Laura Lerena, a PhD student under Prof. Antonio M. Echavarren’s supervision, has successfully defended her thesis today entitled Navigating the Synthesis of Complex Molecular Architectures: From Acenes to Gold(I) Cavitand Carbenoids.
The members of the evaluation committee have been Prof. Juan Manuel Cuerva from Universidad de Granada (Spain), Prof. Paz Muñoz from Lancaster University (United Kingdom), Prof. Arjan W. Kleij from ICIQ (Spain).
First, we will know more about yourself: where are you from, where and what you studied, your hobbies, and any other information you would like to include.
I was born in Jerez de la Frontera, (Cádiz). I earned my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Cádiz, and then I moved to Salamanca, where I completed my master’s degree in Evaluation and Development of Drugs. Although my favourite sport is swimming, I enjoy all kinds of sports and try to practice them whenever I have the opportunity, such as weightlifting, climbing, running, playing padel, beach volleyball and skiing.
Why did you become a scientist?
Because I have always been very curious about the origin of things and why they are the way they are. I’ve also always wanted to know how things are formed. In short, I wanted to understand the world around us.
What do you want to achieve as a scientist?
I aspire to contribute to making the world a better place.
What is your thesis about?
My thesis focuses on the synthesis of complex molecular architectures involving gold, either as a catalyst in certain transformations or as the metal center in carbenoids species.
What triggered your interest for the subject of your thesis?
The complexity of the molecules obtained in my thesis made the work more challenging.
What applications can your thesis have in the future?
It contributes to expanding the understanding and applicability of gold(I) transformations.
The thing that I like most about my thesis is….
The progress I made through the different projects.
From the lessons learnt at ICIQ, which one do you value the most?
The feeling of community at ICIQ is something I truly value. When I started at ICIQ, I thought this would be individual work, but it turned out to be the opposite. No matter if you are having a bad day or going through a blocked period in your thesis, your lab mates are always there to support you.
What ICIQ moment you’ll never forget?
Luch breaks with my colleagues.
What will you miss the most from ICIQ?
My lab mates when I started in the Echavarren group.
What do you wish you had known at the beginning of your PhD?
Time runs too fast, so make the most of your time here and live each experience as if it were unique.
What advice do you have for someone who’s starting their PhD now?
Enjoy your time here and try to take advantage of every opportunity your PhD gives you.
From your experience at ICIQ, what do you think we can improve?
I don’t think it is a big deal, but bureaucracy can be annoying sometimes, and in some cases the procedures are not very clear. However, administrative staff is always available to answer our questions.
Who has been your biggest influence?
The former members of my group have been my biggest influence, as I was able to witness their development and their growth into excellent professionals.
Where are you going next? What will you do there?
I will be joining Innovalab in the KTT Unit at ICIQ as a Project Researcher. I will continue working in the lab, with the main objective of optimizing and scaling up the synthesis of different targets.
Chemistry is fun because…
Each scientific project presents a new challenge. Every step along the way is an opportunity to learn, regardless of whether the results are positive or negative.
What is your favourite molecule?
Water (H2O) is my favourite molecule because it has played a crucial role throughout my life.
If you were a piece of lab equipment, what would you be?
I would be a glass adapter, because it allows different pieces to fit together when they seem incompatible.
Tell us something about you that people might not know…
I’m actually more introverted than I appear.
La entrada ¡Felicidades, Dra. Lerena! se publicó primero en ICIQ.