Paula Tris Marzo of Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)

Researcher specializing in electrochemistry, photoelectrochemistry, catalysis, sustainable chemistry, energy conversion, molecular catalysis, and electrochemical sensor development.

Biography:

Paula Tris Marzo holds a PhD in Chemical Science and Technology from the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), where she specialized in electrochemistry, photoelectrochemistry, and catalysis. She also earned a Master's degree in Synthesis, Catalysis and Molecular Design and a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. Her research focuses on sustainable chemistry, energy conversion, molecular catalysis, and electrochemical sensor development. Throughout her academic career, she has completed research stays at internationally recognized institutions, contributing to interdisciplinary research, innovation, and technological development.

Address:Spain

Laura Ochoa of Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV)

PhD candidate specializing in nanomaterials, nanoemulsions, and biomedical applications for cancer therapy. Passionate about science communication and innovation through interdisciplinary research.

Biography:

Laura Ochoa is a PhD candidate in Science with a specialization in Materials at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV), Querétaro Unit, Mexico. Her research focuses on the formulation, characterization, and biological evaluation of nanoemulsions for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. Beyond her research activities, she is passionate about science communication and enjoys bringing scientific knowledge from the laboratory to society. She strongly believes that science, engineering, and collaboration are essential pillars for fostering innovation and developing solutions that improve quality of life.

Address:Mexico

Elena Stroici

Researcher specializing in Raman spectroscopy and two-dimensional materials, with academic experience in particle physics, graphene, and molecular heterostructures.

Biography:

Elena Stroici earned her B.Sc. in Physics in Bucharest, specializing in particle physics. She completed her M.Sc. in Berlin, where her research focused on Raman spectroscopy of highly doped graphene. She later obtained her Ph.D. in Berlin, specializing in Raman spectroscopy of molecular two-dimensional (2D) material . Her research interests include Raman spectroscopy, graphene, 2D materials, and nanomaterials characterization.

Address:Germany

Cristina Rubio Apolo of The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)

PhD student at Penn State researching computational nanoscience and vibrational properties of two-dimensional materials. Yachay Tech alumna with experience in international research, leadership, entrepreneurship, and science outreach.

Biography:

Cristina Rubio Apolo is a Cum Laude Chemistry graduate from Yachay Tech University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering Science and Mechanics at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), where she studies the vibrational properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials using computational methods.

Throughout her academic career, she has built an outstanding international profile through research, leadership, and entrepreneurship. She completed her undergraduate capstone project in collaboration with the University of Oldenburg (Germany), focusing on materials for photocathodes. She was selected as a fellow of the POWER Program by the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador, became a semifinalist in the Harvard Crossroads Emerging Leaders Program, and completed a research internship at Albany NanoTech, where she received the Best Poster Award at NSSY 2024.

Beyond research, Cristina won the Hult Prize OnCampus competition and was nominated for Best Campus Director in the Americas. She co-founded Ecuador's first American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Chapter and helped launch several scientific initiatives, including ConCiencia, RIQTCE, and CLIC. Since 2023, she has co-organized the Nanoscience Summer School in the Galápagos Islands and continues to promote mentorship, scientific collaboration, and community engagement at Penn State.

Address:United States

Génesis Mendoza of University of Antwerp

Biography:

Génesis M. Mendoza Celorio is a Ph.D. student at the InViLab, University of Antwerp (Belgium), where she works on the COCHLEARN project in collaboration with KU Leuven. Her research focuses on the development and application of advanced optical methods to study the performance of cochlear implants.

She holds a Master's degree in Photonics Engineering from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium) and a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Yachay Tech University (Ecuador). Her expertise includes fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, optical microscopy, optical design, fiber optics, telecommunications, and biomedical imaging.

Address:Belgium

Doménica Bermeo of Humboldt University of Berlin & Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH)

PhD student specializing in integrated quantum photonics, diamond nanostructures, photonic integrated circuits, and quantum technologies.

Biography:

Doménica Bermeo Alvaro is a Ph.D. student in Integrated Quantum Photonics at Humboldt University of Berlin and the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH), where she researches the heterogeneous integration of diamond nanostructures with AlGaN-based photonic integrated circuits for quantum technology applications.

She earned her Bachelor's degree in Nanotechnology Engineering from Yachay Tech University (Ecuador) and a Master's degree in Photonics from the Abbe School of Photonics at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Her research focuses on the development of spin-photon interfaces and scalable photonic platforms for quantum networks, combining photonic device design, simulation, and nanofabrication.

In addition to her research, Doménica actively contributes to science outreach and professional development through the Optica Student Chapter in Berlin, promoting collaboration and growth within the photonics community.

Address:Germany