Q&A with Alejandro de la Puente: A Journey Through Physics, Mentorship, and Heritage

Alejandro de la Puente is a high-energy physicist turned public service-oriented professional. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics at Florida International University and a doctorate in physics at the University of Notre Dame. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Society of Physics Students and the first Student Engagement Officer at the American Institute of Physics (AIP).

In this interview, Alejandro de la Puente discusses his journey and inspiration in physics, his research focus, and the role of mentorship in his life. Additionally, he shares how he honors his South American heritage and provides final thoughts on the importance of being welcoming and open, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month.

What along the way inspired you to begin studying physics?
So, a combination of things. One is that I love math. I’m not like a Phillip Price-level mathematician, but I could do it. It was fun. I could do the hard math more than the easy math for some reason, and so I gravitated towards that. Physics courses had to be taken for pre-med because I was pre-med, and Physics 1 sucked. I hated it, not because I didn’t like it, but because I couldn’t do it. Later on, I realized it was just not taught well. I got a B, which for me at the time was like the end of the world.

My inspiration was a combination of liking hard science and meeting people who encouraged me to pursue it. My best friend, whom I met in chemistry, explained that there are questions that cannot be answered through the sciences alone, but you need the sciences to pursue philosophy. He chose physics because he could ask the questions without necessarily answering the how or why. He encouraged me to take a modern physics class, which covered topics like quantum mechanics and special relativity. That class, along with my friend’s encouragement and my love for challenging subjects, solidified my interest in physics.

Can you share what area of research you’re focused on?
I started a PhD program in Florida studying lattice quantum chromodynamics, which deals with the strong interaction between quarks and gluons. Quantum chromodynamics is hard to solve mathematically, so people use a computational approach called the lattice method. This method breaks down continuous space and time into little squares, allowing predictions of different bound states of baryons and mesons.

I later switched to studying nuclear physics and high-energy particle theory, focusing on the Higgs boson, neutrinos, and dark matter. My thesis was on the production of strange particles, which are made of quarks not found in everyday life. Understanding these particles is crucial for experiments in accelerators.

Did you have a mentor, and if so, how has mentorship benefited your personal and professional journey?
I don’t think I had a single mentor. My mom has been a mentor in many ways. In the physics community, which is mostly male, I never felt the need to find a father figure. I’ve had a lot of help from people who believed in me, gave me challenging problems, and put me up for awards. My best friend, Brian Beckford, who is on the TEAM-UP Task Force, has been like a brother and mentor to me. I still call him for advice.

What challenges have you overcome as a Hispanic in the physics community or generally in the United States?
One challenge is not knowing how to look for opportunities. I often found out about scholarships and programs late. Another challenge is dealing with biases and microaggressions related to my accent. Immigrating late means my parents didn’t have time to establish a safety net, so I had to take on responsibilities early. Mental health is another issue; I’ve seen people struggle with it, and there’s a lack of support. Being a support system for my family while navigating my own path has been challenging.

What kind of challenges related to mental health have you seen with your Hispanic students that you’ve worked with or mentored post-COVID-19?
Many students have become less communicative and had to take on family responsibilities due to job losses. However, I’ve also seen a lot of resilience. Students who started during COVID-19 and are now graduating impress me. They often lack healthcare and resources, but they persevere. High school students from underrepresented groups struggle more due to a lack of role models.

Based on your experience, what kinds of collaborations have been useful in increasing the number of Hispanic students choosing to pursue physics?
Programs like the McNair Scholars Program and research experiences have been crucial. Federal funding and programs designed to understand how people learn differently are also important. It’s up to us to ensure these opportunities reach the community equitably. We need to connect high schools to universities and empower students to build coalitions. Exposing students to role models who look like them is vital. I’ve had impactful experiences mentoring students and helping them see their potential.

Do you have any advice for Hispanic students hoping to pursue a degree in physics or astronomy?
Just go for it. Knock on doors, ask for help, and don’t be afraid of rejection. Present yourself well and keep trying. Build a community and surround yourself with people you enjoy being around. Enjoy what you’re doing and make friends for a lifetime. Building coalitions can help you feel protected and supported.

How do you honor your heritage and culture inside and outside of work?
I consider myself South American, not just Peruvian. I honor my heritage by being loud, talking, and playing South American music. I visit ruins in Latin America and mentor students there. I think about the people who came before us and how we can do better. I try to help build a better future for my country. Understanding our history and the resistance of our ancestors is important to me.

Lastly, is there anything else that you would like people to know?
Allow yourself to be known and be welcoming. Getting to know people is more important than just enjoying their food. Strive to understand and connect with others, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month.