International student JP Romero came to FSU’s Tallahassee campus to expand his research in biomedical engineering. Romero intends to use his research to give back to his community in Panama by developing more accessible healthcare devices for deadly diseases. (FSU Communications)
Florida State University Panamanian engineering student researches to help those with life-threatening diseases
Jose P. Romero Villalaz came to the joint college quite accomplished: he’s a polyglot (speaks four languages), plays guitar, tuba and futbol (soccer), and is an international student who was born in Panama and lived in Costa Rica. Now he can add biomedical device researcher to his impressive accomplishments list.
As part of the FSU Student Star series, the biomedical engineering undergraduate student answered a few questions about his time at the university and the college before he graduates in Spring 2025.
What made you choose FSU?
FSU offered me a unique opportunity to study biomedical engineering abroad in the United States. I studied at FSU’s Republic of Panama campus and came to Tallahassee on the 2+2 scholarship. This scholarship allowed me to fulfill my dream of studying abroad at a more affordable price. The biomedical engineering program at FSU through the joint college was a huge draw for me. I wanted an engineering degree that would expose me to various diverse fields, and I can gladly say that my expectations have been met throughout my time in the program.
What was an influential academic experience you had at FSU?
I have been researching microfluidics and arterial thrombosis for a year as part of Assistant Professor Z. Leonardo Liu’s lab. We have been developing biofunctional microfluidic devices that can serve as point-of-care diagnosis tools to guide clinical decisions. As a recipient of an IDEA Grant, I worked on the development and efficiency of 3D-printed microfluidic chips. Three-dimensional printing opens the possibility of establishing a lower cost that can help scale up the production of these chips.
“FSU offered me a unique opportunity to study abroad in the United States.”
My research about arterial thrombosis has the potential to help millions, as cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of death in the United States. Developing affordable devices that can be useful as diagnostic tools and tailored for individual tendencies is a step in dealing with such a massive issue.
How have you engaged in community service?
While volunteering as a research assistant under Carmenza Spadafora at INDICASAT-AIP (Insituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología – Asociación de Interés Público), a scientific research and technology institute in Panama, I was able to lead a project to study the magnetic properties of the parasite responsible for causing malaria. While at her laboratory, I conducted experiments with magnetic coils to study their effects on parasites. This was an opportunity to give back to my community in Panama, as this disease remains prevalent in the country.
My malaria research has been part of an ongoing effort to study diseases affecting populations with less funding. In such cases, I must continue my work to help all affected people and reduce the disease and economic burden in the affected countries.
When he’s not in the lab or studying, Romero Villalaz might be playing his favorite video game, 3 Sentinels: Aegis Rim.
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