RISE 2019 Conference

Dr. José A. Molina Cotto is a full faculty of the Biology Department at the University of Puerto Rico in Cayey. He has a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI and a post-doc from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. He has carried out research on snake venom resistance, monoclonal antibody production, and directed mutagenesis in the biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines. At the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey he has held important administrative positions such as Chair of the Biology Department, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Dean of Academic Affairs. He has participated in relevant institutional committees among which are the Student Enrollment Committee and Student Academic Progress Committee. He is currently liaison of the Middle State Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), as well as, Interim Director of the Business Administration Department and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. During Hurricane Maria, Dr. Molina served as Interim Chancellor at the University of Puerto Rico in Cayey, leading the efforts to rebuild and restore administrative and academic activities. The reconstruction strategy used at Cayey was based on leadership empowerment and effective communication with the institution employees, who were totally committed and fostered community resiliency.