Eliana López joined the ESISNA group as a PhD researcher

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Eliana López Martín completed her master’s thesis at the ICMM last year, and now she pursues her research here as a PhD researcher at Interdisciplinary Studies based on nanoscopic systems (ESISNA) group. Concretely, she will be working with the singular facility STARDUST.

Where do you come from?
I come from Valladolid, but my whole family is from Zamora.

What have you worked on so far?
I graduated in Physics at the University of Valladolid in 2024. During my final project, I delved into the field of laboratory astrochemistry by performing rotational spectroscopy within the GEM group. Last academic year, I moved to Madrid and completed a Master’s degree in Condensed Matter Physics and Biological Systems at the Autonomous University of Madrid. I carried out my master’s thesis here at the ICMM, also focused on laboratory astrochemistry, using the singular facility STARDUST. This experience allowed me to acquire extensive knowledge both about the installation itself and about the research area.

What will you work on? With whom?

During my PhD thesis, my research will also focus on laboratory astrochemistry, using the STARDUST facility under the supervision of José Ángel Martín Gago and Gonzalo Santoro Domingo. The main objective will be to study the formation of carbon-based nanograins (cosmic dust analogs) with metallic cores and to explore their catalytic role. I will work on the study of molecular ices too.

Why ICMM?

As I mentioned, I had the opportunity to get first-hand experience of the laboratories and the way research is conducted at the center, and from the moment I saw it, I knew I wanted to pursue my PhD here! The center, in addition to being at the forefront of materials science research, is full of professionals from whom there is so much to learn!

And a personal touch: any hobbies? What would you like to contribute to the institute?
I really like reading, cross-stitching, and dancing — especially latin rhythms such as salsa and bachata. This year, I have also started practicing yoga, which I truly enjoy. And of course, I love traveling!