CV

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

• Concentration in Computational Science and Engineering and Solid Mechanics.
• Ph.D. thesis "Numerical simulation and poromechanical modeling of subcutaneous injection of monoclonal antibodies"

MSc in Civil Engineering (Graduated with Honors, ranked 1st)

• Concentration in Structural and Construction Engineering
• Master’s thesis "A multi-layered in-silico model for rupture risk assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms with non-atherosclerotic intimal thickening"
• Professional master’s project "Cable-stayed bridge over the San Martin Strait to connect the towns of Laredo and Santoña, Cantabria, Northern Spain"

BSc in Civil Engineering (Graduated with Honors, ranked 1st)

• Concentration in Structural and Geotechnical Engineering
• Bachelor’s thesis "Environmental Restoration and Channeling of Juan Diaz River in Panama City"

Research Scientist

• Engaged in a strategic collaboration between Eli Lilly and Purdue University, concentrating on the analysis and optimization of injectable medicine delivery systems.
• Conducted advanced numerical simulations to enhance understanding of the auto-injection process mechanics, aiming to improve drug bioavailability, minimize injection site pain, and boost patient compliance and overall health. - Developed high-fidelity computational models using the Finite Element Method and Isogeometric Analysis to understand and and predict tissue deformation and fluid pressure build-up as well as their impact on drug transport and absorption.
• Explored innovative approaches and technologies for improving drug delivery systems, focusing on device design, injection parameters, and drug formulation
• Supported and advanced the strategic collaboration between Eli Lilly and Purdue University, promoting the translation of research findings into practical applications within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced computational methods, quantitative analysis, Bayesian and causal inference modeling, and AI methods in health and life sciences.
• Contributed to research grant writing, project management, and publication in reputable healthcare, medical, and biomedical journals.

Research Assistant

• Involved in a project within a strategic collaboration between Eli Lilly and Purdue University, focusing on the analysis of the delivery of injectable medicines.
• Performed numerical simulations to analyze the delivery of injectable medicines with the overall goals of better understanding the fundamental mechanics of the auto-injection process and its effect on skin, improved drug bioavailability, and reducing injection site pain in order to better patient compliance and enhance overall health.
• Developed high-fidelity computational models using the Finite Element Method and Isogeometric Analysis to understand and and predict tissue deformation and fluid pressure build-up as well as their impact on drug transport and absorption.
• Investigated innovative approaches and technologies to improve drug delivery systems, considering factors such as device design, injection parameters, and drug formulation.
• Utilized data from computational models to drive informed decision-making in medical device development, enabling effective optimization and innovation in design and functionality.
• Supported the strategic collaboration between Eli Lilly and Purdue University, fostering innovation and facilitating the translation of research findings into practical applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Visiting Researcher

• Developed computational methods utilizing isogeometric analysis, poroelasticity, and data-driven tissue geometries to model the complex dynamics of high-volume, high-speed subcutaneous injection of monoclonal antibodies.
• Developed highly sophisticated numerical algorithms capable of running in parallel, utilizing 200+ processors in Purdue’s Rosen Center for Advanced Computing.
• Leveraged the computational power and parallel processing capabilities to efficiently simulate and analyze the complex fluid-structure interactions during the subcutaneous injection process.
• Conducted extensive simulations using the developed computational methods to investigate the effects of injection parameters, tissue properties, and geometrical variations on the injection dynamics and the resulting distribution of monoclonal antibodies.

Graduate Research Assistant

• Acted as a main collaborator in the project "Industrial Implementation of 3D printed AlSi10Mg components under quasi-static loading".
• Conducted experimental tests on structures under both quasi-static and dynamic conditions, specifically focusing on extreme deformations and crushing.
• Utilized Digital Image Correlation (DIC) tools to postprocess experimental results, enabling precise measurements and analysis of structural behavior.
• Applied crashworthiness optimization techniques to enhance the performance and efficiency of the structures.
• Developed finite element models to simulate the behavior of aluminum alloy thin-walled structures.
• Developed comprehensive material card for AlSi10Mg 3D printed aluminum, encompassing mechanical, thermal, and viscoelastic properties for accurate simulation in engineering analyses.
• Collaborated closely with industry partners to ensure the successful implementation of 3D printed components under quasi-static loading.

Graduate Research Assistant

• Awarded a prestigious fellowship by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science to serve as a principal investigator, collaborating with the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at the Complejo Universitario Hospitalario de A Coruna (CHUAC), to conduct research on the risk of rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) with atherosclerotic intimal thickening.
• Developed an in-house code, called AneuPy, to generate idealized geometrical models of AAAs using clinical data. This code facilitated the creation of accurate and representative computational models for further analysis.
• Performed cardiovascular fluid-structure interaction simulations of AAAs using different constitutive models for aortic tissue that allowed to better determine the risk of rupture.
• Analyzed the stress distribution, deformation patterns, and hemodynamic factors within the AAA models to gain insights into the potential mechanisms of rupture.
• Collaborated closely with the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at CHUAC, exchanging knowledge and expertise to bridge the gap between research and clinical applications.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

• Granted with a research scholarship from the University of A Coruña to conduct research under the project "Mechanical Characterization of Structural Adhesives for Crashworthiness Applications".
• Analyzed the mechanical behavior of various structural adhesives through rigorous experimental tests (single lap, double lap, thermal tests).
• Developed computational models with cohesive elements and nonlinear contact mechanics to accurately reproduce the structural behavior of the adhesives.
• Successfully replicated the adhesive’s structural behavior in the computational model, validating the quality of the mechanical characterization.
• Provided engineers and researchers with a reliable tool for assessing adhesive performance and optimizing their, use in various industries.

Project Manager Assistant

• Worked as a hydraulic modeler on large-scale flood management projects in Panama and Venezuela in collaboration with the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank.
• Conducted two and three-dimensional numerical simulations of free surface flow in rivers and estuaries to assess and quantify the level of flood hazard in densely populated urban areas.
• Utilized advanced numerical models to assess the level of flood hazard and create accurate flood risk maps, providing valuable information for urban planning and disaster management strategies.
• Generated accurate flood risk maps by analyzing the hydraulic behavior of water bodies, considering factors such as water flow, topography, and urban infrastructure.
• Designed and proposed innovative solutions including flood barriers, coastal defenses, waterfront parks, floodresilient buildings and landscapes, reducing flood hazards by up to 60%.
• Conducted feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses to evaluate the economic and environmental implications of proposed flood mitigation solutions, assisting decision-makers in selecting the most suitable approaches.

• Ben M. Hillberry Graduate Scholarship, for PhD students pursuing research in the areas of biomechanics and materials, School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University.
• 2023 Trailblazers in Engineering Fellow, Purdue University College of Engineering.
• Winner of the 2023 Poromechanics Student Competition, Engineering Mechanics Institute, American Society of Civil Engineers.
• College of Engineering Conference Travel Grant, Purdue University.
• Purdue Graduate Student Government Doctoral Travel Grant, Purdue University.

• National Award to the best Master's Thesis in Civil Engineering by the Spanish Institution of Civil Engineers

• Award to the highest cumulative GPA of the School of Civil Engineering, University of A Coruna
• Outstanding Civil Engineering Student Award, Galician Civil Engineering Foundation
• Award to the best Master's Thesis in Structural Engineering by Grupo Puentes
• Award to the best Master's Thesis in Construction Engineering by COPASA

• Award to the highest cumulative GPA of the School of Civil Engineering, University of A Coruna
• Outstanding Civil Engineering Student Award, Galician Civil Engineering Foundation
• Award to the best Bachelor's Thesis in the field of Hydraulic Engineering by Gas Natural Fenosa

• Best Undergraduate Poster Award at the 2016 Graduate & Undergraduate Research Symposium, University of A Coruña