I am a tenured researcher at the Astronomy Institute of the National Autonomous Univeristy of Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City. My main scientific interest is the exploration of the scenarios that explain the correlation of physical parameters at kpc scales in galaxies located in the nearby Universe.
To achieve this goal, I work on a novel spectroscopic technique known as Integral Field Spectroscopy (IFS, also known as Hyperspectral cameras). This technique is able to capture the optical spectra from different regions of a galaxy simultaneously. We have employed different analysis techniques on a large sample of galaxies included in different IFS surveys (e.g., CALIFA, MaNGA, AMUSING++).
I usually work in a large variety of subjects related to extragalactic astrophysics such as the kinematics of isolated and interacting galaxies, the impact of interactions and mergers in the physical properties of galaxies; the correlation of physical parameters of galaxies at kpc scales that help to understand how galaxies form and evolve.
As a scientist, I am very interested in learning cutting-edge tecniques to analyze complex datasets. I am currently working in ML models to better understand astrophysical properties. I also interested in data handling using structured datasets. I am eager to use cloud AI-based models to solve day-to-day problems.
I have published 122 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious astrophysical journals (e.g., ApJ, MNRAS, A&A) with over 9100 citations (h-index = 40). I have participated in more than 20 international conferences and congress. I have lead, and been part of observational proposal for the most important telescopes in the world (HST, JWST)
(UNAM - Mexico, 2023-Present) Led and managed a team of more than seven researchers (including undergrad and grad students), coordinating experiments and analyzing complex large spectroscopic data sets. Principal investigator of three major research projects securing more than 1.2 million MXN in resources through public funding.
(UNAM - Mexico, 2018-2023) Conducted groundbreaking research in astrophysics, contributing to the estimation of spatially resolved properties of galaxies using Integral Field Spectroscopy with optical and infrared instrumentation (similar to Fourier transform interferometer SITELLE or the one at the JWST).
(Johns Hopkins University - USA, 2015-2018) Developed and maintained collaborations with international research teams (e.g., CALIFA,EDGE, SDSS-IV MaNGA, SDSS-V LVM, Q3D-JWST) demonstrating strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills. Delivered presentations at more than 20 international conferences (some of them as an invited speaker), effectively communicating technical concepts to diverse audiences.
(Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias - Spain, 2011-2015). Thesis: Tracing and isolating major-merger triggered galaxy evolution: Spatially- resolved properties through the merger sequence.
(Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität - Germany, 2008 - 2010) Thesis: The mid-IR Emission from Narrow-Line Region Clouds in NGC 1068
(Universidad Nacional de Colombia -Colombia, 2003-2008) Thesis: The Narrow-Line Region Spectra of Active Galactic Nuclei. Lectures in Physics, Statistics, and Computing.