Interview with Santiago
Graduate of QSI El Tigre Class of 2014

Santiago graduated from QSI International School of El Tigre in 2014 and went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Houston, where he completed his studies in 2018, graduating Magna Cum Laude and at the top of his class. He continued into graduate school under the mentorship of Dr. Konrad J. Krakowiak, focusing on the experimental mechanics of cement-based materials at the microscale. After earning his PhD in December 2024, Santiago joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a Postdoctoral Associate, where he is currently advancing research on energy-storing, multifunctional concrete.

Santiago, when you think about QSI Tigre, what comes up to your mind?
QSI Tigre is my childhood. It’s where so many of my core memories were formed—memories that still bring an instant smile to my face. It was a place that encouraged me to explore my academic interests, leaving a lasting impression and undoubtedly shaping who I am today. It gave me lifelong friendships, a sense of belonging, and some of the most inspiring mentors I’ve ever had. It will always feel like home.