Valeria M. Pineda Velásquez is a graduate student in Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. She earned her bachelor’s degree cum laude in Industrial Chemistry from the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH), where she gained extensive experience in analytical chemistry, water quality characterization, physicochemical testing, and laboratory management.
During her undergraduate years, she worked as a laboratory instructor in Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, General Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry.
Before joining UPRM, Valeria worked in the beverage and food additive industries, where she specialized in quality and food safety management, implementation of regulatory standards, and development of analytical procedures for raw materials and final products. Her growing interest in environmental engineering, water treatment, and sustainable chemical processes motivated her to pursue advanced studies.
Her research interests include electrochemical water treatment and the removal of heavy metals such as arsenic. Valeria is deeply committed to research that advances access to clean water and contributes to sustainable technological development in Latin America.
Email: valeriamarie.pineda@upr.edu