Grantsmanship, Professional & Leadership and Workforce Development
Specialized
Higher Equity, LLC
Vision & Mission
Vision: SHE will lead the Island of PR into reforming education to accelerate grantsmanship, professional & leadership and workforce development.
Mission: SHE has the mission to empower Puerto Ricans to form a community of practice to reform education and competitively apply for local and external funds.
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Transforming Education and Professional Development
At Specialized Higher Equity (SHE), we are committed to driving learning and innovation through workshops and certifications designed for educators and professionals across various fields. Our expertise and dedication have been recognized by major organizations, enabling us to offer unique programs that make a difference.
Why Choose Us?
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Our team has led National Science Foundation-funded conferences: We developed and organized the HEARTS 2.0 Conference for workforce development (Puerto Rican Higher Education Assembly of Researchers, Thriving not Just Surviving), specifically designed for faculty members aiming to strengthen their grant-writing skills and enhance their ability to secure research funding.
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Our team has developed a Certification in Industrial Biotechnology: Funded by the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce, we created the “Going Up and Down in Bioprocessing” certification. This stackable certification focuses on Industrial Biotechnology with an emphasis on Pharmacology and Therapeutics, preparing participants with practical and advanced skills for the growing biotechnology sector. We developed the curriculum in Bioprocess and Pharmacology, and the Laboratory facilities at the Bioprocess center in C3tec in Caguas.
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Innovative workshops on Artificial Intelligence for educators: We offer the workshop “Artificial Intelligence for Educators: Designing Effective Prompts,” a hands-on and dynamic experience that equips teachers with the tools to leverage AI technologies like ChatGPT, optimizing their interactions and enriching the teaching-learning process.
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Biotechnology and bioprocess workshops for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries: We design specialized training programs for industry personnel, focusing on bioprocesses, regulations, pharmacology, and therapeutic agents. These workshops are tailored to enhance staff knowledge, optimize productivity, and ensure compliance in highly regulated environments.
At SHE, we are dedicated to fostering academic, professional, and technological excellence. With the support of renowned institutions, we provide updated, relevant, and transformative content to help you reach the next level in your career.
Ready to Transform Your Future?
Contact us today to learn how our programs can help you achieve your goals.
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© 2024 by La Pauta Media Group to SHE
Dr. Lilliam Casillas Martínez has been a professor in the Biology Department over the last 26 years at University of Puerto Rico-Humacao. She has received more than 6 million dollars in federal funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes (HHMI), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Education, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and US Department of Agriculture among others. Doctor Casillas is an influential scholar and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education, particularly through an anti-racist lens that addresses colorism, colonialism, and the Latinx experience. She is committed to decolonizing STEM by celebrating Latinx heritage and fostering a critical examination of diversity initiatives within academic institutions. Dr. Casillas Martínez’s work emphasizes the power of collaborative solutions and incorporates strategic marketing techniques for educational programs. She has also been trained in program evaluation aiming to enhance student transitions in STEM pathways and such experience has allowed her to become a member of several national boards like the one of the Biointeractive Program in HHMI and the Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) STEM National Reform. She is also a Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education (PULSE) fellow, where she actively works to catalyze change at the departmental level by aligning faculty work with goals for systemic transformation. Her initiatives reflect a commitment to sustainable change, which she approaches through interdisciplinary partnerships and a dedication to broadening participation in STEM, creating more inclusive environments for underrepresented communities.
Critical Examination of broadening participation within a particular institution:The Power of collaborative solutions- Tom Wolff, Community Partners.
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How to market your educational product, - Joy Lindsey, Marketing Consultant
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Equal Measure: Program evaluations to improve students transitions - Raymond Mc Ghee and Bilal Taylor.
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Acheiving the dream with a focus on systemic change- Ryan Kelsey, Acheiving the Dream
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PULSE: Catalyzing change at the departmental level.
1. Zemaitis J, G. Arias, A. Boyce, G. Garcia, K. Alicea, J. Vedrine and L. Casillas-Martinez. Development and validation of a climate survey for a Hispanic-Serving Institution. In Press. J. of Latinos and Education.
2. Casillas-Martínez, L, M. Franco, R. Carrasquillo and W. González-Espada. 2023. UnpackingRacism Among Puerto Rican Scientists: Intersectionality of Colorism, Colonialism, and the Intersectionality of Colorism, Culture of Science Colonialism, and the J. of Latinos and Education, 22 (2): 10.1080/15348431.2023.2184370
3. Marvasi, M., L. Casillas, A. Vassallo, D. Purchase. 2021. Educational Activities for Students and Citizens Supporting the One-Health Approach on Antimicrobial Resistance. Antibiotics. 10, 1519: https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10121519
4.Casillas-Martinez, L. 2020. Strategies to Foster Latinx Inclusion in Microbiology Programs. J. Microbiol. Biol. Edu. 21(1): https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.v21i1.2077
5.Casillas-Martinez, L. and W. Gonzalez–Espada. 2019. Cybernetic Girls can be Pinky: Strategies to recruit and retain Latinas into STEM in the context of Faculty-to-Student Empowerment. In Culturally Responsive Strategies for Reforming STEM higher Education: Turing the TIDES on Inequity, p. 33-51. Emerald Publishing Limited. (Mack K, K. Winter and M. Soto, Eds). DOI:10.1108/978-1-78743-405-920191003.
6. Perito B., L. Casillas and M. Marvasi. 2018. Factors Affecting Formation of Large Calcite Crystals (≥1 mm) in Bacillus subtilis 168 Biofilm, Geomicrobiology Journal, 35:5, 385-391, DOI: 10.1080/01490451.2017.1377788 7. Sills, J. et.al. 2017. E-letter. Prejudgment Call. Science. Vol. 355, Issue 6320, pp. 22-23, DOI: 10.1126/science.355.6320.22
8. Marvasi, M., Casillas-Santiago L. and L. Casillas-Martinez. 2016. Involvement of etfA gene during CaCO3 precipitation in Bacillus subtilis biofilm. Geomicrobiol. J. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01490451.2016.1248254
9. Mack, K, Soto. M., L. Casillas-Martinez and Mac Cormark E. F. 2015.Toward Achieving Equity for Woman in Computing: The imperative of Critical Pedagogical Reform. Gender Equity in Education. Association of American Colleges and Universities. 18:8-10. https://www.aacu.org/diversitydemocracy/2015/spring/mack
10. Marvasi M., Y. Davila and L. Casillas-Martinez. 2013. Laboratory activity to effectively teach Introductory Geomicrobiology concepts to Non-Geology majors. J. of Microbiol. and Biol. Education. 14: 206-212. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3867758/
11. Marvasi M, K.L., Gallagher, L. Casillas-Martinez and P.T. Visscher. 2012. Importance of B4 medium in determining organomineralization potential of bacterial environmental isolates. Geomicrobiol. J.29:916–924. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01490451.2011.636145#.VV4WCblFC70
12. Marvasi M, P.T., Visscher and L. Casillas-Martinez. 2010. Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) from Bacillus subtilis: polysaccharides polypeptides, and genes coding for their synthesis. FEMS Microbiology Letter, 313:1-9.
13. Marvasi M., P.T. Visscher, B. Perito, and L. Casillas-Martinez. 2010. Physiological requirements for carbonate precipitation during biofilm development of B. subtilis etfA mutant. FEMS Microbiol. Ecol. 71:341-350. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20059546
14. Visscher P.T., C. Dupraz, O. Braissant, K.L. Gallagher, C. Glunk, L. Casillas and R.E.S. Reed. 2010. Microbial Mats: Modern and Ancient Microorganisms in Stratified Systems, In: Cellular Origin, Life in Extreme Habitats and Astrobiology. J. Skeckbach and Oren A. (Eds). 14:443-468.
15. Hernandez B. and L. Casillas-Martinez. 2009. Design and Assessment of an Introductory Geomicrobiology Course for non-Geology students. J. of Geoscience Education. Vol. 57, No.1. http://dx.doi.org/10.5408/1.3544225
16. Rios-Velazquez C., L. Casillas-Martínez and P.T. Visscher. 2007. Learning Geomicrobiology as a team using microbial mats; a multidisciplinary approach. J. of Microbiol. and Biol. Education. 1:28-35. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3577146/
17. Cantrell, S., M. Molina and L. Casillas-Martinez. 2006. Halophilic fungi from the Cabo Rojo Salterns. Mycological Research. 110: 962-970. doi:10.1016/j.mycres.2006.06.005
18. Casillas-Martinez, L., et al. 2005. Interrelations among communities, physiological structure and resulting mineralogy in the hypersaline mats of the Cabo Rojo salterns. Geomicrobiol. J. 22: 269-81.2. DOI:10.1080/01490450500182672.
19. Casillas-Martinez L., A. Driks, B. Setlow and P. Setlow. 2000. Lack of a significant role for the PerR regulator in Bacillus subtilis spore resistance, FEMS Microbiology Letters, 188: 203– 208. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-6968.2000.tb09194.x
20. Basat N. A. Herbig, L. Casillas-Martinez and J. Helmann. 1998. Bacillus subtilis contains multiple Fur homologues: Identification of the iron uptake (Fur) and peroxide regulon (PerR) repressors. Molecular Microbiol. 29(1):189-98. DOI10.1046/j.1365-2958.1998.00921.x
21. Casillas-Martinez, L., and P. Setlow. 1997. Alkyl hydroperoxide reductase, catalase, MrgA, and superoxide dismutase are not involved in resistance of Bacillus subtilis spores to heat and oxidizing agents. J. Bacteriol. 179:7420-7425.
Lilliam Casillas Martínez, Ph.D.
Summary of Certifications at C3Tec through DDEC
Bioprocess Certifications
Thanks to the BioInnovate 21st Century Technical and Business Education Fund grant from the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce, Specialized Higher Equity LLC (SHE), in collaboration with C3Tec, offered certification programs at its facilities in Caguas under the program Going Up and Down in Bioprocessing a stackable Industrial Biotechnology certification pathway with an emphasis on Pharmacology and Therapeutics designed by SHE.
Upstream Processing Certification
The Upstream Processing certification is the first phase of the Going Up and Down in Bioprocessing program. It was aimed at professionals, undergraduate students, high school graduates, and displaced workers who wanted to strengthen their skills in the initial stages of cell culture and biotechnological production.
This certification was created by Dr. Lilliam Casillas, is protected by copyright, and all rights are reserved. Since 2000, it has been offered in 12 cycles at the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao. To offer it at C3Tec, a new course syllabus was designed and completed, including objectives, thematic content, teaching methodologies, hands-on activities, laboratory experiences, evaluation criteria, and a weekly time distribution.
The certification lasts 8 weeks for a total of 50 hours. Many applications were received, and the first cohort of 20 participants was selected, achieving a 100 percent retention and graduation rate. Academic performance and participation were monitored through an interactive KPI Tracker designed to measure content effectiveness and student progress.
Downstream Processing Certification
The Downstream Processing certification is the second phase of the program and focuses on the purification, separation, and conditioning stages of biotechnological products.
This certification was also created by Dr. Lilliam Casillas, is protected by copyright, and all rights are reserved. Since 2000, it has been offered in 12 cycles at the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao. To offer it at C3Tec, a new course syllabus was designed and completed, including objectives, thematic content, teaching methodologies, hands-on activities, laboratory experiences, evaluation criteria, and a weekly time distribution. This certification also consists of 8 weeks and a total of 50 hours.
This second course also achieved a 100 percent retention and graduation rate, reinforcing the effectiveness of the academic model. The KPI Tracker was updated with the number of students trained in Upstream Processing and those enrolled in and graduating from Downstream Processing, demonstrating that the goal of training at least 20 students per phase was met. At the same time, equipment and materials were acquired to strengthen the laboratory and support the practical experiences of this course.
Pharmacology and Therapeutics Certification
The third phase of the program offers a specialized certification in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, which complements the Upstream and Downstream Processing certifications.
This certification was created by Dr. Millie L. González, is protected by copyright, and all rights are reserved. It is designed so that participants understand the effects of drugs on the body, safety principles, dosage, the use of artificial intelligence in drug design, and the regulatory context of the biopharmaceutical industry.
The syllabus for the pharmacology of biotechnological products was completed, including objectives, content, methodologies, and evaluation criteria, providing a clear guide for implementation. The program set a goal of 20 students enrolled in this certification, and that goal was achieved. In total, 60 participants completed certificates across the full bioprocessing program. The acquisition of equipment and materials specific to this phase ensured that learning experiences were aligned with the current needs of the biopharmaceutical industry.
Summer Camps Ups and Downs Summer Camp
The Ups and Downs Summer Camp was an intensive experience for students in grades 9th through 12th, designed to introduce them to the world of bioprocessing through practical activities and laboratory experiments. The camp was offered in two summer sessions, from June 23 to June 27 and from July 7 to July 11, 2025.
Many applications were received for the first offering, demonstrating strong student interest. The camp reached its goal of serving 60 high school students by integrating workshops, laboratory experiences, leadership development, and career guidance in life sciences.
JEDI Mentoring Program
The JEDI Mentoring Program complemented the technical certifications and camps through mentoring activities and STEM career exploration for students in grades 9th through 12th. Through this component, approximately 400 students were reached through sessions at the interactive C3Tec museum and its theater.
Highlighted activities included the celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and the Codepillars 2025 gathering, which featured a discussion with Dr. Esther Alegría, a biotechnology professional from the BioPharma industry. These experiences connected participants with STEM role models and reinforced their interest in scientific and technological careers.
Achievements, Infrastructure, and Industry Connections
The program has met the milestones established in the agreement with DDEC in a structured way, demonstrating effective use of resources and the academic progress of the cohorts. A functional website for the Technological Immersion initiative was developed and launched, along with a marketing campaign and promotional materials directed at both professionals and high school students.
The purchase of equipment and materials and the preparation of the laboratory were completed, resulting in a fully operational space with stations ready for the Upstream, Downstream, and Pharmacology and Therapeutics courses, as well as for the summer camp. In addition, an educational visit was coordinated to the Amgen facilities in Juncos, where participants learned about real biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes and met with the recruitment team, strengthening the program’s connection with industry.
Participants also visited the BioMed Innovation Laboratory (BIL) in the Department of Pharmacology at the UPR Medical Sciences Campus, which focuses on innovative applications of advanced technologies in biomedical and pharmacological studies. Taken together, these actions positioned Specialized Higher Equity and C3Tec as a key hub for iinovation, talent development in Puerto Rico’s biotechnology and life sciences sector.
Millie Lee González Laboy, Ph.D.
Dr. Millie L. González Laboy is an associate professor in the Biology and Microbiology programs, and also teaches courses in the master's program in Biology with a specialty in Molecular Biotechnology. She has a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology and has a doctoral degree in Biomedical Sciences with a specialty in Pharmacology, from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus.
With more than 20 years of research experience in Microbiology, Nanomedicine and anti-cancer agents, Dr. González currently leads innovative projects in nanotechnology with biomedical applications. As a mentor, she has guided numerous students in their roles as research assistants and on their paths toward careers in Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, and graduate studies in Biomedical Sciences.
Her commitment to education and professional development extends through offering workshops and conferences on topics such as Nanotechnology, antimicrobial agents and cancer therapies. She has been a featured speaker at the Annual Convention of the College of Chemists of Puerto Rico since 2013, and has participated in various scientific conferences.
Additionally, Dr. González has offered workshops at the university level on active learning and has collaborated by offering workshops to elementary and middle school teachers on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) topics. She holds certification from the Summer Institute on Undergraduate Education from the National Academies and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, focused on active learning, mentoring, diversity, and science education.
Additional Certifications and Recent Achievements:
University of California, Irvine: Certification in Fundamentals of Management, 2019.
Fielding Graduate University: Leadership Continuing Education Certification, 2023.
3Q Institute, London, England: 3Q (Coefficients) Essentials in Spiritual Intelligence Certification, June 2024.
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Certifications:
Initial Biosafety Training
Biosafety/Biosecurity
Conflicts of Interest
Biomedical Science
Artificial Intelligence in education Certification- Inter American University.
Research Study Design (RSD)
Inter American University - Fajardo: Integration of Technology in Active Learning Activities, February 9, 2024.
Inter American University - Fajardo: Microsoft Teams in Anthology Blackboard, February 9, 2024.
Moodle Academy: Introduction to Moodle for Educators Webinar, February 15, 2024.
Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education (PULSE) Ambassador Training Program: Puerto Rico Science Technology and Research Trust, July 8-11, 2024.
Additionally, Dr. González developed the “Inter Med Shadowing Program” at HIMA Fajardo Hospital, which allowed college students to participate in medical internships at a hospital, learning from different doctors during the summer, from 2015 to 2019, with more than 40 participating students.
Currently, Dr. González is part of the SHE company, where she is dedicated to offering workshops and conferences on scientific and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) topics, promoting an inclusive and equitable culture in scientific and academic fields.
Publications:
González, M. L., Visscher, P.T., Nieves-Mendez, D., Hernández, C., and Casillas-Martinez, L., (2002) Physicochemical Conditions and Microbial Abundance of Cabo Rojo Salterns. Proceedings of The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) University of Wisconsin- Whitewater, Whitewater, Wisconsin, April 25-27, 2002.
Casillas-Martinez, L., González, M. L., Fuentes-Figueroa, Z., Castro, C. M., Nieves-Mendez, D., Hernández, C., Ramirez, W., Sytsma, R. E., Perez-Jimenez, J., Visscher, P.T. (2005) Community structure, Geochemical Characteristics and Mineralogy of a Hypersaline Microbial Mat, Cabo Rojo, PR. Geomicrobiology Journal, 22(6), 269-281.
Díaz, A., David, A., Pérez, R., González, M. L., Báez, A., Wark, S., Zhang, P., Clearfield, A., Colón, J. L., (2010). Nanoencapsulation of Insulin into Zirconium Phosphate for Oral Delivery Applications. Journal of American Chemistry Society : Biomacromolecules, 11 (9), 2465-2470
Díaz, A., González, M. L., Pérez, R. J., David, A., Mukherjee, A., Báez, A., Clearfield, A., and Colón, J. L., (2013). Direct intercalation of cisplatin into zirconium phosphate nanoplatelets for potential cancer nanotherapy. Nanoscale, 5 (23), 11456 - 11463.
González, M. L., Zirconium phosphate nanoplatelets: Selective delivery system of anticancer agents to cancer cells. (2013). PhD dissertation, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR.
González, M. L., Ortíz, M., Hernández, C., Cabán, J., Rodríguez, A., Colón, J. L. and Báez, A. (2016). Zirconium Phosphate Nanoplatelet Potential for Anticancer Drug Delivery Applications. Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 16 (1), 117-129.
González M. L. (January 2019). The impact of emigration of physicians on health in Puerto Rico. Magazine El Faro. Inter American University of Puerto Rico- Fajardo. Electronic publication.
Our Team has 7 million in grants from the National Science Foundation, US Department of Agricultures, Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Education. With your ideas we will help you design the proposal of your dreams.
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