Prof. Dr. Lourdes Orejuela-Escobar | Nanobiomaterials Awards | Best Innovation Award
Prof. Dr. Lourdes Orejuela-Escobar , Universidad San Francisco de Quito , Ecuador
Lourdes Magdalena Orejuela-Escobar is a distinguished Chemical Engineer and Professor at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), where she co-directs the Applied Circular Engineering & Simulation Laboratory (GICAS). She is an active member of multiple research institutes, including the Instituto Biosfera de Investigaciones BiolĆ³gicas y Ambientales and the Instituto de Investigaciones BiomĆ©dicas. Lourdes holds a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), and her expertise spans biomass valorization, sustainable and circular bioeconomy, and circular engineering. She has a notable history in teaching, research, and technical consulting, both nationally and internationally, focusing on bioeconomy and circular engineering. Her extensive academic and professional journey includes numerous positions and projects, reflecting her commitment to advancing green technologies and sustainable development.
Professional Profile:
šEducation:
Lourdes Magdalena Orejuela-Escobar holds a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), completed between August 2013 and December 2017. During her time at Virginia Tech, she also earned a Diploma in Bio-based Materials in December 2016. She previously obtained an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech, from August 1993 to May 1995. Additionally, Lourdes earned two M.Sc. degrees in Organic Chemistry Technology (Engineering): one from Universidad Estatal de Guayaquil, Ecuador, in October 1985, and another from Universitatea si Politehnic Bucuresti, Romania, in July 1984.
š¢Work Experience:
Lourdes Magdalena Orejuela-Escobar has had a distinguished career at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in Ecuador since 1999, where she currently serves as a Professor and Co-Director of the Applied Circular Engineering & Simulation Laboratory (GICAS). In addition, she is a consultant for the Geocircular Consulting Group in Florida, USA, and has provided expertise in sustainable bioeconomy for the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). Her previous roles include working on projects for the Inter-American Development Bank (BID), co-directing the INEDITA Project funded by SENESCYT and PNUD, and serving as an instructor at Virginia Tech. She has also held positions as a researcher and consultant in various institutions, including CEISCET, Escuela PolitƩcnica del EjƩrcito, and Universidad Central del Ecuador, reflecting her extensive experience in circular engineering, sustainability, and bioeconomy.
Lourdes Magdalena Orejuela-Escobar holds a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Virginia Tech, USA (SENESCYT Registration # 8401127137), an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech, USA (SENESCYT Registration # 7195R-12-6681), and an M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry Technology from Universitatea si Politehnic Bucuresti, Romania (SENESCYT Registration # 1006R-08-4053).
Publication Top Notes:
-
Title: Hemicelluloses from bioresidues and their applications in the food industry ā towards an advanced bioeconomy and a sustainable global value chain of chemicals and materials
-
Title: Biomass Valorization through Catalytic Pyrolysis Using Metal-Impregnated Natural Zeolites: From Waste to Resources
-
Title: Initial study on natural fibers for use in concrete mixes as a sustainable materials alternative
-
Title: Valorization of ripe banana peels and cocoa pod husk hydrochars as green sustainable ālow lossā dielectric materials
-
Title: Optimization of microfibrillated cellulose isolation from cocoa pod husk via mild oxalic acid hydrolysis: A response surface methodology approach