Meet the team | ChemSynBio Lab

ABOUT ME

Publications

Benjamí Oller-Salvia - Group leader

I am a devoted educator and researcher. My scientific interests lie in merging chemistry and synthetic biology to develop biomolecular tools for targeted therapies and biomedical applications. I am Associate Professor at IQS-URL, where I lead the research group on Chemical & Synthetic Biology for Biotherapies (ChemSynBio).

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 - Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Associate

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 supported by an MSCA-PF.

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

I come from Rome with a Biotechnology background. At IQS, I will be working on the development of biotherapeutics for systemic delivery to brain cancer supported by an FPU fellowship. 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 C. (Mace) Lucana Meneses - PhD candidate

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

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 supported by "la Caixa" INPhINIT fellowship.

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.

Pedro Canhao - PhD candidate

I have a background in Biotechnology and in the past 10 years I have been working in several companies in Antibody Discovery. I have always been passionate about BioPharma and my career mission is to contribute to the discovery of new biological therapies. I’m pursuing an industrial PhD working on enhancing intein degradation and intracellular ligation of therapeutic proteins as part of a collaboration with SpliceBio.

In my spare time, I play football and tennis, run and practice snowboard. I’m addicted to travelling, so I am always planning my next destination.

Antonio Rodríguez del Moral - MSc candidate

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.

Caroline Canihac - MSc candidate

I studied four years of chemistry and one year of life sciences at CPE-Lyon in France. I have always wanted to contribute to the medical field, particularly to treat brain diseases. I am now working on development of antibody mimetics to target therapeutics to brain tumors.

In my free time, I like to play sports, walk around the city, listening to music, and swiming in the sea. I also have an artistic side : I love art and painting and I would love to try pottery and ceramics!

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