Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I am a biomedical engineer from Medellin, Colombia, where I studied my undergraduate and master courses in biomedical engineering with a focus on bioinstrumentation and signal processing. I came to the UK to pursue my PhD in biomedical engineering at City, University of London, which I completed earlier this year. I have experience in research and teaching, and I'm passionate about the use of health-related data to empower people about their health and to improve life quality.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Be ready to be surprised! When I was 18 years old, I used to have plans for everything, and felt very frustrated when these plans didn’t happen as expected. But no one knows where life will take you next, so be prepared to pivot in the directions that life indicates to you.
What do you do with your time outside academia/work?
I love exercising! I’m a keen cyclist and have played volleyball for most of my life. Also, I enjoy going to the movies, and going out with friends for dinner or for a picnic in the park (at least when the British weather allows!).
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m looking forward to learning a lot this year, to expand my knowledge and my abilities as a researcher.
Who inspires you most and why?
My family is the biggest source of inspiration, and my most important group of fans. They have always been a guide in life and have always been there to cheer for me, regardless of the challenge. My hope is to be able to somehow pay all this back to them one day.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Having been courageous enough to come to the UK in search of new opportunities. It has been a great experience and has made me grow professionally but mostly as a person.
What is your favourite thing about working at King’s?
So far, I’m really enjoying the diversity at King’s as well as the companionship inside my research group. It feels like a family, which is always welcome in a working place!
QUICK-FIRE:
Favourite season: Summer
Favourite book: The Lord of the Rings
Favourite cuisine: Colombian (very biased!)
Coffee order: Tinto (Colombian americano)