Resume

Education

2021
Doctor of Engineering Science – Chemical and Bioprocesses Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioprocesses

2015
Master of Engineering, Mining and Environmental Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Department of Mining Engineering

2012
Bachelor of Chemistry
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Faculty of Chemistry

2025
Professional Certificate in Project Management
Coursera/Google

Research Experience

Sept 2025 – Present
Project Evaluator
National Research and Development Agency (ANID), Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, Government of Chile

  • Merit assessment of FONDECYT research projects (Initiation, Regular, Postdoctoral, and Exploration tracks) through technical review and specialized peer evaluation
  • Active participation in evaluation panels and area committees for national scientific and technological funding instruments
  • Review and evaluation of progress and final reports for ongoing research projects
  • Assessment of research center proposals including Basal, Technological, and Regional Centers
  • Participation in academic monitoring committees and evaluation of technical project reformulations

Jun 2025 – Present
Research Manager
Millennium Institute on Green Ammonia (MIGA), Santiago, Chile

  • Leadership & Management: Provide scientific and technical advisory services to administrative teams and specialized guidance for institutional strategic decision-making
  • Mentorship & Development: Design and lead academic-scientific mentorship programs for undergraduate, graduate, and early-career researchers to enhance research competencies and promote scientific integrity
  • Partnership Development: Conduct site visits to research centers to establish collaborative partnerships and expand institutional networks
  • International Collaboration: Successfully negotiated and formalized Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Texas Tech University (Gerardine Botte Research Group) for strategic academic exchange and joint research projects
  • Scientific Documentation: Oversee specialized scientific documentation processes including peer review coordination, technical editing, and manuscript preparation to ensure compliance with international methodological standards

2023 – 2025
Postdoctoral Fellow
School of Chemistry, Monash University, Vic., Australia

  • Awarded ANID Chile Postdoctoral Fellowship for research abroad #74220073.
  • Led an independent project developing TiO2-based photoanodes for ammonia oxidation via photo-electrocatalysis.
  • Designed and fabricated reactors integrating 3D printing and CAD (Autodesk Fusion 360), advancing photoelectrochemical technologies.
  • Operated advanced nanomaterial characterisation equipment (XRD 60h, SEM 80h, TEM 40h), obtaining expertise in materials analysis.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, mentoring Master’s and PhD students.
  • Contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals.
  • Supported project management activities, ensuring timely achievement of research milestones.

2021 – 2022
Postdoctoral Fellow
Millennium Insitute on Green Ammonia, Faculty of Chemical and Biological Science, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile

  • Awarded Department of Scientific and Technological Research, USACH. Project USA2155 and USA2156.
  • Led research on ammonia oxidation using low-cost Cu-Ni bimetallic electrodes.
  • Developed expertise in advanced electrochemical techniques, including differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS).
  • Publish findings in high-impact journals and collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams.
  • Mentored Master’s and PhD students, cultivating research skill development.

2017 – 2021
Doctoral Researcher
Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioprocesses, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile

  • Awarded ANID Chile National Doctoral Scholarship #21171065.
  • Thesis: Photo-electrosynthesis of nitrogen compounds via simultaneous CO2 and NO3– reduction using TiO2/FTO electrodes coated with Cu2O nanoparticles.
  • Development of novel electrocatalytic materials for sustainable energy conversion and CO2 reduction.
  • Designed and fabricated electrochemical reactors for energy conversion studies, obtaining expertise in device design and optimisation. 
  • Completed research internship at MIT, Boston, USA (energy storage and batteries) and Monash University, expanding international collaboration and technical skills.

Latest Publications

  • 2025 – Belloti, M., Matamala-Troncoso, F., McKay, A. I., Vu, T. M., MacFarlane, D. R.*, & Simonov, A. N.* . Is the oxidation of dinitrogen at measurable rates possible under mild conditions? Joule. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2025.101924
  • 2024 – Matamala-Troncoso, F., Díaz Coello, S., Martínez, F., Barrientos, H., Lisoni, J., Armijo, F., Lozano, D., Pizarro, J., Arévalo, M. C., Pastor, E.*, & Aguirre, M. J.* First approach of fractals nickel-copper dendrites on stainless steel electrodes for ammonia oxidation to nitrogen monitored in operando by differential electrochemical mass spectroscopy. Electrochemica Acta. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2024.144894
  • 2023 – Aguilera, S., Flores, E., Segura, R., Barrientos, H., Márquez, P., García, C., Matamala-Troncoso, F., Pizarro, J.*, & Aguirre, M. J.* A simple electroanalytical methodology for determination of zaleplon by adsorptive stripping voltammetry in oral fluids. Microchemical Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2023.109256

Latest Teaching Experience

2017 – 2023
Associate Lecturer
Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Santo Tomás, Santiago, Chile

  • Delivered lectures in Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemistry for Engineering and Science students.
  • Developed attractive lesson plans and assessments aligned with curriculum standards.
  • Supported student learning through office hours and mentoring, promoting academic success.

2017 – 2019
Teaching Assistant
Department of Chemical Engineering & Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile

  • Assisted in teaching Solid and Hazardous Waste Management and Reactor Design courses.
  • Assisted in teaching General Chemistry and Instrumental Chemistry courses.
  • Supported practical laboratory sessions and graded assignments, contributing to course administration.
  • Facilitating student understanding through tutorials and one-on-one assistance.

2015 – 2018
Associate Lecturer
Centre for Studies and Development of Academic Talent UC (PENTA UC), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile

  • Designed interactive activities to stimulate interest in STEM subjects and critical thinking skills.
  • Conducted extracurricular enrichment programs for students aged 11 to 18, focusing on science and technology topics. 

Conferences and Presentations

Material Science & Nanotechnology. Lisbon, Portugal | 2022 | Speaker. Presentation: Synthesis of Cu2O/TiO2 heterojunction on FTO electrode for photoelectrocatalytic nitrate reduction.

Express Conference of the Physics of Materials and Their Applications in Energy Harvesting. Mexico |2020 | Poster Presentation

International Seminar: Advanced Materials. 15th International Seminar COPEC-UC. Santiago, Chile | 2019 | Poster Presentation

New forms of renewable energy storage: Artificial photosynthesis. Latin American Centre of Interdisciplinary Training. Buenos Aires, Argentina | 2018 | Poster Presentation

Work Experience

Sept 2025 – Present
Project Evaluator at National Research and Development Agency (ANID), Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, Government of Chile

  • Provide specialized peer evaluation and merit assessment for ANID projects, research center proposals, and ongoing project reports across all national funding tracks, with active participation in evaluation panels, area committees, and academic monitoring processes for Chile’s scientific and technological funding instruments.

Jun 2025 – Present
Researcher at Millennium Institute on Green Ammonia, Santiago, Chile
www.greenammoniainstitute.cl

  • Scientific and technical advising to the executive team to support strategic institutional decision-making through multidisciplinary, evidence-based guidance. 

2019 – Present
Co-founder and R&D Director at CyM Lab SpA, Santiago Chile
www.cymlab.com

  • Co-founder and Director of a science and technology consultancy providing strategic advisory and mentoring to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMES).
  • Specialising in innovation strategy, intellectual property management, and facilitating research collaborations to help clients navigate technical challenges and secure government funding.
  • Successfully led cross-functional teams and promoted partnerships with academic institutions and industry stakeholders, driving impactful R&D projects.

2014 – 2015
Consultant and Researcher on Dust Control Project at Compañía Minera Las Cenizas, Cabildo, Chile

  • Led a project focused on dust control for ore stockpiles and mine tailings using natural compounds extracted from the native tree Quillaja Saponaria.
  • Developed environmentally friendly solutions that improved operational safety and compliance with environmental regulations.

2014
Trainee Chemical Advisor at Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi, Iquique, Chile

  • Led a project to select corrosion prevention treatment for pipes and fittings, enhancing equipment longevity and reducing maintenance costs.
  • Provided technical recommendations based on chemical analysis and industry best practices. 

Skills & Expertise

Research & Innovation: Extensive experience in R&D for electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies. Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary research projects and promote innovation strategies.

Intellectual Property Management: Background in managing intellectual property, supporting technology transfer and commercialisation.

Project & Grant Management: Skilled in directing R&D projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, and meeting research milestones. Experienced in securing government and industry funding for research initiatives.

Technical Expertise: Proficient in operating advanced materials characterisation equipment: XRD, SEM, TEM. Experience in the design and fabrication of electrochemical devices using CAD software. Advanced data analysis and visualisation skills using OriginPro and other scientific software.

Health and Safety Experience: Floor warden and Lab Manager at the GCF building (Monash University). Fire extinguisher training.

Software Proficiency. Microsoft Office Suite. Data analysis and plotting: OriginPro. Device design: Autodesk Fusion 360

Languages. Native Spanish. English: IELTS 6.0 (2018), CEFR C1 (2024)

Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. Effective communication and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. Adaptability to evolving technologies and research environments. Leadership in mentoring and guiding students and junior researchers.

Hobbies and Interests

Kyūdō: Practising the Japanese martial art of archery with Melbourne Kyudo Kai (Australia), developing focus, discipline, and precision.

Photography: Passionate about landscape and urban photography, with a keen eye for details and composition.

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