UTP researchers won the L’Oréal – UNESCO National Prize

This initiative is supported by Senacyt, through the Directorate of Scientific Research and Technological Development (R + D), and seeks to promote the development of women whose work and studies are dedicated to science.

Dr. Eduardo Ortega Parrilla, National Secretary of the Senate, stated:

“We are honored to acknowledge the research projects led by Dr. Guerra and Dr. Mack, which contribute to the generation of new knowledge and the provision of scientific data useful for decision-making on the conservation of Panama’s ecosystems and biodiversity, adaptation and mitigation of climate change, which are linked to many of the Sustainable Development Goals, no particularly those related to health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, and quality education. I congratulate these researchers and all scholars who applied for the Prize with projects that make valuable contributions to the knowledge and well-being of Panama.” “We are honored to acknowledge the research projects led by Dr. Guerra and Dr. Mack, which contribute to the generation of new knowledge and the provision of scientific data useful for decision-making on the conservation of Panama’s ecosystems and biodiversity, adaptation and mitigation of climate change, which are linked to many of the Sustainable Development Goals, no particularly those related to health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, and quality education. I congratulate these researchers and all scholars who applied for the Prize with projects that make valuable contributions to the knowledge and well-being of Panama.”

Alberto Mario Rincon, Director of L’Oréal Central America and Andean Region, said:

“At L’Oréal Sirane, we are very excited and inspired by highlighting the profile of the exceptional women scientists we have in Colombia, along with Peru and Panama; in this way it shows that science is not just about the outcome, but about the process involving the amazing women of Central America and the Andean region” . “At L’Oréal Sirane, we are very excited and inspired by highlighting the profile of the exceptional women scientists we have in Colombia, along with Peru and Panama; in this way it shows that science is not just about the outcome, but about the process involving the amazing women of Central America and the Andean region” .

Award winning

Dr. Giselle Guerra holds a PhD in Philosophy with a major in Coastal Engineering and Oceanography from the University of Florida, US (2019), and a Master of Science in Coastal and Oceanographic Engineering from the University of Florida. in Panama (2012), and a degree in Environmental Engineering from the Technological University of Panama (2009). She is a part-time instructor for undergraduate and postgraduate courses and a researcher at the Hydraulics and Hydrotechnical Research Center at UTP, as well as a researcher associated with the Coiba AIP.

He is a member of the National Research System (SNI) in the Senior National Researcher category. His research lines include: environmental engineering, saltwater intrusion mitigation, physical oceanography and sustainable coastal development.

The goal of his project “Estimation of Coastal Erosion in Vulnerable Ecosystems and Human Settlements in Barita Bay” is to include another study site in the already established monitoring plan within another previous project, funded by Senacyt, titled “Estimation of Erosion in the Pacific Coast of Panama.”

Barita Bay, located on the Pacific coast of Panama, has seen notable setbacks in its coastline in the past 20 years. It is also the second most important area for migratory shorebirds in Panama, after the Gulf of Panama.

Another aspect that needs to be highlighted is that Parita Bay is highly vulnerable to climate change and is one of the most vulnerable areas to sea level rise in the Pacific Ocean of Panama. This rise in sea level supports erosion processes on the coast. Then coastal erosion limits economic activities, reduces the natural protection of the coast (mangrove forests, sand dunes, sandy beaches) and generates pressures on coastal human settlements.

The overall goal of Dr. Guerra’s research is to estimate the rate of erosion in coastal communities within Baretta Bay, and its scope seeks to demonstrate that coastlines are one of the most dynamic environments on Earth, and its changes are linked to natural processes and human activities.

The Dr.. Jasmine Mac He received his Doctor of Science degree in Civil Engineering program from the University of São Paulo (2019), a Master’s degree in Higher Education from ISAE University (2019) and a Postgraduate Degree in Engineering with a specialization in Environment from the Technological University of Panama (2013), with a degree in Civil Engineering, at UTP (2011).

She is a part-time professor in the School of Civil Engineering, and a full-time researcher in the Materials Testing Laboratory of the Center for Experimental Engineering – Laboratory of Microstructure and Environmental Competence – at UTP.

The research project for which Dr. Mac was awarded the L’Oréal-UNESCO National Award for “Women in Science” 2022 is titled “Evaluation of Water Quality for Human Consumption Including Non-Traditional Criteria by Mobile Laboratory with Advanced Analytical Techniques” in the field of science.

The objective of this proposal is to enhance the mobile water quality laboratory of the “Morbidity vs. Water Quality for Human Consumption in Tunisia: A Pilot Study” project with supplies and accessories needed for water quality assessment, including identification and quantification of non-traditional parameters such as heavy metals and pesticides, in remote areas, With advanced instrumental analytical techniques and operated by qualified technical staff.

Initially, the project is implemented in areas where agricultural and livestock activities are an important part of their economic development, such as Tonosí and Los Santos. However, the mobile laboratory is available to serve other regions and environmental emergencies.