Early Academic Pursuits:
Maria Blecua began her academic journey with an internship at the University of Tübingen's Institute of Physiology I during her Erasmus year (15/09/2012 – 15/07/2013). Here, she was involved in the Voltage-Clamp department, conducting experiments on genetically modified oocytes, performing voltage clamp tests, and analyzing data from chemical techniques. She completed her Bachelor's thesis and contributed to two publications.
Professional Endeavors:
Her professional journey kicked off as a Researcher Student in the R&D Electrical Laboratories at Exide Technologies (01/10/2013 – 30/09/2015). During this time, she worked on data analysis for Lead Acid Batteries, collaborated in calibration plans, and contributed to tear-down analyses. Following this, she pursued a Ph.D. in Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (14/02/2016 – 28/02/2020), specializing in Electrochemistry. Her research focused on Lead Acid Batteries for Micro Hybrid Electrical Vehicles, specifically examining the influence of different carbon materials and organic expanders on the performance of negative plates. She manages the environmental laboratory, contributes to H2020 and Spanish public projects, and actively engages in tasks related to Life Cycle Analysis, technology acceptance, and proposal writing.
Contributions and Research Focus:
Her research contributions span a wide range, including the improvement of negative plate performance in Lead Acid Batteries, hydrometallurgy recycling of lithium-ion batteries, Life Cycle Analysis, and the upscaling of recycling processes for solar panels. Her work extends to technology acceptance and proposal writing, showcasing a holistic understanding of the research and development process.
Accolades and Recognition:
She completed her International Ph.D. with distinction, earning a Cum Laude distinction. This recognition underscores the excellence and impact of her research in the field of Electrochemistry.
Impact and Influence:
Her work has made a significant impact on the development and understanding of battery technologies, with a focus on sustainability and recycling processes. As a leader in various projects, Maria has been instrumental in shaping the direction of research and development in her field.
Legacy and Future Contributions:
Her legacy lies in her extensive research and leadership roles, contributing to the advancement of battery technologies and recycling processes. Her future contributions are likely to further shape sustainable practices in the energy storage industry, considering her ongoing role at Fundación CIRCE and her expertise in diverse aspects of battery research and development.