Learning how nature works

During my bachelor's degree in Microbiology, I became fascinated by the idea that microbes exist everywhere and that biology could help solve real-world problems.

I continued my studies in Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, where I became interested in how microorganisms interact with ecosystems and how scientific research can contribute to solving environmental challenges.

Alongside my doctoral research, I founded Panchita Prieto Science Communication, an independent practice that helps research groups, universities, and science-driven organizations communicate complex ideas through visual communication.

Applying science to environmental challenges

Becoming a researcher

I completed my PhD in Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology at the University of Oulu, Finland. During this time, I designed experiments, analyzed complex datasets, interpreted ecological patterns, and published scientific research.

Alongside the research itself, something unexpected happened. I realized I genuinely enjoyed communicating science. I found myself spending more and more time designing figures, presentations, and visual summaries. Not because I had to, but because I wanted research to be understood as clearly as possible.

Starting Panchita Prieto
Science Communication

Today, I collaborate with researchers and multidisciplinary teams to transform scientific knowledge into clear, engaging, and accessible communication.

My work includes:

  • Scientific presentations

  • Information design

  • Infographics

  • Graphical abstracts

  • Scientific illustrations

  • Communication strategy

  • Websites

  • Branding for research projects

  • Educational animations

The goal remains the same: transforming complex scientific information into clear, engaging visual communication.

CV

Want to know more about my skills? I coded this interactive diagram for you.

2021-Present

PhD researcher

My PhD is part of the Doctoral Degree Programme in the Water Resources and Environmental Engineering faculty of the University of Oulu in Finland.

Master of Science
degree in Ecology and Population Genetics

2018-2020

I majored in Genetics (126 ECTS). I also enrolled myself in subjects, such as Entrepreneurship for Sustainability, Recycling of Bioproducts or Introduction to Data Visualization.

Master of Science
degree in Advanced Microbiology

2016-2017

Microbial Biotechnology and Environmental Microbiology major (60 ECTS) at the University of Barcelona in Spain.

Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology

2012-2016

I did my bachelor studies (240 ECTS) at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain. In the last year of studies, I decided to specialize in environmental microbiology. Thus, I took courses like Microbial Genomics, Soil Science and Bioreactors among others.

INTERNSHIPS

RESEARCH VISITS

  • 2023: Research visit to the University of Hannover to work in one of my PhD experiments. Under the supervision of Prof. Marcus Horn.

  • 2022: Arctic Sampling Expedition in Longyearbyen located in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard.

  • 2019: Field assistant in Bioremediation project in Kittilä, in Finnish Lapland.

  • 2016-2017: Laboratory assistant in the Marine Science Institute (ICM).

  • 2016: Laboratory assistant in the Alfred-Wegener-Institut (AWI) for Polar and Marine Research.

  • 2015: I worked with Antarctic Yeasts at the Faculty of Science in the University of Chile, Santiago supervised by Prof. Marcelo Baeza.

Map made with Arcgis Sources: Esri, TomTom, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community. Edited in Adobe Illustrator, CSS and HTML code.