Dr. Corrales' top-of-the-line education belies his humble upbringing. He graduated from MIT, then went on to earn his master's and doctoral degrees in chemistry from the University of California-San Diego. He is now an associate professor in material sciences and chemistry at the University of Arizona.
He previously had a 15-year stay in Washington with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for which he served as chief scientist for several years. At the University of Arizona, Corrales researches computational materials chemistry, the study of chemistry on the surfaces of materials. His work could lead to the further development of radiation detectors and optical materials.
In addition to his research and published studies, Corrales is having another impact, more immediate and closer to home. He becomes a role model for young Latinos who dream of becoming scientists and for those who have been told they are not capable of finding success in a science classroom and laboratory. His example will be magnified in high schools like Sunnyside, Cholla, Tucson, Pueblo, Amphi and other Arizona schools where young ethnic-minority students can find inspiration from Corrales.
"I embrace it," Corrales said of his dual role in the community — UA scientist and barrio poster boy for academic success.
His success was rooted in his parents' loving dreams and insistence that he pursue a higher education. His parents exposed Corrales and his two older siblings to places such as Kitt Peak and the UA's planetarium.
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