Fitxa persona

I began my research career in the Department of Organic Chemistry at the University of Valencia (UV), where I continue to work today. I completed my doctoral thesis on the isolation of natural products from endemic plants of our region. I undertook a postdoctoral fellowship at Imperial College London, under the supervision of Professor S. V. Ley, where I gained experience in the total synthesis of organic products. Upon returning to UV, I joined Professor R. Mestres's group to work on the reactivity of unsaturated carboxylic acid dianions, a line of research I assumed leadership of in 2000. In 2007, I joined Professor A. M. Costero's group and focused my research on supramolecular chemistry. Since then, we have been dedicated to the design, synthesis, and evaluation of chromium and/or fluorogenic chemosensors and chemodosimeters for the detection of small molecules. Significant contributions have been made to the detection of nerve agents, polluting gases, neurotransmitters, and date rape drugs.

Since 2008, I have been part of the Interuniversity Institute (UPV+UV) for Molecular Recognition and Technological Development (IDM), which I have directed since 2022. The IDM focuses on health, food, safety, and the environment. This multidisciplinary center has allowed us to begin developing new applications for our sensors using solid supports and exploring their potential in vivo uses through monitoring in various cell lines and mice. As a result of using mesoporous materials, we have initiated a new line of research aimed at functionalizing these systems with molecular gates for the controlled release of drugs, a much more efficient dosing method. We are already obtaining results for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases and osteoporosis. Every year, we organize the International Workshop on Sensors and Molecular Recognition, which has now been held 18 times.

During this time, I have published approximately 140 articles (almost half of which are Q1), supervised 12 doctoral theses, and around 40 other research projects, including undergraduate and master's theses. I have participated in 40 research projects, funded by the National Research Plan, the Valencian Government (GV), and the University of Valencia, and have been the principal investigator on 5 of them. I have also participated in one European project and two projects funded by the Argentine National Research Agency (PICT), thanks to my collaboration with Professor Pedro Mancini of the National University of Litoral (UNL). Recent findings on chemosensors for the detection of date rape drugs have resulted in 6 patents and the creation of the spin-off company Opticalsens SL, which has already launched its Celentis brand drug-detecting wristbands. This project has received numerous awards, the most recent on November 25th: 1st UPV Ideas Prize for Best Spin-off 2025. Deeply committed to knowledge transfer, we have always maintained agreements with various companies, which has allowed us to hold several patents currently in use.
After enjoying several scholarships and contracts, I became a tenured professor in 1991 and a full professor of Organic Chemistry in 2010. I have been awarded six five-year research periods and six six-year research periods. I have been involved from the beginning in adapting our programs to the Bologna Process (European Higher Education Area) and in management positions, notably serving as Vice Dean and Coordinator of the Degree Program, and participating in the drafting of the white paper for the Chemistry Degree. I have taught in the Master's programs in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Forensic Chemistry at the University of Valencia (UV), as well as in the Diploma program in Industrial Chemistry. I am also part of the teaching staff at Nau Gran. I received the Teaching Excellence Award from the Consell Social in 2017, along with several Educational Innovation awards, and the Docentia program awarded me an "excellent" rating.
Due to the increased social impact we have recently been experiencing, I was awarded the 2024 EVAP (Association of Businesswomen and Professionals of Valencia) Diversity Award and was featured in Forbes magazine as one of the 100 most influential women in Spain.

[Biography, english version]