Fruto de Borínken (Vase Close-Up)

This piece is a heartfelt homage to the incredible women in my family and the rich culture of Puerto Rico. It captures my deep love for the natural beauty, vibrant music, and passionate spirit that flows through their veins—expressed in our delicious food, lively attitudes, and the immense love they have shared with me. It also evokes the powerful warmth of the midday sun in Puerto Rico, reflecting the essence of our cherished heritage. This work of art is acrylic on canvas.https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/digital-exhibits/1014/thumbnail.jp

Susurros de Borinken

Title translated to, Whispers of Puerto Rico. Created 2025. This work of art is acrylic on canvas, 36” by 24”.https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/digital-exhibits/1059/thumbnail.jp

Effect of Antibiotics in Preventing Borrelia burgdorferi Biofilm Formation

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most prevalent tick-borne illness in the United States, with approximately 500,000 annual diagnoses. Despite antibiotic treatment, B. burgdorferi can persist in the host, often leading to relapses. Its treatment is further complicated by this pathogen’s ability to form biofilms, a morphological form that enhances antibiotic resistance and serves as a defense mechanism. Previous studies have shown that established biofilms are highly resistant to eradication, even at high antibiotic concentrations. While recent therapeutic strategies advocate administering antibiotics after a tick bite to prevent B. burgdorferi biofilm formation, supporting research data remain lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various antibiotics (doxycycline, dapsone, azithromycin, and hygromycin A) in inhibiting biofilm formation in vitro using crystal violet biofilm assays, LIVE/DEAD staining, and subculture assays. The results showed that doxycycline, the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for Lyme disease, and azithromycin, widely used in Europe, demonstrated limited efficacy both against established biofilms and in preventing biofilm formation. Hygromycin A, a B. burgdorferi-specific antibiotic, showed moderate efficacy as a monotherapy but achieved significant results in dual therapy, particularly when combined with dapsone. The combination of hygromycin A and dapsone reduced biofilm mass by nearly 50% and prevented biofilm recovery in subculture assays. These findings suggest that antibiotics used for Lyme disease treatment may be inadequate for addressing B. burgdorferi biofilm formation. This research underscores the importance of early, targeted interventions and highlights the potential of non-standard antibiotics and combination therapies as innovative strategies to combat B. burgdorferi biofilm formation. This study adds to the expanding body of research on Lyme disease treatment, highlighting the urgent need for innovative strategies to address the challenges presented by the bacteria’s adaptive defense mechanisms

Fuerza de Vida

Title translated to Life Force. This work of art is acrylic on canvas, 14.5” by 20.5”. For as long as I can remember, my family’s strong and resilient women have profoundly influenced my perspective and journey through life. For many years, I found it difficult to comprehend my mother’s heart-wrenching decision to leave me behind with my grandfather as a child in the vibrant yet challenging landscape of Puerto Rico. However, her actions became apparent as I delved deeper into her story. I envisioned a young woman fiercely reclaiming her agency, bravely standing against a cycle of abuse, and making the agonizing choice to sacrifice her child in pursuit of her freedom and dignity.https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/digital-exhibits/1053/thumbnail.jp

Fruto de Borínken

This piece is a heartfelt homage to the incredible women in my family and the rich culture of Puerto Rico. It captures my deep love for the natural beauty, vibrant music, and passionate spirit that flows through their veins—expressed in our delicious food, lively attitudes, and the immense love they have shared with me. It also evokes the powerful warmth of the midday sun in Puerto Rico, reflecting the essence of our cherished heritage. This work of art is acrylic on canvas.https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/digital-exhibits/1013/thumbnail.jp

The Movement

This work of art is colored pencil and acrylic highlights on mixed media paper, 18” by 24”. This artwork captures the powerful essence of women from diverse cultures worldwide, uniting in a vibrant display of strength and solidarity. It depicts their courageous struggle to assert their rights and embrace their individuality, breaking free from the constraints that society has traditionally imposed upon them. The piece symbolizes a profound sense of unity woven together with threads of love, resilience, and empowerment. Each figure radiates determination, reflecting the unique stories and journeys of women who boldly carve their own paths and claim their rightful place in the world.https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/digital-exhibits/1065/thumbnail.jp

Yemaya

Created 2025. This work of art is shells, epoxy, and mixed media on board. Yemaya, the orisha of the sea, considered a mother figure in Yoruba mythology.https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/digital-exhibits/1069/thumbnail.jp

Sustento del Espíritu (Triptych - Left)

Title translated to, Sustenance of the Spirit. Created 2025. This work of art is part of a triptych, acrylic on canvas.https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/digital-exhibits/1060/thumbnail.jp

Sustento del Espíritu (Triptych)

Title translated to, Sustenance of the Spirit. Created 2025. This work of art is a triptych, acrylic on canvas.https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/digital-exhibits/1063/thumbnail.jp

Unnamed (2025)

Created 2025. This work of art is acrylic and mixed media on canvas with epoxy resin.https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/digital-exhibits/1067/thumbnail.jp