Place of residence: Spain

Position: Thermo-mechanical calculation and design engineer

How many projects are you currently working on? Please describe them:

I’m currently working on several projects, with my main position as a thermo-mechanical calculation and design engineer at SENER, a leading engineering and technology company. One of the key projects I’m focused on within SENER is the CIMR mission, led by the European Space Agency (ESA), which aims to study the solar wind and its interaction with interstellar space. Also, I am the mechanical engineer in charge of the mechanical tests for two telecommunication satellite sensor projects, primarily focusing on thermal and vibration tests.

On the other hand, during my master’s thesis in astrophysics, I conducted research on stellar tidal streams, which are phenomena related to the formation and evolution of stellar structures within galaxies. I continue to contribute to projects in this field, having co-authored a paper published in the prestigious journal Astronomy & Astrophysics (https://arxiv.org/abs/2209.08636). In fact, very recently, I’ve started working on a new project, also related to stellar tidal streams, which I hope to be able to talk about soon.

Alongside my ongoing projects, I’m always eager to learn and expand my skills. Driven by curiosity, I’ve been dedicating time to a course in computer science, focusing on Python programming, and I’m planning to dive deeper into electronics in the near future to further enhance my professional development.

In your opinion, who is the most influential person/company in the world of technology these days?

I believe that currently, figures like Jensen Huang (CEO of Nvidia) and Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI) are among the most influential in the tech world. Nvidia is leading advancements in AI hardware, while OpenAI is pushing the boundaries of AI models that are transforming multiple industries. Additionally, emerging companies like DeepSeek in China are introducing innovative and cost-effective approaches that challenge the status quo.

Also, semiconductors in Taiwan remain highly relevant, as companies like TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) continue to be the backbone of global chip production. The development of AI, cloud computing, and high-performance computing all depend on cutting-edge semiconductor technology, making Taiwan a crucial player in the future of tech innovation.

If you could pick one app/product/project existing now that you wish you were involved in, what would it be?

The ESA’s Clean Space Initiative is a project in which I am excited to be involved. I believe sustainability is a responsibility we all share, which is why I find it rewarding to be involved in projects like this. Contributing to the reduction of space debris, the development of sustainable satellites, and ensuring responsible space exploration aligns with my values and professional goals. It’s an ambitious effort that not only protects Earth’s orbital environment but also inspires sustainable innovation on our planet.

How do you see technology evolving in the next ten years?

I think technology is going to evolve in incredible ways over the next ten years. Artificial intelligence will become an even bigger part of our daily lives—not just in virtual assistants but in healthcare, education, and even business decision-making. Automation and robotics will also keep advancing, changing the way we work and produce things.

At the same time, I see augmented and virtual reality becoming much more integrated into how we communicate, learn, and even entertain ourselves. And sustainability will be a huge focus, with cleaner energy solutions and innovations tackling climate change.

Of course, with all these advancements, there will be challenges—especially around digital security and ethical concerns—but if handled well, the impact will be overwhelmingly positive. Overall, the future of technology looks exciting, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.

What are the three characteristics you have that make you successful in tech?

I would say my curiosity, proactiveness, and determination are three key traits that have helped me succeed in tech. My innate curiosity is reflected in my interest in science and emerging technologies, driven by my passion for the aerospace sector and the dynamics of the universe. This mindset allows me to stay informed and adapt quickly in a constantly evolving field. I am also highly proactive, always seeking ways to improve and taking initiative rather than waiting for things to happen. I enjoy tackling challenges and finding creative solutions. Lastly, my determination and consistency enable me to stay committed to my goals. When I take on a challenge, I approach it with persistence and discipline, as I believe that continuous effort and resilience are essential for achieving long-term success.

What is the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your career?

Over the past decade, during which I have completed my university degree, two master’s programs, and engaged in various projects—including scientific research and full-time roles in the industrial sector—the most significant challenge I have encountered has not been the technical complexity of any professional endeavour, but rather achieving a sustainable balance between my professional and personal life. Throughout my career, I’ve often found myself living and working in locations far from home. This has meant being away from my loved ones for extended periods, which can be emotionally challenging, especially given the level of commitment my field requires. However, I’ve come to realize that while my passion for my career is important, finding a balance between work and personal life is key to long-term happiness.

What is your greatest achievement up until today?

I would say that my greatest achievements so far—whether earning degrees or successfully completing projects—are certainly something I am proud of. However, what I consider my biggest achievement is not just the outcomes themselves but the personal growth that has come with them. The way I have evolved through each experience, the resilience I have built, and the continuous learning process are what truly define my success. For me, achievements aren’t just about the results; they’re also about how they shape me both as a professional and as a person.

What is your next goal?

My next professional goal is to further develop my expertise in systems engineering, a field I consider essential for tackling complex challenges in the aerospace industry. What I find particularly valuable about systems engineering is how it helps anticipate and prevent oversights, adapt to real-world changes, and create solutions that are not only efficient but also robust and cost-effective—key aspects in space missions.

I would love to apply this knowledge to one of the European Space Agency’s projects, such as the Atlantic Constellation, focused on Earth observation and environmental monitoring, or the RAMSES mission, which aims to study the asteroid Apophis before, during, and after its close approach to Earth in 2029, providing findings that will enhance our ability to protect the planet from potential threats posed by objects on a collision trajectory. Contributing to projects like these would allow me to be part of technological advancements while promoting scientific excellence, sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration to push the boundaries of space exploration and its benefits for society.

What tips do you have for people wanting to start in the tech world?

Starting in the tech world can be an exciting yet challenging journey, so my first piece of advice would be to identify what truly sparks your passion. The tech world is vast, and understanding what motivates you—whether it’s coding, design, problem-solving, or innovation—will give you a clearer direction. Then, it’s important to be honest with yourself about what you’re good at and where you might need to improve. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and understanding them will help you focus on what truly interests you and what areas you need to work on.

Another key factor is recognizing the resources available to you. Are you in a city or country where tech is thriving, with opportunities to attend conferences, meetups, or access online communities? Do you know people in the industry who can offer guidance and mentorship? This can be very helpful when starting a plan in this world.

Also, it’s important not to forget that the tech world is constantly evolving with new innovations and developments. This requires proactivity, dedication, self-reflection, a willingness to learn, consistency, and discipline, which will help you achieve your goals and find your path in this amazing world.

If you could say something to your younger self, what would it be?

If I could say something to my younger self, I would tell her to trust the process, embrace challenges, and focus on enjoying the journey instead of worrying too much about the outcome. I would also remind myself not to overthink or stress excessively about the future or try to have everything under control at all times. While I have always been aware of this, I would encourage myself to put even more focus on what I can control and what I am doing in the present moment. Opportunities and growth come with time, and every experience, even the most challenging ones, brings something valuable. In the end, everything falls into place as long as you keep moving forward with determination and passion.

Which famous person would you like to have dinner with and why?

I would definitely choose the opportunity to have dinner with Katherine Johnson. Her work as a mathematician at NASA was essential for space missions like John Glenn’s orbital flight and the Apollo 11 Moon landing. But what makes her truly inspiring is that she accomplished all of this as a Black woman in the 1960s, a time when both her gender and race made it incredibly hard to be recognized in her field.

I’d love to ask her how she stayed motivated despite the challenges, what kept her pushing forward when others tried to hold her back, and how she felt seeing her work change history. Her story is a powerful reminder that intelligence, perseverance, and courage can take us not only to space but beyond the limits society sets for us.

Where would you like to travel next?

Travelling is one of my biggest passions, and if I could, I would explore every country in the world. Right now, the places that fascinate me the most and that I haven’t been to yet are Japan, Malaysia, and Egypt—I hope they’ll be my next destinations. And, of course, dreaming of a space trip is always on the list!

What did you dream of creating/inventing/doing as a child?

I’ve always been a dreamer, and when I was a child, one of my biggest dreams was teleportation—honestly, it still is. I remember going on road trips with my family and spending most of the journey thinking about how amazing it would be to travel in a much faster and more efficient way.