2 Tec professors among top 25 female scientists in LATAM in 2023

The Tec professors have been recognized in the third 25 Women in Science: Latin America list produced by the 3M company.

By Adrián H. Nájera & Rebeca Ruiz | CONECTA National News Desk - 02/20/2023 Photo María Luisa del Prado & Mirna González

Tec de Monterrey professors María Luisa del Prado and Mirna Alejandra González have been selected by the 3M company to form part of the third 25 Women in Science: Latin America list because of their contributions to science.

This year, more than 1,700 projects were received, of which only 300 were chosen as finalists.

Candidates’ experience, as well as the potential direct or indirect social impact of the project submitted and the level of innovation, feasibility, and maturity of the idea were taken into account in order to be selected as one of the 25 Women in Science.

The names of the winners were announced on February 11, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and included 8 Mexican women.

Mujeres en la ciencia

Cutting edge nanobiotechnology

Dr. María Luisa del Prado has conducted many research projects, including work on biopolymeric nanoparticles as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, burns and to stimulate healing.

“My role is to reduce the gender gap and make the projects that women do in Mexico and in Latin America, in this case, visible,” explained the Mexico City campus professor.

Her contributions to the scientific community have earned her numerous awards and prizes, including the Dr. George Rosenkranz Prize for Medical Research for her work on nanocarriers.

“During my post-doc, I began to develop nanosystems to control the release of biomolecules which could be used as non-conventional treatments for certain illnesses.

“I’m now working on projects to encapsulate drugs within nanocarriers and creating nano, micro, and macro platforms for sustained release,” she added.

“My role is to reduce the gender gap and make the projects that women do in Mexico visible.” - María Luisa del Prado.

Constructing 3D cultures using aqueous two-phase systems

Mirna Alejandra González, from the Monterrey campus, explained that she is working on a bioengineering platform that allows cells to grow in a microenvironment which is more representative of physiological conditions.

“We’re specifically working with breast cancer cells, which will allow us to develop 3D in-vitro models through which we can study tumor microenvironments.

“It will also allow us to study drugs for the potential development of personalized medical treatments,” said Mirna González.

Professor González works at TecSalud within the School of Medicine and Health Sciences and one of her motivations is to popularize science for young people.

“It’s a great honor to have been chosen as one of the third group of 25 Women in Science: Latin America by the 3M company.

“It’s a great opportunity to promote the research we do at Tec de Monterrey, and to be able to motivate and inspire my female students to continue in the world of science,” said the professor.

Mujeres en la ciencia

Who provides this recognition?

The 3M company put out a call to recognize 25 women who have excelled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

This American company is dedicated to researching, developing, and commercializing technology through various services and products such as cleaning and office supplies, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, to name but a few.