What I Do I work at a company where we research and develop new technologies to make heavy industries like cement, iron, and steel more sustainable. These industries are crucial for building the world around us, but they also produce a lot of carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. My job involves finding ways to reduce their carbon footprint by creating innovative solutions that help these industries operate in a cleaner, more environmentally friendly way. In simple terms, I’m helping to protect our planet while ensuring we can still build and grow.
Why Engineering? I chose STEM because I’ve always wanted to contribute to our planet and make a positive impact. I believe STEM provides the tools and knowledge to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, like climate change and resource sustainability. Through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, I saw a path where I could create meaningful solutions that benefit both our environment and our communities. STEM allows me to combine curiosity and creativity to innovate and make a real difference in the world, and that’s why it has always been my passion.
School Days My education journey has been an adventure that took me from the countryside to the big city and beyond. I attended a primary school in the countryside of Colombia, where I rode my bike every day to get to class. For high school, I travelled by bus to a nearby town, which opened my eyes to new opportunities and challenges. After finishing high school, I moved to a bustling city to study Chemical Engineering at Industrial University (UIS) in Bucaramanga, Colombia. This was a big step for me—leaving home, adapting to city life, and diving into a demanding field of study. After gaining some work experience in the field, I decided to pursue my postgraduate studies. This decision took me halfway across the world to Melbourne, Australia, where I attended Monash University and earned my doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering. Living in a different country, adjusting to a new culture, and tackling advanced studies was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Looking back, each step of my educational journey taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the power of dreaming big. Whether I was biking to school in the countryside or conducting research in a world-class laboratory, I always believed in the importance of education.
My Day At Work Every day at work is unique and full of opportunities to learn something new. Some days, I’m in the laboratory running experiments or analyzing data from our reactors. Other days, I might be coordinating the shipment of materials, writing detailed reports, or collaborating with my team to plan the next phase of a project. There are also exciting moments when I get to share our findings by presenting at conferences or discussing our progress with industry partners. What makes my job so exciting is the variety—no two days are ever the same. Whether I’m troubleshooting a technical issue, brainstorming innovative ideas, or seeing the results of our work come to life, there’s always a sense of purpose and discovery. Every task, big or small, contributes to our goal of making industries more sustainable and protecting our planet.
Best Part One of the most memorable and fulfilling experiences in my career was being part of a research group focused on studying essential oils and extracts from aromatic plants to include them as active ingredients in phytopharmaceutical products. The project was not just about science; it also connected us with rural communities and farmers. We encouraged farmers to grow aromatic plants alongside their traditional crops. This approach had multiple benefits: it promoted biodiversity by reducing monocropping, decreased the need for chemical insecticides, and created an additional source of income for the farmers. Witnessing the positive impact we could have—not just on the environment but also on people's livelihoods—was incredibly rewarding. This experience taught me that science has the power to create meaningful change. Whether it’s helping farmers adopt sustainable practices or developing technologies that reduce carbon emissions, STEM careers offer countless opportunities to make a difference. For me, the best part of following a career in STEM is knowing that the knowledge and research we generate can help solve real-world problems and leave a lasting, positive impact on both the planet and our communities.
Proud Moments One of the proudest moments of my career was presenting my dissertation to earn my Chemical Engineering degree. I collaborated with a peer who was also my best friend, and together, we achieved a perfect score of 5.0/5.0 for our work. Our dissertation received the prestigious Laureate Honour Award and was selected as the best thesis in Chemical Engineering in 2015. Additionally, it earned first place in the Sustainable Technologies category of the "Otto de Greiff: National Award. From an early stage in my career, I knew that I wanted to contribute to improving current technologies to make them more sustainable for the industry. This achievement reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance, teamwork, and a commitment to making a positive impact through STEM.
Challenges When I first arrived in Australia to pursue my postgraduate studies, I faced a significant challenge: I didn’t speak English. During my undergraduate studies, I had chosen to focus on learning Portuguese, so I had little knowledge of the language I now needed to succeed. This language barrier was daunting, especially because I was preparing to apply to a prestigious university and needed to achieve a high score on an English proficiency test. The task seemed almost impossible to those around me—learning enough English to reach the required level in less than a year sounded far-fetched. But I was determined. I dedicated myself to studying, practicing, and immersing myself in the language. Slowly but surely, I improved. It was a difficult and often frustrating journey, but I kept believing in myself. Through perseverance, hard work, and a lot of self-discipline, I achieved the score I needed and was accepted into the university of my choice. This experience taught me that even when things feel overwhelming, breaking them down into smaller goals and staying consistent can help you overcome any obstacle. To anyone facing similar challenges, my advice is this: believe in your ability to grow and adapt. Challenges are opportunities in disguise, and with persistence and self-confidence, you can achieve goals that may seem out of reach.
My Family I am the second of four siblings: I have an older brother and three younger sisters. Growing up on our family farm was an adventure in itself. My brother and I were like explorers, constantly venturing into the countryside to discover what lay hidden in the fields and the bush. He taught me the importance of curiosity, courage, and pushing beyond what I thought were my limits. Every day brought a new adventure—climbing trees, identifying animal tracks, or simply imagining what mysteries the land might hold. These experiences shaped my sense of wonder and resilience, qualities that continue to inspire me in my work today. My younger sisters and I shared a bond of laughter and learning, and I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to set an example for them by following my dreams and working hard to achieve my goals. My family has been my foundation, teaching me the value of persistence, teamwork, and dreaming big. Their support and the lessons I learned growing up have been a driving force in my journey as an engineer and scientist.
Want to be an Engineer? My advice is simple: follow your passions and do what makes you happy. STEM fields can be challenging, but those challenges often lead to the most rewarding moments of your life. If you are curious, love solving problems, and want to use your knowledge to make the world a better place, a career in STEM is a perfect choice. Remember, it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. What matters is your willingness to learn, grow, and keep moving forward. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your dreams, and don’t let doubts—whether they come from others or yourself—hold you back. STEM is a field where creativity and innovation come together to solve real-world problems. You have the potential to be a part of groundbreaking discoveries and make a lasting impact on your community and the planet. Believe in yourself, stay curious, and never stop asking, “What’s possible if I try?”
Hobbies I love spending time outdoors, and living in Australia gives me endless opportunities to explore its stunning landscapes. From relaxing at beautiful beaches to hiking through lush forests filled with unique wildlife, I find so much inspiration in nature. Some of my favorite outdoor activities include riding my bike along the coast, jogging by the river, or even challenging myself with rock climbing adventures. When I’m at home, I enjoy quieter hobbies like gardening, where I’ve been learning to grow bonsais—a process that requires patience and care. On calmer days, I enjoy cooking or baking something delicious, and there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. These hobbies keep me balanced, sparking both my adventurous and creative sides.