I have known Mario since the 1980s, when we were both physics students at Simón Bolívar University. Mario is characterized by his passion for understanding and explaining in mathematical terms the fundamentals of the physical phenomena he’s dealing with. He has a unique ability to teach himself, which has allowed him to teach a wide range of courses in physics, mathematics and geophysics, from basic to advanced, post-graduate levels. He has served as advisor of dozens of students and undergraduate and graduate levels. Mario is not afraid to start working on a blank sheet of paper, without pre-established ideas, on areas that are unknown to him, such as his recent incursion into the area of data science. Anyone who works with Mario will find in him a reference of a dedicated, rigorous, practical, innovative, honest and pedagogical professional.

Mario is a rare example of a person with deep, yet extensive knowledge across multiple disciplines. His ability to juggle topics in physics, statistics, pure mathematics, data science, and complex systems grants him special insight when working in teams with other skilled people. Additionally, Mario's relaxed interpersonal style is excellent at fostering communication and openness in groups. I believe his skill in creating an open intellectual environment, where ideas can be quickly tested and iterated through is unmatched by anyone else I have met in my career. To top it all off, Mario is a very enthusiastic learner and communicator. His passion is contagious and he's able to digest complex ideas into messages that can be easily understood by others outside his (many) domains of expertise.

I have known Mario since the 1980s, when we were both physics students at Simón Bolívar University. Mario is characterized by his passion for understanding and explaining in mathematical terms the fundamentals of the physical phenomena he’s dealing with. He has a unique ability to teach himself, which has allowed him to teach a wide range of courses in physics, mathematics and geophysics, from basic to advanced, post-graduate levels. He has served as advisor of dozens of students and undergraduate and graduate levels. Mario is not afraid to start working on a blank sheet of paper, without pre-established ideas, on areas that are unknown to him, such as his recent incursion into the area of data science. Anyone who works with Mario will find in him a reference of a dedicated, rigorous, practical, innovative, honest and pedagogical professional.

Mario is a rare example of a person with deep, yet extensive knowledge across multiple disciplines. His ability to juggle topics in physics, statistics, pure mathematics, data science, and complex systems grants him special insight when working in teams with other skilled people. Additionally, Mario's relaxed interpersonal style is excellent at fostering communication and openness in groups. I believe his skill in creating an open intellectual environment, where ideas can be quickly tested and iterated through is unmatched by anyone else I have met in my career. To top it all off, Mario is a very enthusiastic learner and communicator. His passion is contagious and he's able to digest complex ideas into messages that can be easily understood by others outside his (many) domains of expertise.

I have known Mario since the 1980s, when we were both physics students at Simón Bolívar University. Mario is characterized by his passion for understanding and explaining in mathematical terms the fundamentals of the physical phenomena he’s dealing with. He has a unique ability to teach himself, which has allowed him to teach a wide range of courses in physics, mathematics and geophysics, from basic to advanced, post-graduate levels. He has served as advisor of dozens of students and undergraduate and graduate levels. Mario is not afraid to start working on a blank sheet of paper, without pre-established ideas, on areas that are unknown to him, such as his recent incursion into the area of data science. Anyone who works with Mario will find in him a reference of a dedicated, rigorous, practical, innovative, honest and pedagogical professional.

Mario is a rare example of a person with deep, yet extensive knowledge across multiple disciplines. His ability to juggle topics in physics, statistics, pure mathematics, data science, and complex systems grants him special insight when working in teams with other skilled people. Additionally, Mario's relaxed interpersonal style is excellent at fostering communication and openness in groups. I believe his skill in creating an open intellectual environment, where ideas can be quickly tested and iterated through is unmatched by anyone else I have met in my career. To top it all off, Mario is a very enthusiastic learner and communicator. His passion is contagious and he's able to digest complex ideas into messages that can be easily understood by others outside his (many) domains of expertise.