Dr. Sara Espinoza
Sendenhorst
Summary
Experienced project manager and scientist with a Ph.D. in Chemistry and a proven track record in leading interdisciplinary complex research projects. A dependable professional adept at balancing multiple priorities with a proactive approach and a commitment to team objectives. A scientist equipped with problem-solving capabilities and creative thinking, driven by a solid work ethic. Known for the ability to foster relationships across diverse scientific and administrative domains. Passionate about pioneering advancements that integrate scientific discovery with technological progress.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Scientific Project Manager
DECHEMA E.V.
01.2021 - Current
- Successfully led 2 interdisciplinary concurrent complex research projects across various scientific disciplines while maintaining excellent organization skills and attention to detail throughout each stage of the process.
- Contributed to improving project management processes by implementing new software tools (OpenProject, Github) in my institution to drive productivity, specially in my projects. Promoting knowledge sharing and transparency between team members across both projects.
- Increased team performance by implementing systematic progress reviews and timely corrective actions, ensuring all project milestones and important tasks were consistently met.
- Led cross-functional team meetings to ensure alignment with stakeholder expectations, facilitating effective communication and collaborative decision making.
- Developed comprehensive project documentation including plans, resource allocations, and progress reports, maintaining rigorous adherence to project timelines and budgets.
- Organized and conducted workshops, seminars, and training sessions to enhance team capabilities and promote ongoing professional development on relevant topics related to ongoing projects.
- Presented research findings at conferences or other professional gatherings effectively conveying complex ideas in understandable manner to audiences from various scientific backgrounds.
- Leveraged digital platforms to disseminate communication materials about project milestones and research outcomes, enhancing visibility and engagement with the scientific community.
- Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress, and technical problems.
Scientific Researcher (Nanotechnology)
Osnabrück University
03.2016 - 11.2019
- Spearheaded a multi-institutional collaboration involving Osnabrück University, University of Applied Sciences Münster, and Harvard Medical School, focusing on the use of nanotechnology to enhance radiotherapy efficacy. The project aimed at improving radiotherapy in terms of contrast and efficiency in tumor target tissue using nanotechnology.
- Conducted thorough literature reviews to inform experimental design and contextualize results within current scientific understanding.
- Designed experiments with appropriate controls, ensuring robustness and validity of obtained data. Some of the methods were VUV/UV/VIS/NIR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, laser diffractometry, ζ-potential determination, transmission and scanning electron microscopy as well as microbiological tests to characterize the nanoparticles.
- Authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, contributing to the broader scientific community''s understanding of key topics.
- Presented research findings at national and international conferences, fostering professional connections and collaboration opportunities.
- Mentored junior researchers and students, ensuring their successful growth in the field.
- Contributed to patent applications for innovative technologies stemming from research efforts, protecting intellectual property rights while promoting global impact potential.
- Co-authored and authored multiple journal articles on research topics.
Scientific Staff (Toxicology and Applied Nanotechnology)
EUREGIO Biotech-Zentrum (FH Münster)
12.2014 - 02.2016
- Set and worked towards identifying a biocompatible and persistent tissue marker using cadmium-free nanoparticles by means of comparative studies.
- Implemented innovative techniques to biophysical characterization of materials based on fluorescence spectra, particle size (gel chromatography and dynamic light scattering), solubility and stability in physiological solutions.
- Successfully investigated biocompatibility and cytotoxicity by carrying out assays to determine oxidative stress (glutathione determination) and apoptosis (caspase activation).
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
Internship Student
University of Twente
03.2014 - 11.2014
- Developed professional skills through hands-on experiences, including the development of a high-content imaging platform using murine embryonic stem cells.
- Gained practical experience in 3D cell culture, immunofluorescence microscopy, and tissue engineering.
- Gained further international experience working with scientist from the Netherlands and Europe.
Working Student / Internship
Bioserv Analytik und Medizinprodukte GmbH
02.2011 - 11.2011
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks specially in the R&D department reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working on the expression of recombinant protein in Escherichia coli as well as in protein purification, affinity chromatography, electrophoresis, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
Education
Ph.D. - Materials Chemistry
Osnabrück University
Osnabrück, Germany01.2019
Master of Science - Biomedical/Medical Engineering
University of Applied Sciences Münster
Münster, Germany01.2015
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
University of Applied Sciences Flensburg
Flensburg, Germany01.2012
High School Diploma -
German School
Quito, Ecuador01.2006
Skills
Project Management
Stakeholder Relations
Creative Thinking
Problem-solving
Reliability
Languages
German
Advanced (C1)
English
Advanced (C1)
Spanish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Honors Awards
- Doctoral scholarship from the University of Applied Sciences Münster
- Speaker at TEDxMünster
Publications
- Fabrication and characterization of UV-emitting nanoparticles as novel radiation sensitizers targeting hypoxic tumor cells
- 3D high throughput screening and profiling of embryoid bodies in thermoformed microwell plates
- Characterization of Micro- and Nanoscale LuPO4:Pr3+,Nd3+ with Strong UV-C Emission to Reduce X- Ray Doses in Radiation Therapy
- UVC-Emitting LuPO4:Pr3+ Nanoparticles Decrease Radiation Resistance of Hypoxic Cancer Cells
- Colloidal LaPO4:Gd3+ nanocrystals: X-ray induced single line UV emission
Timeline
Scientific Project Manager
DECHEMA E.V.
01.2021 - Current
Scientific Researcher (Nanotechnology)
Osnabrück University
03.2016 - 11.2019
Scientific Staff (Toxicology and Applied Nanotechnology)
EUREGIO Biotech-Zentrum (FH Münster)
12.2014 - 02.2016
Internship Student
University of Twente
03.2014 - 11.2014
Working Student / Internship
Bioserv Analytik und Medizinprodukte GmbH
02.2011 - 11.2011
Ph.D. - Materials Chemistry
Osnabrück University
Master of Science - Biomedical/Medical Engineering
University of Applied Sciences Münster
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
University of Applied Sciences Flensburg
High School Diploma -
German School
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