June is National Caribbean American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the contributions of Caribbean immigrants to the United States.

Among the largest groups of Caribbean ancestry in the U.S. are Puerto Ricans, West Indians, Cubans, Dominicans, Jamaicans, Haitians, Trinidadians and Tobagonians, Barbadians, Belizeans, Bahamians, and U.S. Virgin Islanders.

One Caribbean American making significant contributions in the field of science and technology is Xiomara Calderón-Colón.

She is a senior materials scientist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, specializing in nanomaterials, biomaterials, and microscopy.

Calderón-Colón's work in developing biomaterials for ocular repair earned her the Outstanding Technical Contribution in Industry Award at the 2015 Women of Color STEM Conference.

With one patent, four patents pending, and 20 new ideas disclosed at the Applied Physics Laboratory, her innovations in biomaterials, nanomaterials, composite materials, advanced coatings, and surface chemistry have led to solutions for national defense.

She has collaborated with experts in her field to deliver highly effective solutions to complex problems, including the development of a regenerative membrane made from collagen for corneal repair in the Army-funded Eye Protection and Treatment for Combat Healing (PATCH) project.

Calderón-Colón's contributions to biomedicine and material sciences have resulted in numerous publications. She is also actively involved in STEM outreach efforts and serves as a role model for young women aspiring to pursue careers in these fields.

She graduated from the Universidad de Puerto Rico-Humacao with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry in 2003.

Camille Wardrop Alleyne, born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, moved to the United States at the age of 17.

She obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Washington, D.C., and Florida before starting her career at NASA.

At NASA, Alleyne has led lunar commercialization efforts and is responsible for ensuring the sustainability of space commercialization projects.

She has also served as an associate program scientist for the International Space Station at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Her achievements have earned her several awards, including recognition as one of the Caribbean's icons in science and technology by the government of Trinidad and Tobago.

In 2007, Alleyne founded the Brightest Stars Foundation, which encourages girls to pursue careers in math and science by sharing her own experiences.