Vanessa Beatriz Maya Segura is a Chemistry graduate from the University of Zaragoza who, driven by her interest in exploring materials at the nanoscale, is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Nanostructured Materials for Nanotechnology Applications at the same university, supported by the competitive SAMCA Chair Scholarship in Nanotechnology. Her path in science began after completing the Spanish Bachiller in Science while also earning her U.S. High School Diploma through the Dual Diploma Program of Academica International Studies, an experience that gave her both a solid scientific background and an international academic perspective before beginning her Bachelor’s degree. Throughout her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, Vanessa has gained research experience at the Carbochemistry Institute (ICB), part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), where she works on nanomaterials derived from biopolymers to help develop safer and more sustainable batteries. Her work has contributed to a peer-reviewed publication, and she is now continuing this research as a recipient of the nationally competitive JAE Intro ICU Fellowship at CSIC.
Through her journey, students can see how an interest in science, combined with sustained effort, can open the door to research that contributes to solving real-world challenges
