SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Luz Marina
BALLESTEROS RUEDA

Front photograph of Professor Luz Marina Ballesteros Rueda

Director of Research and Extension of the Faculty of Physicochemical Engineering

Director of the CICAT Research Center Group

CONTACT

Information

luzmabal@uis.edu.co

+57 (607) 634 4000
Extension: 1484

GENERAL

Description

Full Professor at the School of Chemical Engineering of the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), specializing in Nanotechnology, Transport Phenomena, Chemical Process Control, and Process Laboratory courses.

In the field of research, Professor Ballesteros has focused her work on surface chemistry, catalysis, and molecular electronics. Her investigations center on the assembly of organic molecules using Langmuir-Blodgett and self-assembly techniques, aimed at producing ultrathin films for applications in molecular electronics and medicine.

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She has also led projects on the use of fique as a reinforcing material in cementitious structures, promoting sustainable alternatives in the construction sector and the fique production chain. She has participated in significant projects, such as the development of an innovative method for synthesizing materials that convert refinery waste into fuel, using minerals from the Santander region. This project, carried out in collaboration with Ecopetrol and other UIS researchers, resulted in the granting of a patent by the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio.

In addition to her teaching and research work, she currently serves as Director of Research and Extension of the Faculty of Physicochemical Engineering at UIS, and concurrently leads the Catalysis Research Group (CICAT).

Throughout her career, she has held various academic leadership and representative roles, including:

  • Faculty Representative on the School Council

  • Undergraduate Academic Coordinator at the School of Chemical Engineering

  • Faculty Representative on the Council of the Faculty of Physicochemical Engineering

  • Faculty liaison professor in the ELTIC team, promoting the use of technology for teaching and learning

Her commitment to training new professionals is reflected in her supervision of undergraduate theses and in the publication of scientific articles in specialized journals. At CICAT-UIS, she collaborates with other experts in developing innovative solutions in the field of catalysis.

Her academic and professional career establishes her as a leader in her field, contributing significantly to the advancement of chemical engineering and the development of sustainable technologies in the industry.

EDUCATION AND

Qualifications

  • PhD in Electrochemistry, Science and Technology


    Universidad de Zaragoza, 2012

  • Master's Degree in Chemical Sciences


    Universidad de Puerto Rico Campus Mayagüez, 2006

  • Chemical Engineer


    Universidad Industrial de Santander, 2002

CONTACT

Information

luzmabal@uis.edu.co

+57 (607) 634 4000
Extension: 1484

AREAS OF

Expertise

  • Nanotechnology in molecular electronics and medicine

  • Environmental and petrochemical catalysis

  • Improved oil recovery

OFFICE

Hours

Monday to Friday

7:00 a.m. – Noon

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

UIS  Campus Central, Edificio de Ingeniería Química, Oficina 221

Research

Group

Outstanding

Works

AWARDS AND

Recognitions

  • Doctoral Thesis Laude


    Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain, 2012

  • Doctoral Thesis with European Mention


    Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain, 2012

  • Method for the Fabrication of Clay-based Catalysts Containing Iron for Dispersed-bed Hydrocracking Processes


    Patent, Resolution 1758 Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio, Colombia

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