Degrees
Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, UCI, 2020 expected
MS, Nanoscience, Materials and Processes, University of Rovira i Virgili (URV), Spain, 2015
BS and MS, Chemical Engineering, University of Rovira i Virgili (URV), Spain, 2014
Research
Her research is focused on using computer simulations to understand and predict the behavior of flames on Earth and Space when an electric field is applied. The ultimate goal of her research is to control flames and improve the efficiency of combustion related devices, as well as produce (or not) soot and other nanomaterials. Prior to arriving at UCI, Claudia investigated the optimization and production of maltodextrin microcapsules at the URV-Chemistry Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTQC).
Biography
Claudia is a doctoral candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering in Dr. Derek Dunn-Rankin’s laboratory in the Henry Samueli School of Engineering at UCI. She is originally from Reus (Spain), where she got her degree in Chemical Engineering.
Why is science communication important to you personally?
I think that people can choose better decisions if they are well informed and have contrasted the information. However, how this information is presented is crucial to ensure that the message is properly delivered. If the information is too convoluted or technical, you risk that the reader might miss the important points and might believe whatever information is easier to read, rather that which one is trustful.
Also, think about the stereotype of a scientist from “the Big Bang theory” series: people talking while being incredibly specific and jokingly underestimating people that cannot keep up with their too wordy explanations. This is not the stereotype that I want to keep. I want people to not be afraid to ask about science and obtain responses that they can understand. And who knows, that might trigger ideas from outside-of-the-box that were not even imaginable!