Dariana Vega-Santander
About me
Dariana R. Vega Santander, originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, is a Ph.D. candidate in Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Universidad del Atlántico and an M.S. from UPRM. Her research focuses on adsorption processes and the synthesis of zeolite-based nanoporous materials for water purification and contaminant removal, including applications for the International Space Station’s Water Processor Assembly.
Dariana R. Vega Santander was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, where she obtained her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Universidad del Atlántico in 2016. As an undergraduate, she joined the Photochemistry and Photobiology Research Group, where she conducted research on the photodegradation of alizarin red dyes using iron porphyrin thin films. In 2017, she completed a technological specialization in Innovation of Food Products at the National Service of Learning (SENA) in Barranquilla.
In 2019, she joined the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, where she completed her M.S. in Chemical Engineering and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. under the mentorship of Dr. Arturo Hernández-Maldonado. Her research at the Nanoporous Sorbent Synthesis and Adsorption Lab focuses on the synthesis, post-functionalization, and characterization of zeolite-based adsorbents for the removal of silicon-based contaminants from water. This work contributes to developing efficient purification systems, including applications relevant to NASA’s Water Processor Assembly aboard the International Space Station.
Dariana’s academic journey reflects her commitment to applying materials science and chemical engineering principles to address environmental and sustainability challenges through advanced research and innovation.
