1. University of Puerto Rico - Cayey
Department of Natural Sciences
A Whole New Brand of Literature
Juan Enrique Maldonado Weng
RISE Program
Prof. Diaz & Prof. Gonzalez

2. A whole new world was brought to me as I joined the Introduction to Scientific
Literature. Before entering the course, I thought it would take at least a PhD to be able to
understand a scientific research article. When I heard that we would have to collect and read
over five research articles to be able to compose a Research Paper, my head spun but I thought to
myself that this would be the most helpful experience of my career.If I learned how to read and
understand an article, I would be able to develop my ideas properly utilizing articles as a
foundation. My goal was to survive the semester and finish successively.Throughout the
semester of 2012, I worked excruciatingly hard to formulate a review paper and I know I
accomplished my goal!
The RISE program offered 16 of the students from the summer bridge program to take a
course in Scientific Literature. Normally, this course is taken in the third year so I was happy to
know I was in a course ahead of time. I was excited because I also had more time to see the
friends I have made during the summer. I was not thrilled when the hour of the course was
mentioned: Fridays at 2:00 to 5:00. They were not the best hours, but it was part of the
challenge. This course also required participation to every scientific seminar so that we could
summarize properly. This was necessary because it prepared us to listen carefully for main
ideas and relevant facts. For example, a speaker will mention many interesting topics but what is
important for further studies are the scientific terms. This type of focused concentration will
help in future courses because my attention will not derail away from the subject.
The Scientific Literature course also offered us a close encounter with the guest
speakers.We could ask them more questions or get better insightsfrom them. This was also a big
advantage for it was a way to better understand the subject and share personal doubts. It was a
great opportunity to have more time to ask questions and ask about their college

3. experiencesalong with any helpful tips. All these seminars were very interesting yet complex.
The speakers were very helpful in understanding that we were not PhD doctorates and motivated
us to consider the many universities that offer summer programs.
The review paper was one of the hardest papers I have ever worked on. This project
started from the beginning of the semester. The project needed articles to support the main idea
so I was asked to summarize papers in an Annotated Bibliography format. These summaries
would eventually prepare us to write the complete paper. The system of working was very
efficient because, as I worked on the annotated bibliography, I was slowly reaching the final
paper. Once I got to work on it, I realized it was almost complete and all I basically had to do
was add the finishing touches.
Muchwork has been hauled on us and it resulted in many wonderful accomplishments.
This semester has had its “all-nighters”. This semester has also had its “late night ride
home”along with its ups and downs, but they were worth it.It has been a great test of endurance
and strength. I hope to one day express how necessary this course has been through a very finely
executed review paper.