Maria Encarnacion Mena Martinez

Dr. María Encarnación Mena Martínez serves as Full Professor at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, specializing in chemical engineering and biomaterials research. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor's in Industrial Chemical Engineering from the Autonomous University of Yucatan, followed by a Master's and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with specialization in Bioengineering from UNAM, earning her master's degree with honors. Her research focuses on enzymatic synthesis and biomaterial characterization in unconventional media, particularly polylactide derivatives in ionic liquids and supercritical fluids. Following two postdoctoral positions at the Scientific Research Center of Yucatan, she developed expertise in scaffolds for cell growth and natural cotton characterization. Her scientific impact includes 13 published articles with impact factors ranging from 1.7 to 6, garnering 120 citations and an H-index of 5. Her teaching experience spans multiple institutions, including UAEMEX Acolman and UAM-Cuajimalpa, where she teaches courses ranging from basic chemistry to advanced biochemistry. Through her Coursera courses "Iniciándome en la Química" and "La Química de las Reacciones," she helps students master fundamental chemical concepts and reactions.