Learning how nature works

During my bachelor studies in Microbiology, I became fascinated about the idea that microbes exist everywhere and how biology could solve real-world problems. I built a strong foundation in microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry and engineering, while discovering an interest in environmental applications of biotechnology.

Applying science to environmental challenges

I went deeper into environmental engineering and biotechnology. You became interested in how microorganisms interact with ecosystems and how scientific research can contribute to solving environmental problems.

Becoming a researcher

My PhD at the University of Oulu focused on environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology. 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 explaining science. I found myself investing time in figures, presentations and visual summaries because I wanted other people to understand the work as clearly as you did.

Building a Science Communication Studio

Alongside my doctoral research, I founded Panchita Prieto Science Communication, an independent practice dedicated to helping science-driven organizations communicate complex ideas through design.

Since then, I've worked with researchers, research institutes and innovation projects on:

  • Visual Abstracts

  • Scientific Illustrations

  • Information Design

  • Branding

  • Presentations

  • Mentoring

  • Websites

  • Communication Strategies

Although the formats vary, the objective 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.