotion, and provides a reference for Indigenous healers and future generations.
Supervisor: Valeria Elizabeth Ruiz Santana
Indigenous Community: San Andrés Tlayehualancingo, Totonaku
Flor Angel Pérez Sánchez
Title: Social perceptions of the socioenvironmental conflicts of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec Interoceanic Corridor megaproject and the influence of land tenure and territorial governance.
State: Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca, México
Student Status: Master’s student at the Centro de Investigaciones Tropicales
Project Overview: This project analyzes socio-environmental conflicts linked to the Interoceanic Corridor megaproject in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. It examines how land tenure and territorial governance influence Mixe and Zapotec communities’ perceptions of the project. By mapping actors and networks, it proposes more equitable governance frameworks in contested territories.
Supervisor: Ivonne Cruz
Indigenous Community: Zapoteco
Idalia Rojas Martínez
Title: Design of an intercultural preoperative educational strategy for Indigenous Nahuatl patients in a public hospital.
State: Nuevo León, México
Student Status: Specialization in Nursing at UANL
Project Overview: This project designs an intercultural preoperative education strategy for Náhuatl-speaking patients in public hospitals. Using bilingual materials, it improves comprehension of surgical procedures and reduces patient anxiety. The initiative addresses language and cultural barriers to healthcare, promoting respect and inclusion.
Supervisor: Dea Oviedo
Indigenous Community: Aquismón, Tének
Itzel López Florentino
Title: Evaluation of the design, management, and administration of projects aimed at sustainability on Janitzio Island (2016–2024)
State: Michoacán, México
Student Status: Master’s student at the Universidad Intercultural Indígena de Michoacán (UIIM)
Project Overview: This project evaluates the design and management of sustainability projects on Janitzio Island from 2016–2024. It documents how community participation and traditional knowledge have (or have not) been included. The goal is to propose recommendations for future intercultural, community-led sustainability initiatives.
Supervisor: Rubén Martínez Cárdenas
Indigenous Community: Janitzio, Purépecha
Jessica Cristina Acuapa Juárez
Title: An intercultural intervention model for the development of learning autonomy and its effect on self-efficacy, self-regulation, and motivation in students from rural and indigenous contexts
State: Michoacán, México
Student Status: Holds a Master’s from UANL; in the process of admission to further postgraduate study
Project Overview: This project develops and evaluates an intercultural intervention model to foster autonomy in learning for rural and Indigenous students. It assesses effects on self-efficacy, self-regulation, and motivation through experimental methods. The goal is to promote culturally relevant education that supports meaningful academic success.
Supervisor: Natali Alcalá Moreno
Indigenous Community: Cherán, Purépecha
Johanna Jannet Balderas Alejandre
Title: Promoting STEAM careers among high school students in the community of San Francisco Pichátaro, Michoacán
State: Michoacán, México
Student Status: In the process of admission to a Master’s program in Law at Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH) and Universidad Panamericana (UP)
Project Overview: This project promotes participation of young Purépecha women from San Francisco Pichátaro in STEAM fields (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics). Through vocational guidance, practical workshops, and institutional linkages, it reduces gender and cultural barriers in education. The initiative empowers Indigenous adolescents by broadening academic and professional opportunities.
Supervisor: Jorge García Ponce
Indigenous Community: San Francisco Pichátaro, Purépecha
Karen Edith Rojas López
Title: Identifying resources with potential to promote community tourism. Xochistlahuaca, Guerrero
State: Guerrero, México
Student Status: Master’s student in Sustainable Tourism Management at Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero
Project Overview: This project identifies and evaluates natural and cultural resources of Xochistlahuaca, Guerrero, to assess their potential for community-based tourism. By documenting local opinions and productive activities, it seeks to propose strategies that strengthen local economy while safeguarding cultural heritage and environment.
Supervisor: Raúl Astudillo
Indigenous Community: La Soledad, Xochistlahuaca, Mixteco
Keila Madai Rodríguez Acosta
Title: Women who create the future: Raising awareness and strengthening indigenous entrepreneurship in Tancanhuitz, San Luis Potosí
State: Tancanhuitz, San Luis Potosí, México
Student Status: In the process of admission to a Master’s program at the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí
Project Overview: This project strengthens women’s entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities of Tancanhuitz. Through participatory diagnostics, it identifies challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and designs tailored support strategies. The initiative promotes gender equity, autonomy, and recognition of women as key agents of local economic development.
Supervisor: Solomon Rodd
Indigenous Community: Tamazunchale, Huasteca
Landi Chulín
Title: Teacher training from a native and plural epistemological perspective for the critical application of Constitutional Reforms in education
State: Quintana Roo, México
Student Status: In the process of admission to a Master’s program at Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Quintana Roo
Project Overview: This project reimagines teacher training through native epistemologies to critically apply constitutional reforms on Indigenous education. Focused on Bacalar and Mayan communities such as Nuevo Jerusalén, it co-creates teaching strategies with educators. The goal is to promote epistemic justice and more inclusive, decolonizing education.
Supervisor: Francisco Marmolejo Cossio
Indigenous Community: Nuevo Jerusalén, Maya
Leydi Rojas Martínez
Title: Relationship between food insecurity and the quality of life of the indigenous population in urban and rural areas of northern Mexico
State: Nuevo León, México
Student Status: In the process of selection for a PhD program at UANL
Project Overview: This project compares food insecurity and quality of life between Indigenous communities in urban and rural northern Mexico. By identifying structural differences, it generates evidence for inclusive policies that address unequal access to food and nutrition.
Supervisor: Alejandro Coyoli
Indigenous Community: Aquismón, Tének
Lidia Lizbeth Hernández Cubas
Title: Accessible technology for health: Development of low-cost GEL biosensors for communities with limited medical access
State: Sinaloa, México
Student Status: PhD student in Biomedicine at the University of Granada
Project Overview: This project develops low-cost laser-induced graphene (LIG) biosensors for communities with limited access to healthcare. The sensors detect biomarkers like glucose, supporting early diagnosis of chronic diseases. The project strengthens links between technology and social justice, while highlighting women’s role in Indigenous innovation.
Supervisor: Eunice Fabián Morales
Indigenous Community: San Andrés Chicahuaxtla, Triqui
Lucía Gómez
Title: Cultural relevance in access to public information and its impact on the well-being of indigenous peoples: A case study of three indigenous communities in Chiapas
State: Chiapas, México
Student Status: PhD student at Universidad Autónoma Chapingo
Project Overview: This project studies the role of culturally relevant access to public information in supporting Indigenous well-being. Focusing on Tsotsil and Tseltal communities in Chiapas, it analyzes how transparency policies should adapt to local contexts. The initiative fosters intercultural governance and rights to information.
Supervisor: Rodolfo Corona Rodríguez
Indigenous Community: Ejido San Salvador, Tsotsil and Tseltal
María de los Ángeles Anel Vázquez Nieto
Title: Community Participation and Social and Solidarity Economy: Strategies to Promote Rural Good Living in Totonac Communities in the Sierra Norte of Puebla (San Felipe Tepatlán and Hermenegildo Galeana Case)
State: Puebla, México
Student Status: PhD student in Territorial Processes at BUAP
Project Overview: This project promotes Buen Vivir in Totonaco communities of San Felipe Tepatlán and Hermenegildo Galeana through principles of social and solidarity economy. By integrating ancestral knowledge and traditional practices, it fosters community participation, sovereignty, and cultural resilience against marginalization and megaproject pressures.
Supervisor: Rubén Martínez Cárdenas
Indigenous Community: Pachoc, Totonaco
María Guadalupe García Alonso
Title: Socio-environmental impact of bridge construction in the indigenous community of Jarácuaro, Michoacán, in 1980.
State: Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México
Student Status: In the process of selection for a PhD in Sustainability and Interculturality at Universidad Intercultural Indígena de Michoacán
Project Overview: This project examines the long-term socio-environmental impacts of a 1980s bridge connecting Arocutín and Jarácuaro. It studies how this top-down policy altered ecosystems, water resources, and social fabric in Purépecha communities, while documenting local responses to climate change.
Supervisor: María Nathalia Ramírez Chaparro
Indigenous Community: Cuanajo, Purépecha
María Guadalupe Márquez Hinojosa
Title: Level of knowledge about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Nahuatl-speaking indigenous women versus non-indigenous women in San Luis Potosí: a comparative quantitative study after an educational intervention.
State: San Luis Potosí, México
Student Status: In the process of admission to a PhD program at the University of Guadalajara
Project Overview: This project evaluates the effect of educational interventions on HPV knowledge among Náhuatl-speaking women compared to non-Indigenous women. Using quantitative methods, it explores how language impacts health education outcomes. The goal is to integrate Indigenous languages into public health programs for equity in sexual and reproductive health.
Supervisor: Betzael Bravo
Indigenous Community: El Crucerito, Náhuatl/Tének
María Verónica Gabriel Luciano
Title: PARTICIPATORY FISH FARMING OF Chirostoma estor and Algansea lacustris, ENDEMIC SPECIES OF LAKE PATZCUARO.
State: Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México
Student Status: Master’s student in Sustainable Agricultural Production
Project Overview: This project develops a participatory aquaculture model for endemic species of Lake Pátzcuaro, such as Chirostoma estor and Algansea lacustris. Using circular geomembrane ponds, it explores sustainable practices that combine food security, economic development, and biocultural conservation for Purépecha communities.
Supervisor: Yula Moll-Rocek
Indigenous Community: Purépecha
Maritza Salvador Gaona
Title: Strategies to strengthen the mezcal production chain in the community of Oponguio, Michoacán.
State: Michoacán, México
Student Status: Accepted into the PhD in Sustainability and Interculturality at Universidad Intercultural Indígena de Michoacán
Project Overview: This project analyzes the mezcal value chain in Oponguio, Michoacán. It proposes strategies for improving organization, value-added production, and sustainability while preserving traditional knowledge of mezcal masters. The goal is to strengthen economic development, equity, and long-term viability of artisanal mezcal.
Supervisor: Pablo Salamanca Cobos
Indigenous Community: Tzurumútaro, Purépecha
Martha Martínez Hernández
Title: Effect of an Intervention in Nahuatl on Self-Efficacy. Condom Use in Adolescents from Indigenous Peoples
State: Puebla, México
Student Status: In the process of selection for a PhD in Nursing at Universidad Autónoma de Guanajuato
Project Overview: This project evaluates the impact of a Náhuatl-language intervention on adolescents’ self-efficacy in condom use. By adapting sexual health education to cultural and linguistic contexts, it promotes equity and inclusion in reproductive rights.
Supervisor: Luis Adrián Villaseñor López
Indigenous Community: Contla, Náhuatl
Nohema Pérez España
Title: Identification of Areas of Opportunity for Improving Data Governance in a Higher Education Institution
State: Oaxaca, México
Student Status: PhD student at CENIDET
Project Overview: This project diagnoses opportunities to improve data governance in higher education institutions in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca. By analyzing processes and compliance with standards, it proposes frameworks for more efficient, inclusive, and responsible management of institutional data.
Supervisor: Saiph Savage
Indigenous Community: Putla Villa de Guerrero, Mixteco
Monserrat de la Luz Moreno Romero
Title: Registry of Knowledge and Craft Techniques: The Case of the Sesi Jagnari Exhibitor from Erongarícuaro, Michoacán, for its Promotion and Dissemination
State: Michoacán, México
Student Status: In the process of selection for a PhD in Sustainability and Interculturality at Universidad Intercultural Indígena de Michoacán
Project Overview: This project documents artisanal knowledge and techniques at the Sesi Jagnari Exhibition in Erongarícuaro, Michoacán. By analyzing materials, symbolism, and social contexts, it promotes cultural recognition, women’s empowerment, and preservation of biocultural heritage.
Supervisor: Salvador Ruiz Correa
Indigenous Community: Erongarícuaro, Purépecha
Ofelia López Mejía
Title: Prevention of Human Trafficking in Indigenous Communities in Mexico
State: Sinaloa, México
Student Status: Postdoctoral fellow in Human Rights at Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa
Project Overview: This project examines public policies on human trafficking prevention in Indigenous communities, with a focus on labor exploitation. Centered in Villa Unión, Mazatlán, it analyzes legal frameworks and structural causes to identify gaps in prevention and protection.
Supervisor: José Roberto Tello Ayala
Indigenous Community: Mixteco
Perla Gutiérrez
Title: Sustainable Agricultural Knowledge Management for Children in the Indigenous Community of Ihuatzio through an Educational Garden
State: Michoacán, México
Student Status: Master’s student at Universidad Intercultural Indígena de Michoacán
Project Overview: This project creates an educational garden in the Purépecha community of Ihuatzio as a tool for transmitting sustainable agricultural knowledge to children. It integrates ancestral practices with environmental education to promote food sovereignty, identity, and intercultural learning.
Supervisor: Imelda Flores Vázquez
Indigenous Community: Ihuatzio, Purépecha
Samantha Nohemí Luis Santiago
Title: The Impact of Tax Culture on Young People Aged 16 to 18 in the Indigenous Community of Las Víboras
State: San Luis Potosí, México
Student Status: In the process of admission to a postgraduate program at Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
Project Overview: This project strengthens tax culture among Indigenous youth of Las Víboras, San Luis Potosí. By developing educational strategies, it fosters fiscal responsibility, civic participation, and access to social programs, empowering young people as informed future taxpayers.
Supervisor: Imelda Flores Vázquez
Indigenous Community: Las Víboras, Tének
Tamara Tonali
Title: Cihuameh Tlachiualeh Sustainable Cooperative Models for Collective Economic Development and the Dignity of Indigenous Women in the High Mountains of Veracruz
State: Veracruz, México
Student Status: In the process of admission to a Master’s program at Universidad Veracruzana
Project Overview: This project develops cooperative models for Indigenous women’s economic empowerment in the Altas Montañas region of Veracruz. Through participatory research, it recovers ancestral knowledge and co-designs sustainable organizational structures, promoting autonomy, solidarity, and cultural dignity.
Supervisor: Salvador Meneses Requena
Indigenous Community: Coetzala, Náhuatl
Viridiana Camacho Pánfilo
Title: Improving community governance and archival practices among the P'urhépecha communities of Michoacán
State: Michoacán, México
Student Status: PhD student in Humanities at the Centro Nicolaíta de Estudios de los Pueblos Originarios
Project Overview: This project investigates governance and participation in the Purépecha community of San Jerónimo Purenchécuaro, with a focus on women and youth. It also studies the role of digital archives in preserving memory and strengthening community identity.
Supervisor: Margarita Sordo
Indigenous Community: Purépecha
Viridiana Regino Castillo
Title: Voluntary cooperation and mutual aid in the social and solidarity economy among indigenous communities in the state of Puebla
State: Puebla, México
Student Status: In the process of admission to a Master’s in Governance and Indigenous Sustainable Development
Project Overview: This project analyzes Indigenous-led enterprises of the Social and Solidarity Economy in Puebla. With a gender perspective, it highlights how cooperation and mutual aid generate economic and social benefits, emphasizing women’s role as leaders.
Supervisor: Julia Smith Coyoli
Indigenous Community: Altepexi, Náhuatl
Yazmín Cruz Cruz
Title: Strategic mapping of economic and social activities for community development in indigenous communities
State: Veracruz, México
Student Status: In the process of admission to a PhD program at the Instituto Tecnológico de Misantla
Project Overview: This project maps economic and social activities in the Náhuatl community of Tonalapan, Veracruz. It identifies sustainable strategies and barriers to development, creating an inventory that informs community empowerment and local decision-making.
Supervisor: Iván Ochoa Moreno
Indigenous Community: Tonalapan, Náhuatl
Yesica Gómez Hernández
Title: Public policies and higher and graduate education trajectories for indigenous women: a critical and intersectional analysis
State: Puebla, México
Student Status: In the process of admission to a PhD in Government and Politics at BUAP
Project Overview: This project critically examines how public policies impact Indigenous women’s access to higher education. Using an intersectional lens, it documents barriers, trajectories, and strategies used by women to overcome exclusion. It aims to generate evidence for more inclusive education policies.
Supervisor: Eriko Padrón Regalado
Indigenous Community: La Resurrección, Náhuatl
Yulissa Guerrero Olivares
Title: Factors influencing school dropout rates in indigenous communities of the Huasteca region of Potosí: A study with an intercultural approach
State: Tanquián de Escobedo, San Luis Potosí, México
Student Status: Master’s student at UPAV
Project Overview: This project analyzes factors influencing school dropout among Indigenous youth in the Huasteca region. By identifying socio-economic, cultural, and educational barriers, it proposes strategies to increase school retention and strengthen cultural identity in Indigenous education.
Supervisor: Víctor Ávila Torres
Indigenous Community: El Bazuche, Huasteca
Organizing Team and Mentors
The following mentors are also the main organizing team facilitating this program and supporting the Indigenous student researchers.
Dr. Francisco Marmolejo Cossío, Harvard University
Dra. Tilsa Oré Monago, Rice University
Dra. Imelda Flores Vázquez, Econometrica Inc.
Dr. Rubén Martínez Cárdenas, University of York
Michelle González Amador, UNU-MERIT and Maastricht University
Full List of Mentors
Alejandro Coyoli
Alejandro Robinson Cortes
Álvaro Hopkins Barriga
Andrea Fernández Soto
Angel Urbina Garcia
Beatriz Calzada Olvera
Betzael Bravo
Dea Oviedo
Eriko Padrón Regalado
Eunice Fabián Morales
Federico Bobbio
Francisco Marmolejo Cossio
Imelda Flores Vázquez
Iván Ochoa Moreno
Ivonne Cruz
Jerry Sevillano
Jesús David Martínez Hernández
Jorge García Ponce
José Roberto Tello Ayala
Julia Smith Coyoli
Leticia Lisseth Tituaña Picuasi
Luis Adrián Villaseñor López
Luis Armando Mercado Campos
Luis Fernando González González
Margarita Sordo
María Ana Chavana Villalobos
María Nathalia Ramírez Chaparro
Michelle González Amador
Natali Alcalá Moreno
Ollin Demian Langle Chimal
Pablo Salamanca Cobos
Raúl Astudillo
Rodolfo Corona Rodríguez
Rubén Martínez Cárdenas
Saiph Savage
Salvador Meneses Requena
Salvador Ruiz Correa
Solomon Rodd
Tilsa Oré Monago
Valeria Elizabeth Ruiz Santana
Víctor Ávila Torres
Yula Moll-Rocek
REDNACECYT
The National Network of Councils and State Organizations of Science and Technology, A.C., known as REDNACECYT, was established on November 23, 1998, in Guanajuato by Coahuila, Durango, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas.
REDNACECYT has played a significant role in advancing science, technology, and innovation in Mexico. It serves as an organization that unites diverse entities with a shared focus on these areas. It stands out not only for fostering collaboration among entities with distinct objectives related to science, technology, and innovation, but also for actively shaping policies and their application to development in coordination with federal entities.
Initially, REDNACECYT was formed as a platform for discussing programs and initiatives that promote scientific research, technological development, and innovation at the federal level. It facilitates interactions among members and fosters coordination with academia, government, social, and business sectors to shape public policies.
In its early years, REDNACECYT concentrated on national discussions, particularly on federal and state legislation related to science and technology. Over time, it shifted its focus toward federalizing the promotion of scientific and technological activities, maintaining a continuous exchange of best practices and driving the establishment of new councils and similar bodies.
Sinceits inception, REDNACECYT has steadily grown its membership and actively engaged in a wide array of forums. This engagement spans governmental agencies, legislative and executive bodies, federal and state powers, as well as non-governmental organizations.
As REDNACECYT reaches its 20th anniversary, amid a dynamic national and global landscape, it stands as a consolidated force that brings together stakeholders in the scientific, technological, and innovation sectors.
The following individuals from the REDNACECYT network have been instrumental in establishing the Summer of Science collaboration with MD4SG and obtaining financial support for our students to attend EAAMO.
Dra. Rosalba Medina Rivera
Director of REDNACECYT
Director of the Council of Science and Technology of the state of San Luis Potosí (COPOCYT)
Mtro. Raúl Varela Tena
Director of the Institute of Innovation and Competitiveness of the state of Chihuahua (I2C)
Dr. Bernardo Jorge Almaraz Calderón
Director of the Council of Science and Technology of the state of Mexico (COMECYT)
Dra. Alejandra Ochoa Zarzosa
Director of Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation of the state of Michoacán de Ocampo (ICTI)
Dr. Victoriano Gabriel Covarrubias Salvatori
Director of Council of Science and Technology of the state of Puebla (CONCYTEP)
Dr. Carlos Karam Quiñones
Director of the General Coordination for the Promotion of Scientific Research and Innovation of the state of Sinaloa (CONFÍE)
Dr. Darwin Mayorga Cruz
Director of the Council of Scientific Research and Technological Development of the state of Veracruz (COVEICYDET)