Since December 2024, Ana Puente Santamaría has been a researcher at the Polymer Technology Laboratory (LATEP) of Rey Juan Carlos University, specializing in mechanical plastic recycling, with a focus on the reintegration of recycled polyolefins into food packaging.
Graduated in Chemical Sciences from the University of Salamanca in 2021, she developed her BachelorÂ’s Thesis in the field of benzene synthesis for the determination of 14C in marine organisms. Her interest in research led her to obtain a collaboration grant at the Ionizing Radiation and Dating Laboratory of the University of Salamanca, participating in an environmental radiological surveillance program funded by the Nuclear Safety Council.
She later pursued a MasterÂ’s in Chemical Science and Technology at the Complutense University of Madrid, graduating in 2023 and receiving the award for the best academic record. Her MasterÂ’s Thesis focused on the behavior of biopolymers in solution and at interfaces, with applications in the cosmetic industry. During this period, she was part of the Complex Systems Group, researching the applicability of biopolymers and interactions at polymer-surfactant interfaces.
She has participated in various research projects, ranging from environmental pollution analysis to plastic waste circularity, and has authored several scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals, addressing topics such as the use of chitosan in hair care formulations and interactions in polyelectrolyte-surfactant systems. Additionally, she has presented her findings at national and international conferences.
With a strong background in polymers, recycling, and materials science, Ana Puente Santamaría continues to advance her career in research applied to sustainability and the optimization of polymeric materials.