Doctoral Chemistry Student Earns GEM Fellowship for Research in Nuclear Forensics and National Security 

From undergraduate researcher to GEM Fellow, a graduate student is building a future in radiochemistry and national security research through UCF. 

Written by: Emily Dougherty | Published: July 13, 2026

Chemistry doctoral student and Graduate Research Assistant Wilfredo Rivera Rodriguez has been selected for the prestigious GEM Fellowship, a nationally recognized graduate fellowship that supports students pursuing advanced degrees in STEM fields and helps develop future leaders in science and engineering. 

For Rivera Rodriguez, receiving the fellowship represents both a major academic achievement and an important step toward a future career in radiochemistry and nuclear forensics research. 

“Receiving the GEM Fellowship is both an incredible honor and a huge source of motivation,” he says. “Personally, it represents years of hard work and the support I’ve received from my family, mentors and professors.” 

The GEM Fellowship provides financial support, mentorship, professional development opportunities and internships with industry partners and national laboratories. It also helps strengthen collaboration between universities, industry and government research institutions. 

Professionally, Rivera Rodriguez says the fellowship validates the path he has pursued while at UCF. 

“It opens doors to work alongside some of the nation’s leading scientists and engineers while pursuing research that can have a meaningful impact,” he says. “It also gives me confidence that I’m on the right path toward a career in research, where I hope to contribute to solving important scientific and national security challenges.” 

After developing an interest in chemistry, he explored different disciplines within the field, and radiochemistry stood out because it combined his interest in chemistry with radioactivity and offered opportunities to address real-world national security challenges.  

“Nuclear forensics especially stood out because it utilizes radiochemistry to answer questions that have real implications for public safety and national security,” he says. “The ability to reconstruct the history of a nuclear material or understand what happened during and after a nuclear event using chemistry is something I find both intellectually challenging and incredibly meaningful.” 

Rivera Rodriguez began conducting research during his very first semester as an undergraduate student after approaching Associate Professor of Chemistry Vasileios Anagnostopoulos and asking to join his laboratory. 

“I was eager to get hands-on experience,” he says. 

That early start provided years of research experience and mentorship from fellow graduate students Lucy Hunley and Austin Burns, helping him develop technical skills and a deeper understanding of the research process. 

“Research isn’t just about getting the right answer,” he says. “It’s about asking good questions, learning from unexpected results, and constantly improving.” 

Those lessons ultimately inspired him to continue at UCF in the chemistry doctoral program and pursue a career centered on scientific research. 

Today, he is further building that experience through an internship at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he works on nuclear forensics and national security chemistry projects. 

His research focuses on understanding the chemistry behind how materials produced during high-temperature nuclear events evolve under extreme conditions to support more accurate forensic analyses. 

“Even small advances in understanding these complex chemical processes can contribute to more accurate forensic analyses and stronger national security capabilities,” he says. 

The experience has also broadened his understanding of how chemistry research impacts society beyond academia. 

“Working at Lawrence Livermore has shown me how fundamental chemistry research can directly support real-world challenges,” he says. “It’s inspiring to see scientists from many different disciplines collaborate on problems that have national and global importance.” 

He credits mentorship as one of the most important factors in his success. Anagnostopoulos encouraged him to apply for the GEM Fellowship and supported him throughout the application process, while UCF alumnus and former GEM recipient David Rai helped guide him through the experience. 

“Their mentorship has been incredibly important,” he says. “Dr. Anagnostopoulos encouraged me to pursue opportunities that I might not have considered on my own and has always challenged me to grow as a researcher.” 

Looking ahead, Rivera Rodriguez hopes to build a career in radiochemistry focused on expanding scientific understanding of chemical processes connected to nuclear events. He says the opportunities provided through GEM have already been invaluable to his development as a researcher. 

He also hopes his experience encourages other students to pursue research opportunities, even if they feel uncertain at first. 

“Don’t underestimate yourself, and don’t wait until you feel completely ready before applying for opportunities,” he says. “Research is about learning, not already knowing everything.” 

Behind the achievement is also a deeply personal journey. 

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Rivera Rodriguez spent half of his life on the island before his parents moved his family to Florida in search of better educational and professional opportunities for their children.  

One of the strongest influences on that passion was his grandfather. He says his grandfather often shared science books with him, sparking the curiosity that eventually led him toward chemistry and scientific research. 

“He recently passed and I wanted to dedicate this to him,” he says. “Looking back, those moments helped shape the path that eventually led me to chemistry, scientific research and where I currently stand today.” 

He hopes his story demonstrates how curiosity, perseverance and embracing new opportunities can lead to unexpected achievements. 

“If sharing my experience encourages even one student, especially someone who comes from a background similar to mine, to pursue research or apply for opportunities like the GEM Fellowship, then that’s something I’m proud of,” Rivera Rodriguez says.