Prof. Dr. Lourdes Orejuela-Escobar | Nanobiomaterials Awards | Best Innovation Award

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.

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 Politécnica del Ejército, and Universidad Central del Ecuador, reflecting her extensive experience in circular engineering, sustainability, and bioeconomy.