My Academic Journey
My academic journey began with a Bachelor in Physics from Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, followed by a Master's in Physics from Universidad de Guanajuato. I earned dual doctorates in Soft Condensed Matter Physics from Universidad de Guanajuato and the University of Antwerp, focusing on theoretical and computational modelling of colloidal dynamics under confinement. I further specialized through various PhD visitor positions at notable institutions, including the University of Delaware, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, and Universidad de las Américas Puebla.
Recently, I completed an Executive Master in International Association Management at Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management.
Professionally, I have held senior positions within international associations, particularly in technology, innovation, and research sectors across Europe. I have successfully led initiatives, secured EU endorsements, and driven strategic projects in collaboration with various partners, including SMEs and research centers.
The Early Days: My Odyssey from Mexico to Belgium
My journey has been anything but straightforward. Overcoming numerous challenges, I've traveled a path similar to running a marathon that started 42 km behind the starting line. Despite facing challenges as a woman from a low-middle-class background with indigenous roots, I achieved significant milestones.
I grew up in Fresnillo, a city with a population of 240,532 people (in 2020). My parents were rural teachers, and due to a lack of childcare, I often accompanied them to work. This early exposure to education helped me learn to read and write at early age. After a challenging year in kindergarten (I escaped several times from the facilities out of boredom), my mother enrolled me in primary school at age 5. My parents changed their workplace often, and I moved along... excelling in five different overcrowded schools. In the time of my secondary school years, I was the top student among ~500. In high school, I was the top student of a student population larger than the secondary school, scoring a perfect 10/10 in all subjects, especially enjoying STEM courses.
My higher education journey had its challenges. The Physics director welcomed my diverse interests, and I ended up pursuing my bachelor's degree at the Autonomous University of Zacatecas, studying Physics and German (now replaced by Dutch in my head) while improving my English and learning some French. Then, I earned a master's scholarship to study Physics at the University of Guanajuato.
During my PhD studies, my work caught the attention of the head of research in condensed matter at the University of Antwerp. I was honored with an invitation to join their research group, which led to earning a dual Ph.D. from both the University of Guanajuato and the University of Antwerp.
In 2014, I was one of only 15 female Mexican physicists recognized in the National System of Researchers in Mexico working internationally.
My Academic Achievements
Education
Executive Master in International Association Management
Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management
April 2023 - May 2024
- Thesis: "Evaluating the Impact of Non-Profit Organizations on the Implementation of the European Green Deal"
- Focus Areas: Leadership & Change, Strategy & Change Management, Strategic Marketing & Communication, Project Management, Finance, Governance & Sustainability.
- Skills Acquired: Technological Innovation, Leadership, Funding, Organizational Leadership, Sustainability, Non-profit Management, Change Management.
Doctor in Physics, Soft Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
University of Antwerp & Universidad de Guanajuato
2010 - 2014
- Thesis: "Structural and Dynamical Properties of Colloids under Confinement."
- Skills Acquired: Statistical Computing, Mathematical Modeling, Materials Science, Research, Physics, Computational Physics, Colloids.
Master in Physics
Universidad de Guanajuato
2007 - 2009
- Thesis: "Colloidal Suspensions and the Role of Hydrodynamic Interactions."
- Skills Acquired: Statistical Computing, Mathematical Modeling, Materials Science, Research, Physics, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Mechanics, Computational Physics.
Bachelor in Physics
Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas
2003 - 2007
- Thesis: "Substrate Effect on a Multilayered Colloidal System."
- Skills Acquired: Mathematical Modeling, Materials Science, Research, Physics, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Mechanics, Computational Physics.
Academic and Research Visits
- University of Delaware (2010): Hydrodynamics in Colloidal Systems
- Universidad de las Américas Puebla (2010): Theoretical Approaches of the Dynamics of Colloids
- Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (2010): Computer Simulation Techniques for Modelling Colloidal Suspensions
- University of Antwerp (2011-2012, 2013): Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Research and Publications
Ordering and Dynamics of Interacting Colloidal Particles under Soft Confinement (2021)
- Journal: Colloids and Interfaces
- DOI: 10.3390/colloids5020029
- Co-authors: Salvador Herrera-Velarde, Ramón Castañeda-Priego
Silt Intrusion in the Berendrecht- and Boudewijn-Lock Complexes (2017)
- Conference: Schelde-Ems Workshop 2017
Structural Transitions and Long-Time Self-Diffusion of Interacting Colloids Confined by a Parabolic Potential (2015)
- Journal: The Journal of Chemical Physics
- DOI: 10.1063/1.4905215
- Co-authors: Salvador Herrera-Velarde, Vyacheslav Misko, François M. Peeters, Ramón Castañeda-Priego
Single-File Diffusion of Driven Interacting Colloids (2014)
- Journal: Biophysical Reviews and Letters
- DOI: 10.1142/s1793048014400086
- Co-authors: Salvador Herrera-Velarde, Vyacheslav R. Misko, François M. Peeters, Ramón Castañeda-Priego
Hydrodynamic Correlations in Three-Particle Colloidal Systems in Harmonic Traps (2013)
- Journal: Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter
- DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/25/32/325102
- Co-authors: Salvador Herrera-Velarde, Fidel Córdoba-Valdés, Ramón Castañeda-Priego
Single-File Diffusion in Periodic Energy Landscapes: The Role of Hydrodynamic Interactions (2012)
- Journal: Physical Review E: Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
- DOI: 10.1103/physreve.86.031123
- Co-authors: Vyacheslav R. Misko, François M. Peeters, Salvador Herrera-Velarde, Ramón Castañeda-Priego
Directed Self-Assembly of Colloids on Parallel Layers by a One-Dimensional Modulated Substrate (2012)
- Journal: Journal of Nanofluids
- DOI: 10.1166/jon.2012.1011
- Co-authors: Salvador Herrera-Velarde, Alexandra Delgado-González, Ramón Castañeda-Priego
Teaching and Tutoring
University Teacher (Part-time)
Universidad de Guanajuato
2010 - 2014
Additional Activities and Recognition
- Scientific Outreach Workshops
Developed and conducted workshops at various national and international scientific outreach events from 2005 to 2009. - Conference Presentations and Posters
Presented research findings at multiple conferences, including the National Congress on Physics and the International Congress on Science Teaching.