Bison Trailblazers | Christian Díaz-Cáez

by Anna De Cheke Qualls

Aguas Buenas is a small city of about 24,000 in Puerto Rico’s Central Mountain Range. Its name  “good waters” comes from the rivers and natural springs that run through the area.  The city, built on coffee plantations and production, has its own patron saint, festival, flag and amateur baseball team. The regional anthem speaks of people with Raíces firmes que en el pecho laten (“firm roots that beat in the chest”). 

Howard doctoral alum Christian O. Díaz Cáez is un hombre con raíces firmes -- an unwavering spirit that rises and rises. Now a radar imagery scientist with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Díaz Cáez’s passion for science, research and outreach took shape here from an early age, thanks to his family and mentors along the way. 

“My father is a hardworking man, whose numerous sacrifices have enabled me to achieve my goals. His dedication and perseverance motivated me throughout my studies, pushing me to excel even when things became difficult. He has always been the best father in the world, and his unconditional support and sacrifices remain the greatest inspiration of my life,” says Díaz Cáez. 

A product of Aguas Buenas’ public school system, Díaz Cáez is a first-generation college student. His childhood curiosity for mathematics and the natural world followed him to Ana G. Méndez University - Gurabo Campus, formerly known as the Universidad Del Turabo, where he studied electrical engineering.  

“My first internship was a defining moment. I was accepted into Howard’s NCAS summer program to work with NOAA. Those months were life-changing—it was my first time flying out of my hometown, and I did it alone. The first city I visited outside of Puerto Rico was Washington, DC, and the experience was unforgettable. Walking through one of the world's most iconic cities, surrounded by history, technology, and people from all over the globe, felt like stepping into the future. That moment broadened my perspective and made me realize the endless possibilities that lay beyond what I had known,” recalls Díaz Cáez. 

Not only did Díaz Cáez have a chance to work on hurricane forecasting and satellite data modeling, he also formed a life-long connection to Howard. When considering graduate school, Howard was at the top of his list for its strong engineering program, research opportunities, and collaborative environment.  

“With a legacy of excellence in STEM, I knew HU would provide an environment where I felt challenged, supported, and empowered to pursue cutting-edge research. The opportunity to work on federally-funded research and to collaborate with leading scientists was a key factor in my decision. Howard’s partnerships with government agencies, national laboratories, and international institutions would allow me to secure competitive internships and scholarships that would significantly shape my career,” says Díaz Cáez, who went on to earn both his master’s and doctoral degrees at Howard. 

Even with his previous experience being in the States, moving to the mainland for his studies was still a challenge.  

“I had no family in STEM and no family outside of Puerto Rico. Adjusting to a new country, culture, and language at a young age was daunting, but I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my parents, who instilled in me the value of education and hard work,” remembers Díaz Cáez.  

Once at HU, Díaz Cáez seized every opportunity. He completed multiple internships – through Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. 

Díaz Cáez even had a chance to spend a summer in China through the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) IRES Program. Suddenly the man from Aguas Buenas, found himself living and working in Beijing - a city of 22 million people – commuting to Tsinghua University, networking, and absorbing a new culture. With the added benefit of learning from world-class researchers to design and develop innovative nanotechnology advancements.  

“Working in a different country presented unique challenges, from adjusting to a new research environment to coordinating with U.S.-based teams across a 12-hour time zone difference. Managing meetings and research discussions required flexibility, but it strengthened my ability to collaborate across international projects and adapt to complex scheduling demands,” says Díaz Cáez.  

These experiences and external funding from Intel to the NSF set the stage for Díaz Cáez’s current role at NGA.  He built a strong foundation in scientific computing, electromagnetics, and machine learning. While at the tail-end of his PhD, he was awarded the DoD SMART Scholarship, which provided funding and a pathway to a career with the Department of Defense. Given Díaz Cáez’s expertise in computational electromagnetics and large-scale simulations, he was placed at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). There, he has been working on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) analysis and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) applications, using scientific computing and machine learning.  

“Our work improves situational awareness and provide policymakers with critical information for decision-making. The impact extends beyond defense and national security—SAR technology is used in natural disaster response, environmental change detection, and infrastructure assessment, benefiting agencies like FEMA, NOAA, and first responders. Additionally, my research in computational electromagnetics and adaptive modeling techniques enhances radar capabilities, leading to more efficient and accurate geospatial data interpretation that supports military operations and humanitarian efforts,” says Díaz Cáez. 

Long-term, Díaz Cáez hopes to continue research and outreach efforts. He also desires to take on leadership roles in research and development, in order to mentor the next generation of scientists and engineers.  

“I am also passionate about fostering collaborations between academia, government, and industry to drive technological advancements that have a broad impact beyond defense, including disaster response, environmental monitoring, and space-based sensing. Ultimately, I want to be at the forefront of shaping the future of electromagnetic simulations and radar technology, ensuring that cutting-edge scientific advancements continue to support both national security and humanitarian applications,” says Díaz Cáez.  

Díaz Cáez also mentors students through programs that help budding scientists and engineers with career navigation. He has been a member of SACNAS, AISES, SHPE and AAAS, and is currently a member of the IEEE and ACES. He also maintains strong ties to his undergraduate institution, frequently returning to engage with its faculty and students. 

“My goal is to show students—whether from Puerto Rico, HBCUs, or other underrepresented backgrounds—that success in STEM is possible,” says Díaz Cáez.  

He often advises students to be curious, persistent, and proactive with networking.  

“Seek opportunities outside your comfort zone. Your career path is shaped not just by what you learn in school but also by the experiences you gain through internships, research, and mentorship. Look for ways to apply your skills in real-world settings, whether through internships, collaborative projects, or independent research,” says Díaz Cáez. “Connect with professionals in your field, attend conferences, and engage with technical communities. Many opportunities come from building strong relationships and seeking guidance from mentors. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my journey, and I encourage others to find and maintain mentorship connections.”