SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
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
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PhD in Electrochemistry, Science and Technology
Universidad de Zaragoza, 2012
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Master's Degree in Chemical Sciences
Universidad de Puerto Rico Campus Mayagüez, 2006
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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



Outstanding
Works
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Synthesis and Use of Functionalized SiO2 Nanoparticles for Formulating Heavy Oil Macroemulsions
Article, Chemical Engineering Science, 2022
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Kinetic Assessment of the Dry Reforming of Methane over a Ni–La2O3 Catalyst
Article, Acs Catalysis, 2021
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In-situ Preparation of Nanocomposites TiO2/cellulose for Applications in Composite Materials
Presentation, 6th National Conference on Engineering Physics and the 1st International Conference on Applied Physics Engineering & Innovation, 2018
AWARDS AND
Recognitions
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Doctoral Thesis Laude
Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain, 2012
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Doctoral Thesis with European Mention
Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain, 2012
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Method for the Fabrication of Clay-based Catalysts Containing Iron for Dispersed-bed Hydrocracking Processes
Patent, Resolution 1758 Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio, Colombia