This document is a resume for Francisco J. Pedraza III, who is pursuing a PhD in Physics from the University of Texas at San Antonio with an expected graduation date of May 2017. His dissertation focuses on the synthesis and application of biocompatible multifunctional nanoparticles in medical diagnostics and therapy. He has extensive experience in nanoparticle synthesis and characterization techniques. Pedraza also has a strong record of research, publications, presentations, leadership, teaching, and community service.

1. Francisco Javier Pedraza III
11707 Vance Jackson Rd. Apt. 1808, San Antonio, TX 78230
(210) 428-9320 • pedraza.fco@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-pedraza
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Pursue a research career focused on the development and characterization of innovative multifunctional
materials in addition to cutting-edge manufacturing processes of said materials.
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy in Physics Expected Graduation: May 2017
The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
 Cumulative GPA – 3.85
 Dissertation: Synthesis of Biocompatible and Multifunctional Nanoparticles and its Application in Medical
Diagnostics and Therapy.
 Relevant Coursework: Classical Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics,
Computational Biophysics, Nonlinear Optics and Lasers, Biomedical Imaging, Advanced Microscopy,
Nanoscience, LabView, Nanomaterials, Solid State Physics, Scientific Writing.
Bachelors of Science in Physics Graduated: May 2012
The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
 Cumulative GPA – 3.39
 Relevant Coursework: Modern Optics, Molecular Biophysics, Lasers: Theory and Applications, Materials
Science, Thermal Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Graduate Research Assistant August 2012 - Present
University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
 Participated and led various projects with a focus on the development and use of novel lanthanide-based
nanomaterials in medical diagnostics and therapy. Projects required the synthesis of nanoparticles and
systematic characterization utilizing spectroscopy techniques, which includes absorption, emission, and
decay measurements, quantum efficiency, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition
to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and
x-ray diffraction techniques (XRD). Furthermore, nanoparticle-cell interactions were studied in order to
survey their viability in medicine, utilizing in vitro cytotoxicity measurements and two-photon imaging.
 Synthesis techniques used include solvothermal and thermal decomposition.
 Obtained knowledge and skills in the fields of Optics, Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy,
Transmission electron Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and Cell Culturing.
 Managed laboratory day to day tasks including the purchasing of laboratory supplies and waste disposal.
 Maintained laboratory equipment and inventory.
 Trained and mentored 6 undergraduate students over 4 years.
Teaching Assistant Fall 2012
University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
 Algebra-Based Physics II
 Managed and taught laboratory lectures.
 Subjects covered: Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics.

2. Francisco J. Pedraza – Page 2
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Undergraduate Research Assistant March 2010 – May 2012
University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
 Assisted with synthesis of upconverting nanoparticles, KYb2F7:RE3+
(RE = Er, Tm), and Ag seed covered
BaTiO3. Followed by the characterization using spectroscopy and electron microscopy techniques. Some
of these include absorption, emission, quantum efficiency, decay, scanning electron microscopy, and
transmission electron microscopy.
FELLOWSHIPS, HONORS AND AWARDS
MBRS-RISE Ph.D. Scholar January 2015 - Present
The University of Texas at San Antonio (Ph.D. stipend and full tuition)
MBRS-RISE Supply Grant Awarded November 2016
$2,000 grant for laboratory supplies and equipment usage
The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Bridge to the Doctorate
Program Scholar Jan. 2013 – Dec. 2014
Ph.D. Student Scholar, University of Texas at San Antonio (Ph.D. stipend and full tuition)
Graduate Student Professional Development Award Spring 2014
The University of Texas at San Antonio, Graduate School
Best Student Poster Presentation October 2013
University of Texas at San Antonio College of Science Research Conference
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
1. Pedraza, F.J., Julio, Avalos J.C., Yust, B.G., Tsin, A., and Sardar, D.K., “Effect of surface coating
of KYb2F7:Tm3+
on optical properties and biomedical applications,” Nanotechnology 27(38), 385601
(2016).
2. Shi, Y., Pramanik, A., Tchounwou, C., Pedraza, F., Crouch, R.A., Chavva, S.R., Vangara, A., Sinha,
S.S., Jones, S., Sardar, D., Hawker, C., and Ray, P.C., “Multifunctional Biocompatible Graphene
Oxide Quantum Dots Decorated Magnetic Nanoplatform for Efficient Capture and Two-Photon
Imaging of Rare Tumor Cells,” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 7, 10935–10943 (2015).
3. Kanchanapally, R., Viraka Nellore, B.P., Sinha, S.S., Pedraza, F., Jones, S.J., Pramanik, A., Chavva,
S.R., Tchounwou, C., Shi, Y., Vangara, A., Sardar, D., and Ray, P.C., “Antimicrobial peptide-
conjugated graphene oxide membrane for efficient removal and effective killing of multiple drug
resistant bacteria,” RSC Adv. 5, 18881-18887 (2015).
4. Obregon, I., Betts-Obregon, B.S., Yust, B., Pedraza, F., Ortiz, A., Sardar, D.K., and Tsin, A., "Effect
of Silver Coating on Barium Titanium Oxide Nanoparticle Toxicity", Advanced Materials Research,
Vol. 787, 44-407 (2013).
5. Mimun, L.C., Kumar, G.A., Pokhrel, M., Yust, B.G., Elliott, Z.G. , Pedraza, F., Dhanale, A., Tang,
L., Lin, A.L., Dravid, V.P., and Sardar, D.K., "Bimodal Imaging Using Neodymium Doped

3. Francisco J. Pedraza – Page 3
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Gadolinium Fluoride Nanocrystals with Near-Infrared to Near-Infrared Downconversion
Luminescence and Magnetic Resonance Properties", J. Mater. Chem. B, Vol. 1, 5702-5710 (2013).
6. Yust, B.G., Razavi, N., Elliott, Z.G., Pedraza, F., Tsin, A.T., and Sardar, D.K., "Enhancement of
nonlinear optical properties of BaTiO3 nanoparticles by the addition of silver seeds", Optics Express,
Vol. 20, 26511-26520 (2012).
CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION
1. F.J. Pedraza, Chris Rightsell, G.A. Kumar, Jay Giulliani, C. Monton, and D.K. Sardar,
“NaGdF4:Nd3+
/Yb3+
Multifunctional nanoparticles in Medical Imaging,” 2016 San Antonio
Nanotechnology Forum Symposium, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX,
November 16th
, 2016.
2. F.J. Pedraza, Chris Rightsell, G.A. Kumar, Jay Giulliani, C. Monton, and D.K. Sardar,
“NaGdF4:Nd3+
/Yb3+
Nanoparticles as Multimodal Contrast Imaging Agents,” 2016 UTSA College of
Sciences Research Conference, San Antonio, TX, October 7th
, 2016.
3. Invited Presentation: F.J. Pedraza, “Medical Applications of Nanotechnology,” Nanotechnology
Seminar, Northwest Vista College, San Antonio, Texas, November 11th
, 2015.
4. F.J. Pedraza, J. Avalos, A. Tsin, and D. Sardar, “Surface Modification Effects on Optical Properties
and Cytotoxicity,” 2015 UTSA College of Science Conference, San Antonio, Texas, October 29th
,
2015.
5. F.J. Pedraza, G.A. Kumar, J.Y. Ye, and D.K. Sardar, “Lanthanide Nanoparticles as Multimodal
Imaging Contrast Agents,” 2015 SACNAS National Conference, Washington DC, October 24th
,
2015.
6. F.J. Pedraza, J.C. Avalos, A. Tsin, and D.K. Sardar, “Optical Properties and Cellular Interaction
Effects by Nanoparticle Surface Modification,” 2015 Materials Research Day at The University of
Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, August 24th
, 2015.
7. F.J. Pedraza, B.G. Yust, J. Avalos, A. Tsin, and D.K. Sardar, “Cell Interaction Effects due to
Surface Coatings on Highly Fluorescent Nanoparticles,” Texas Academy of Science 2015, University
of Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, March 7th
, 2015.
8. F.J. Pedraza, G.A. Kumar, L.C. Mimun, J.Y. Ye, and D.K. Sardar, "Application of near infrared
sensitive multifunctional nanophosphors in optical and photoacoustic imaging," American Physical
Society Meeting, San Antonio, Texas, March 2-6, 2015.
9. F.J. Pedraza, B. Yust, J. Avalos, A. Tsin, and D. Sardar, “Effects of Nanoparticle Surface Chemistry
on Optical Properties and Cellular Interaction,” SPIE West BiOS, San Francisco, California,
February 9th
, 2015.
10. F.J. Pedraza, B.G. Yust, J. Avalos, A. Tsin, and D.K. Sardar, “Effects of Nanoparticle Surface
Chemistry on Optical Properties and Cellular Interaction,” 2014 National Institute on Minority
Health and Health Disparities, National Harbor, Maryland, December 2nd
, 2014.

4. Francisco J. Pedraza – Page 4
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11. F.J. Pedraza, J. Avalos, B.G. Yust, A. Tsin, and D.K. Sardar, “Cell Interaction Effects due to
Surface Coatings on Highly Fluorescent Nanoparticles,” College of Science Conference, University
of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, October 3rd
, 2014.
12. F.J. Pedraza, B. Yust, B. O’Grady, M. Gdovin, and D. Sardar, “Photodynamic Therapy Utilizing
Lanthanide-Doped Upconverting Nanoparticles,” XXIII International Materials Research Congress,
Cancun, Mexico, August 20th
, 2014.
13. Invited Presentation: F.J. Pedraza, “Rare-Earth Nanoparticles Used for Medical Diagnostics and
Treatment,” Nanotechnology Seminar, Northwest Vista College, San Antonio, Texas, May 7th
, 2014.
14. F.J. Pedraza, B. Yust, A. Tsin, and D. Sardar, “NIR to NIR Upconversion in KYb2F7: RE3+
(RE =
Tm, Er) Nanoparticles for Biological Imaging,” Fifth Annual Frontiers of Translational Science
Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, April 16th
,
2014.
15. F.J. Pedraza, B. Yust, A. Tsin, and D. Sardar, “NIR to NIR upconversion in KYb2F7: RE3+
(RE =
Tm, Er) nanoparticles for biological imaging,” San Antonio Nano-Technology Forum, University of
Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, February 21st
, 2014.
16. F.J. Pedraza, B. Yust, A. Tsin, and D. Sardar, “NIR to NIR upconversion in KYb2F7: RE3+
(RE =
Tm, Er) nanoparticles for biological imaging,” SPIE West BiOS, San Francisco, California, February
4th
, 2014.
17. F.J. Pedraza, B. Yust, A. Rodriguez, A. Tsin, C. Witt, and D. Sardar, “Rare-Earth Doped
Nanoparticles As Contrast Agents,” College of Science Conference, University of Texas at San
Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, October 5th
, 2013.
18. F.J. Pedraza, M. Pokhrel, G. A. Kumar, and D. K. Sardar, “Spectroscopic Properties of Nd:YAG
Nanoparticles.” NSF PREM Site Visit, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas,
October 13th
, 2011.
19. F.J. Pedraza, E. Khachatryan, R. Dennis, K. Nash, and D. Sardar, “Temperature Dependencies of
Linewidths, Positions, and Line Shifts of Spectral Transitions of Trivalent Neodymium Ions in
Ceramic Nd3+
: Y2O3.” The 2010 Fall Meeting of the Texas Section of the APS, AAPT, and SPS, The
University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, October 22nd
, 2010.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Society of Physics Students
Graduate Society of Physics Students
Sigma Pi Sigma – Physics National Honor Society
American Physical Society
Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
National Society of Hispanic Physicists
Texas Academy of Science

5. Francisco J. Pedraza – Page 5
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LEADERSHIP
Vice President August 2014 - Present
Graduate Society of Physics Students, University of Texas at San Antonio
President August 2011 - May 2012
Society of Physics Students, University of Texas at San Antonio
President March 2011 - August 2011
Sigma Pi Sigma - Physics Honor Society, University of Texas at San Antonio
Public Relations Officer August 2010 – May 2011
Society of Physics Students, University of Texas at San Antonio
STUDENT MENTORSHIP
Marissa Hunter Spring 2015
High School Science Fair
 Research focus: How Silver Nanoparticles Affect Biological Waste Water Treatment System
 Competed in regional and international science fair competitions.
 Helped with the research project, provided feedback, and suggestions.
Julio Avalos Summer 2014
LS-AMP CIMA Undergraduate Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio
 Research focus: Synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles for the use in NIR fluorescence
imaging.
 Currently completing his bachelor’s degree in physics at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He
is researching the use of nanoparticles in biomedical imaging under the direction of Dr. Dhiraj K.
Sardar.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Tutor at the San Antonio Center for Refugee Services 2012 - Present
Tutored and mentored elementary through high school students in math and science
Science Fair Judge December 2016
John Jay High School Annual Science Fair, San Antonio, TX
Elementary Science Fair Judge November 2016
Fabra Elementary School, Boerne, TX
Fabra Elementary Physics Career Day October 2016
Led physics demonstration and physics career information sessions at Fabra Elementary School, Boerne,
TX
State Science Fair Judge March 2016
Exxon Mobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair, San Antonio, TX

6. Francisco J. Pedraza – Page 6
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Student Manager Fall 2014
Helped decide content and managed meetings for the Sloan Program for Exceptional Mentoring
Speaker Fall 2014
Graduate student panel during the Physics and Astronomy Department welcoming to incoming students
Session Leader Spring 2014
Managed sessions for the Department of Physics Nanoday Program at the University of Texas at San
Antonio
State Science Fair Judge March 2014
Exxon Mobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair, San Antonio, TX
Invited Speaker Spring 2014
RISE/MARC Graduate Spring Panel
Invited Speaker Summer 2013
RISE/MARC Summer Research Bootcamp Graduate Panel
Invited Speaker Spring 2013
Society of Physics Students Graduate Panel
Invited Speaker Spring 2013
Pre-freshman Engineering Program Graduate Panel
State Science Fair Judge March 2013
Exxon Mobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair, San Antonio, TX
Judge Spring 2013
RISE/MARC Graduate Spring Panel
Tour Guide Spring 2013
Stinson Middle School Laboratories Tour
State Science Fair Judge March 2012
Exxon Mobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair, San Antonio, TX
Invited Speaker Fall 2012
Society of Physics Students Graduate Panel
Session Leader Spring 2012
Managed sessions for the Department of Physics Nanoday Program at the University of Texas at San
Antonio
Session Leader Fall 2011
Managed sessions for the Department of Physics Nanoday Program at the University of Texas at San
Antonio
References are available upon request.