Meet the team | Oller-Salvia Lab

ABOUT ME

Publications

Benjamí Oller-Salvia - Group leader

I am a devoted educator and researcher. My scientific interests lie in merging chemistry and bioengineering to develop biomolecules and nanosystems for biomedical applications. I am an Assistant Professor at IQS and I hold "La Caixa" Junior Leader Fellowship. I lead the research program on Peptide & Protein Engineering for Targeted Nanotherapeutics (PPTN) associated to the Materials Engineering Group (GEMAT).

I am driven by the wish to achieve a better and more sustainable world by means of technological and social transformation. I keep my energy balance through martial arts, running, hiking, and gardening.

Abbreviated CV

Cristina Díaz - Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow

I obtained my PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Barcelona, conducting the research at IRB Barcelona. Then, I moved to Switzerland for a 3-year postdoc at EPFL focussed on generating novel peptide-based therapeutics using phage display. At IQS, I am developing antibody-based therapies to selectively treat brain cancers.

In my free time, I enjoy cycling, dancing and playing sports, as well as reading, painting and watching TV series.

Roberta (Beba) Lucchi - PhD candidate in Bioengineering

I come from Rome with a Biotechnology background. At IQS, I will be working on the development of nano-biotherapeutics for systemic delivery to brain cancer. In the future, I would like to use all my knowledge to increase our understanding of cancer and to contribute to the development of innovative and more efficient therapies.

In my free time, I enjoy visiting historical places and art museums, as well as relaxing in nature, reading and cooking.

Maria Celia (Mace) Lucana Meneses - PhD candidate in Bioengineering

I am a chemist and I am working on the development of peptides for biomedical applications. More precisely, I focus on the generation of cyclic peptides for the targeting of nanotherapeutics.

In my spare time, I enjoy embroidery, knitting, and drawing. I also like music; I play the clarinet and I am learning to play the guitar.

Montserrat (Montse) Escobar - PhD candidate in Bioengineering

I am a biotechnologist from Mexico City. I am passionate about everything related to Medical Biotechnology, especially intended for cancer treatment. My work focuses on the development of activatable antibodies to direct therapies against brain tumors.

In my leisure time, I enjoy reading, drawing, learning new languages and knowing about other cultures. My favorite sport is swimming, but I also enjoy running and long walks surrounded by nature.

Albert Roig Martínez - Research assistant

With a chemistry background from IQS, I transitioned towards the biochemical world during my master’s at KU Leuven. I am interested in protein science for therapeutic applications. My work is focused on the development of conditionally-active antibodies for metastatic cancer treatment as part of a collaboration with a ONA Therapeutics.

I am a sports fan and nature lover. Volleyball and hiking are two of my favourite activities and I cook a pretty good ‘paella’.

Antonio Rodríguez del Moral - MSc candidate in Bioengineering

I studied Biotechnology at the University of Barcelona, and pursued my final degree project at the Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR) where I acquired interest in the field of biomedicine. In the PPTN group, I am working in the development of pH-sensitive antibody-drug conjugates for the treatment of cancer.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, playing video games, and doing sport, especially gym and basketball. I also like walking in the city and in nature.

Former team members

Master students

Inés Peciña Vaquero

Noelia Hernández Lobato

Alejandro García Torrado

Marc Relats Camps

Maria C Lucana Menses

Sandra Prat Castro

Yolanda Arruga Torres

Undergraduate students

Albert Roig Martínez

Jordi Bentanachs Raset