Fitxa persona

My scientific trajectory reflects a coherent evolution from telecommunication engineering and photonics towards Earth Observation (EO), satellite product validation, environmental data science, and semantic technologies. I am currently an Assistant Lecturer (Profesor Ayudante Doctor) at the University of Valencia (UV), affiliated with the Institute of Robotics and Information and Communication Technologies (IRTIC) and the LISITT research group, and I am undertaking a second PhD in Remote Sensing. My research career integrates expertise in photonic technologies developed during my first doctoral stage with my current work in EO, artificial intelligence–based environmental modelling, data validation and FAIR semantic frameworks, strongly linked to the Valencia Anchor Station (VAS).

During my early research career, I contributed to the design, modelling and experimental characterisation of photonic devices for high-capacity optical communication systems. My work focused on mode-division multiplexing technologies, including multimode couplers, mode converters and silicon-on-insulator integrated photonic devices. These contributions, published in high-impact journals such as Optics Letters, Optics Express, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters and Optics Communications, addressed tolerance-enhanced modal devices and improvements in spectral efficiency for next-generation optical networks. In parallel, I participated in competitive research projects on optical transmission and photonic sensing, gaining strong technical expertise in instrumentation, electromagnetic simulation, device fabrication and experimental validation.

Since 2020, my research activity has been centred on Earth Observation and satellite product validation within the framework of the ASOTVAS national project, supporting the scientific and operational development of the Valencia Anchor Station. My work covers the validation of satellite-derived products such as FAPAR, land surface temperature, photosynthetically active radiation and surface emissivity; the quality assurance and long-term consistency of in situ measurements; the integration of heterogeneous wireless sensor networks; land-cover classification under limited training data; and the application of machine learning techniques for ecosystem flux modelling. In this context, I have collaborated with the Sentinel-3 Optical Performance Cluster of the European Space Agency, working with Dr Ana Pérez-Hoyos on optical validation activities for OLCI products and contributing to European validation initiatives such as GBOV and CEOS LPV.

These research contributions have been disseminated in international journals including Ecological Informatics, International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, Agricultural and Forest Meteorology and Environmental Modelling & Software. In parallel, I have developed semantic data models for EO and environmental observations based on W3C standards, aiming to improve FAIRness, interoperability and long-term reusability of environmental datasets within operational and research infrastructures.

My research activity also includes participation in competitive publicly funded projects and industry-oriented R&D contracts, as well as responsibilities related to the operation and maintenance of scientific infrastructures. Within the VAS supersite, I play a technical role in managing heterogeneous sensor networks, ensuring data continuity, implementing quality control procedures, supporting field instrumentation and contributing to EO validation protocols. I also serve as a reviewer for several international journals, including IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, Remote Sensing of Environment and European Physical Journal Plus, contributing to transparent and rigorous scientific assessment.

In terms of societal impact, my work directly supports the independent validation of satellite products used by space agencies, environmental monitoring authorities, agricultural stakeholders and public institutions. I have contributed to the development of open and reproducible methodologies for continuous FAPAR estimation, ecosystem flux prediction and land-cover mapping, enhancing the reliability and societal value of EO-based information. My involvement in industry-linked projects in both photonics and EO further strengthens the connection between scientific research and technological application.

Regarding teaching and training, I contribute actively to undergraduate education in Computer Engineering and Telematics Engineering degrees. My teaching covers digital signal processing, semantic web technologies, mobile application development, legal aspects of information and communication technologies, telecommunication fundamentals and project management. I regularly supervise undergraduate and master’s projects, support early-career research training, and participate in academic tutoring and guidance activities. I also develop modern teaching materials and promote research-informed learning in the fields of remote sensing, data science and environmental sustainability.

Overall, my research profile integrates photonics, Earth Observation validation, artificial intelligence–based environmental analysis, semantic data modelling and the engineering of environmental observation infrastructures, contributing to both scientific advancement and societal impact.