Prior to joining UIS, Professor Pedraza gained valuable work experience in various roles. She served as an Industrial Engineer in the Strategic Projects Unit at the Centro de Productividad y Competitividad del Oriente, as well as in Unidad de Incubación de Empresas de Base Tecnológica de la Corporación Bucaramanga Emprendedora. Additionally, she held a consulting partnership with Umbrella S.A., a company dedicated to the structuring of innovative businesses. As a researcher, Professor Pedraza has been actively involved in projects over the past three years, resulting in the development of new technologies. Some noteworthy projects include the establishment of Motivatic, a global learning community integrating gamification and ICT for vocational education and citizenship. Furthermore, she has contributed to the advancement of biocommerce in the department of Santander through the development of technologies for the production of bioceramics, liquid sweeteners from cocoa mucilage, and the removal of cadmium from cocoa beans. Another significant contribution includes the creation of a business model for the commercialization of biopackaging derived from cocoa residual biomass. These research initiatives exemplify Professor Pedraza’s commitment to innovative solutions and the practical application of her expertise.