About me

Data scientist, professor, and researcher. BSc in Computer Engineering, MSc in Computer Science, and PhD in Computer Science. I firmly believe that technology is meaningful when it improves people's lives. I am passionate about data and its transformative power; I believe in leveraging it, giving it purpose, and turning it into knowledge that drives real change.

My interest in health and well-being has led me to research healthy aging, exploring how data and artificial intelligence can foster a more fulfilling life.

Mary Carlota Bernal holds a degree in Computer Engineering, a master's degree in Computer Science, and a PhD in Computer Engineering and Mathematics for Security from Rovira i Virgili University (Spain). She is an associate professor and researcher at Simón Bolívar University and an active member of the Smart Technologies (URV) and Research and Innovation in Applied Technologies (Unisimón) research groups, where she has developed projects integrating artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies applied to health, and solutions focused on social well-being.

She has over ten years of academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as a strong track record in program coordination, directing applied research projects, and training in emerging technologies. Her career combines a strong technical background with practical experience in innovation, having held roles such as Science, Technology, and Innovation Facilitator at SENA (National Learning Service) and project leader at MacondoLab, where she coordinated initiatives aimed at solving social challenges through technology. She has also worked as a consultant in innovation and digital transformation, leading technology adoption processes in both the public and private sectors.

His recent research has focused on using artificial intelligence to study human functional capacity from a positive and preventive perspective, with an emphasis on healthy aging. In this field, he has made significant scientific contributions, including the development of models published in high-impact journals. His work integrates technical, social, and ethical aspects, is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach, his participation in international scientific networks, and his commitment to the responsible application of technology.

Degrees:

2007
Undergraduate
Engineering sciences
2013
Master
Computing and Information Technology
2023
Doctorate
Computing and Information Technology

Publications resulting from Research
Bernal, M. C., Batista, E., Martínez-Ballesté, A., & Solanas, A. (2025). A functional approach to model intrinsic capacity in ageing trajectories. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 7878.
Bernal, M. C., Batista, E., Martínez-Ballesté, A., & Solanas, A. (2024). Artificial intelligence for the study of human ageing: a systematic literature review. Applied Intelligence, 54(22), 11949-11977.
Salazar, J., Durán, P., Díaz, M. P., Chacín, M., Santeliz, R., Mengual, E., Bernal, M. C., ... & Bermúdez, V. (2023). Exploring the relationship between the gut microbiota and ageing: a possible age modulator. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(10), 5845.
Salazar, J., Durán, P., Díaz, M. P., Chacín, M., Santeliz, R., Mengual, E., Bernal, M. C., ... & Bermúdez, V. (2023). Exploring the relationship between the gut microbiota and ageing: a possible age modulator. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(10), 5845.
Navarro, C., Salazar, J., Díaz, M. P., Chacin, M., Santeliz, R., Vera, I., Bernal, M. C., ... & Bermúdez, V. (2023). Intrinsic and environmental basis of aging: A narrative review. Heliyon, 9(8).
Gualdrón-Bobadilla, G. F., Briceño-Martínez, A. P., Caicedo-Téllez, V., Pérez-Reyes, G., Silva-Paredes, C., Ortiz-Benavides, R., Bernal, M. C., ... & Bermúdez, V. (2022). Stomatognathic system changes in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a systematic review. Journal of personalized Medicine, 12(10), 1541.
Bernal, M. C., & Molina, Y. (2022). A test model for database architectures: an assessment for job search engine systems. Journal of applied research and technology, 20(3), 306-319.
Bernal, M. C., Martínez-Ballesté, A., & Solanas, A. (2021, July). A review of data sources for the study of ageing. In 2021 IEEE 45th Annual Computers, Software, and Applications Conference (COMPSAC) (pp. 1843-1848). IEEE.