A chronicle of love, legacy, and exploration
Cesar Javier is originally from Santo Domingo, the capital city of Dominican Republic. He moved to Sweden for a master’s degree Nanoscience and Nanotechnology through Erasmus Mundus. He arrived in Leuven, Belgium, in 2011 for the first time as an intern at imec. After one PhD and one postdoc, a few years later, in 2018, he became a researcher at imec and now he works as the program manager for the exploratory logic segment.
A global celebration of heritage and Dominican rhythms
Cesar’s story is a colorful mix of Dominican experiences. With a mom from the north and a dad from the south, his holidays were a lively hop between Santo Domingo and San Pedro de Macorís. His last name, Lockhart, reflects the migration history of people from this region, tracing back to the influence of former British colonies. It is a subtle nod to his roots.
Cesar’s wedding was a multicultural celebration, reflecting the lively atmosphere of the Dominican Republic. Because of Cesar’s work with imec, thirteen different countries were represented during the ceremony, and as the music kicked in, merengue and bachata took center stage.
Baseball Mecca of the Caribbean
In the Dominican Republic, baseball is an important symbol of national pride, talent, unity, and success on the world stage. And the Águilas Cibaeñas team is at the heart of the action. They are the hometown heroes, embodying the love and excitement that Dominicans have for this game that Cesar grew up loving and playing.
In 1948, the Dominican national team made history by winning the Baseball World Cup, thereby putting their mark on the global baseball scene. Fast forward to 2013, the Dominican Republic won the World Baseball Classic. That momentous win solidified the Dominican Republic as the first country ever to clinch both trophies in different times, leaving an unforgettable legacy in baseball history.
Diverse delights of the Dominican Republic
A journey through the Dominican Republic may feel like discovering a variety of diverse environments. Imagine El Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s tallest peak, calling out to adventure seekers with stunning views of valleys and forests.
Bávaro, Punta Cana and Bayahibe are coastal destinations that offer a serene getaway with white sandy beaches and the clear water for which the Caribbean is widely known and loved. Sosúa Bay also has quintessential Caribbean features with some added water activities.
Explore the center of the island and discover Jarabacoa, Constanza and Santiago. Here, the Baiguate River weaves its magic. Tucked in nature’s embrace, Baiguate Waterfall in Jarabacoa is the perfect spot to cool off and soak in the tranquility. Santiago pulses with Dominican vibes fused with a European essence.
Every stop on this Dominican journey reveals a slice of the country’s charm, from the heights of El Pico Duarte to the refreshing waters of Baiguate, the sun-soaked Caribbean beaches, and the vibrant culture of the different cities. It is a trip that paints a vivid picture of the country’s beauty and diversity.
Food tip
Experience the diverse tastes of the Dominican Republic with must-try dishes like Sancocho, La Bandera, and flavorful coastal specialties from Sosua, Juan Dolio, and Boca Chica.
