Yaiza Aznar joins the 2D Foundry group as a new PhD researcher

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Yaiza Aznar Mas is a new PhD researcher who just joined the 2D Foundry Group at the Materials Science Institute of Madrid (ICMM-CSIC). She was born in Elche, Alicante, but moved to Madrid to studied a Bachelor’s degree in Physics at the Autonomous University of Madrid, where she joined the Condensed Matter Department to work on superconducting 2D materials during her thesis. Following her Bachelor’s, she pursued a Master’s degree in Condensed Matter Physics and Biological Systems. "To undertake my Master’s thesis, I joined the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology department here at the ICMM-CSIC, where I worked on the synthesis and characterization of bimetallic Au-Ag nanoparticles for optical applications," she adds.

What will you work on? With whom?

I will work on the development of new early diagnostic systems for a retinal degeneration disease under the coordination of Beatriz Hernández Juárez from the ICMM-CSIC and Emma Martín Rodríguez from the UAM. We will focus on the detection of the disease through two different perspectives: registering temperature variations in the eye by luminescence nanothermometry with nanoparticles, and with the implementation of a g-SGFET aptasensor to detect a protein involved in the evolution of the disease. The project relies on several disciplines, counting with the collaboration of experts from different groups. This way, we will be able to use powerful techniques and tools to address the project, learning from the point of view of researchers from different fields.

Why did you choose ICMM?

During my Master’s thesis I found a friendly, supportive, and comfortable environment at the ICMM, which is also a cutting-edge research centre in the field of materials science. This made it the perfect place for me to start a scientific career. I believe I have much to learn from this scientific community, and that the ICMM has plenty of resources and offers great opportunities to become a professional while enjoying the work. 

And a personal touch: any hobbies? What would you like to contribute to the institute?

During my free time, I enjoy music (specially, I love attending to concerts and enjoying live music), reading, crocheting, cooking, and doing pilates. I hope I can contribute to the ICMM with my curiosity and interest in interdisciplinary fields, which motivates me to undertake innovative research alongside people from different disciplines.