Cristina is a Mechatronics Engineer from TecNM-Apizaco and has a Master of Science from the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics and Electronics (INAOE) where she focused on working with collaborative drones for planetary exploration. During her master’s studies, she was selected to participate in RED’21 (Rencontres Exobiologiques pour les Doctorants) based at the University of Paris-Est Créteil.
She was a mentor in NASA Space Apps Challenges in the challenges of Drones and satellites for urban development, Artfully illuminated asteroids, and Measuring the value of earth observations.
She carried out an Analog Mission in Habitat Marte – Brazil as leader of the Engineering Center. In 2022 she was awarded the Youth Prize for his contributions in Science and Technology. Also, she has participated in different national and international conferences on space issues.
Cristina is an advocate for inclusion and diversity in the space field. As founder and vice-chair of the “Latin American Society of Astronautics, Aerospace, and Space Exploration”, she strives to make space accessible to everyone, especially women, defending their rights and promoting their participation in the industry. In 2023 the British Council awarded her the “Women in Science” scholarship. She was invited to the panel on in situ resource use on the moon alongside NASA experts at the 1st Mexican Aerospace Forum, where she stood out as the youngest and only female voice.
She is currently a Ph.D. student in Space Science and Technology at INAOE while leading initiatives as president of IEEE-INAOE Women in Engineering and acting as National Point of Contact for Mexico at SGAC. Her main interests are space robotics, artificial intelligence in solving space problems, control, optimization, science outreach, and promoting women who want to access the space sector.
Itzel Rocillo is an autodidact pioneer in space law and policy from Mexico.
She studied law and has an intellectual property postgraduate. Has been working in the space and telecommunications sector since 2015 and has been part of SGAC since 2019.
For her contributions at local, regional and international level, received from SGAC the North, Central America and Caribbean (NCAC) Space Leader Award in 2022.
Was moderator in the work table about Earth Observation, sponsored by SmatSall Alliance, during the 3th NCAC Workshop in NASA Space Center (Houston, Texas).
In Dubai 2021, Rocillo was the Mexico representative at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) during the 28th Workshop on Space Technology for Socio-Economic Benefits: “Space Exploration – A source of inspiration, innovation and discovery”.
Itzel founded and currently directed the commercial initiative “KIBSEEK”, a Space Situational Awareness Service Provider. The team did the official media for the first Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE) meeting and other national high level events such as the signing of the “Collaboration Agreement to promote the participation of girls, young women and women in science” between the Legislative power and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
International Relations specialist focused on Science & Technology governance (UNAM). In 2016, she was an outreach collaborator at the Mexican Space Agency in Hacia el Espacio magazine and the Heinlein Prize Trust from Austin, Texas. During this period, she contributed to the technical-scientific liaison consolidation with NASA (through OSIRIS-REx mission, led by the University of Arizona), ESA, and JAXA. She was part of the first Mexican team in the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, over the North American region of the International Institute of Space Law in Washington, D.C.
In 2017, she was selected as a member of the i-Corps Program, a technology-based business incubation program, coordinated by the National Science Foundation, the Anahuac Mexico University, and CONACyT. Since then, she has participated as a passionate volunteer in NiñaSTEMPueden, an initiative of the Mexican Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) and the OECD, as well as various mentoring programs for children such as Women in Space, and Girls in Artificial Intelligence, from Microsoft and Technolochicas.
She has developed strategic proposals for space applications adoption for society’s well-being. These articles have been selected in different editions of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in Mexico, Washington, D.C., and Paris. She was recognized by the 2024 NASA Human Research Program (HRP – IWS) for supporting the Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Fellow Competition. In Mexico, Sofía is a guest professor in the Contemporary International Politics Seminar at UNAM, giving lectures about Space Debris, NewSpace, and International Space Treaties. She currently works as a commercial specialist in technological solutions based on artificial intelligence in 24 industries and is a Software Development student at UnADM. She is a KIBSEEK team member.
Master in Health Sciences, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Bachelor in Nutrition, University of Morelia. Awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the World Leader Organization for her professional trajectory in 2022. Involved in projects related to the impact of space radiation on long-duration space travel and countermeasures through specialized nutritional approaches for long-duration space journeys. Active member of American Society for Gravitational and Space Research. A published and cited author, she has extensive research experience and has served as a national and international speaker. Accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME). Founder of the Michoacan College of Nutritionists (COMINU). Associate of the Spanish Society for Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition (SENPE). Member of the Mexican Association for the Multidisciplinary Study of Metabolic Syndrome (AMESI). Proficient in pediatric nutritional treatment and experienced in treating patients with chronic-degenerative diseases. Recipient of the Young Investigator Award 2016 by ESPGHAN and Honorable Mention in the Michoacán Youth Award in 2017.
I completed a technical degree in mechatronics with a focus on flexible manufacturing, followed by a degree in engineering in the same field at the Technological University of Tehuacan. I have experience working in various industrial areas including metrology, computer-aided design, and programming programmable logic controllers from brands such as Siemens, Allen Bradley, and Mitsubishi. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to work as a programmer for Fanuc brand robots for assembly processes.
In 2022, I successfully completed the Computer-Aided Design qualification at MasterCAD School, specializing in mechanical and aeronautical design using CATIA software.
In 2021, I contributed to the project “Detection of Pathological Diseases in Infants Through Crying,” focusing on developing algorithms for comparing crying patterns using Matlab software.
Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree in space science and technology at the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics, and Electronics, with a specialization in control systems.
Mechatronics Engineer from CETI Colomos.
Arturo has experience in the creation of automatic processes using multiple tools, mainly focusing on software integrations using SAAS models, implementing the physical infrastructure (electronics and mechanics), and giving maintenance to the devices connected to it. Also, he was responsible for the technical lead on multiple projects and the planning using Agile methodologies.
He has participated in multiple national science fairs, obtaining a gold medal on “VIII Código Ciencia-Expociencias Jalisco”, first place on “FECI Jalisco 2018” and achieving a second place on the “XXVIII Concurso Nacional De Aparatos Y Experimentos De Física” with the project “SIEXME: Metal Extractor System”.
Currently, he is right now studying for a Space Science and Technologies Masters degree at INAOE.
His passions are focused on image processing, the implementation of robotic machines for complicated environments, and the implementation of cutting-edge AI algorithms.
Aerospace Engineer Student from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Vanessa is a student with remarkable blend of technical expertise, creative vision, and dedication to sustainable development. She actively translates her theoretical knowledge into practical experience, as evidenced by her participation in the prestigious “Spaceport America Cup” competition in 2023. This hands-on experience allowed her to apply her expertise in manufacturing and composite materials to the development of an experimental rocket.
She was a speaker of the project entitled “Prospective of Bioturbosine” in the first “Central American Space Congress (CEC 2023)” in Costa Rica. Currently, Vanessa serves as the CEO of the startup ARESPHERE, also she is founder of “ARES SPACE” university club, where she participated in NASA’s Lucy mission for the occultation of the asteroids Polymele and Orus, coordinating the use of 4 telescopes for the team. This venture demonstrates her ambition to translate her knowledge and passion into tangible solutions that contribute to the advancement of the aerospace industry. She has always been interested in sustainable development and technological innovation, aiming to pursue projects of this nature, now with an aerospace approach.
Master’s Degree student in dynamics systems and control from IPICYT, Mechatronics engineer, graduated from the Autonomous University of Campeche, He has participated in national and international science fairs, obtaining a gold medal on INFOMATRIX LATINOAMERICA CONTINENTAL 2018, silver medal on I-FES in Tunisia, Africa. He worked on a project about bio-fuel that works on airplane turbines.
His interests are Non-Linear control for Dynamical Systems and its electronics applications.
Mauricio is a mechanical engineering student passionate about the aeronautical and aerospace sectors. He is currently one of the two National Points of Contact in Mexico at the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC). His main motivation is to develop robotics equipment for space exploration. He has participated in different competitions throughout his university career such as robotics competitions organized by UNAM and the Mexican Federation of Robotics, SGAC Decode which is a competition that took place in the summer of 2022 to learn about each stage of the planning and development of a CubeSat-type satellite.
He was the public relations coordinator of UNAM Aero Design, which is a multidisciplinary team from UNAM whose main objective is to develop knowledge of the aeronautical sector at the university through building airplanes and presenting them in competitions organized by SAE Aero Design.
Aurea Patricia Medrano Montalvo is a highly accomplished professional with a strong academic background and extensive experience in the fields of engineering and technology. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Telematics from the Polytechnic University of San Luis Potosi, where she demonstrated her commitment and academic excellence. She has continued her education at the postgraduate level, completing a Master’s degree and currently pursuing a Doctorate in Science and Technology of Space at the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics and Electronics (INAOE).
Throughout her career, Aurea has demonstrated a passion for science education and outreach, founding the Axio outreach group and serving as a science and robotics teacher. Her participation in educational programs such as the Summer Space School at Samara State Aerospace University and her commitment to promoting careers in science and technology, particularly among girls, reflect her dedication to inspiring future generations of STEAM professionals.
Aurea has also gained valuable work experience in the telecommunications and space technology fields, including her role as a Smart Online Support Administrator at Huawei Enterprise. Her current work in developing intelligent antennas for IoT applications, with a focus on telemedicine solutions, demonstrates her commitment to innovation and her contribution to technological advancement.
Laritza, a graduate in mechatronic engineering from ITSC-Comalcalco Tabasco, has experience in the industrial sector. She worked in the Pemex Exploration and Production (PEP) industry and collaborated on the SCADA project. She has participated in national and international conferences related to STEM fields, applying artificial intelligence techniques for image analysis in Earth observation. She completed her master’s degree at INAOE-Puebla. She is currently a Ph.D. student in Space Science and Technology at INAOE-Puebla. Laritza is an active member of IEEE. Her interests focus on áreas related to Space and earth observation through imagen análisis, process optimization using artificial intelligence and evolutionary computing tools.
Alejandra is a Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Chemist graduate from the University of the Valley of Mexico (UVM). Subsequently, she delved into space sciences in Astrobiology workshops, completing a diploma in Astrophysics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and Technologies at the INAOE in Puebla, working in the Biomedical Optics Research Group (GIOB). Alejandra is an active member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as well as the world’s largest Biomedical Engineering Society, the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS), participating in the first Latin American Congress, as well as in Women In Engineering (WIE). In addition to being a healthcare professional, Alejandra has a humanistic, socio-emotional profile that has allowed her to participate in various outreach events, from being a workshop facilitator for IEEE to participating in the Night of Stars and making brief appearances on radio programs in the Information and Communication System of the government of Puebla (SICOM), sharing her knowledge out of curiosity and love for science for everyone.
PhD student in Physical Oceanography from CICESE. He has participated in collaborative projects at international institutions such as NASA, SwRI, GTM/LMT, and SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research. He is a member of the meteorology team for the NASA Dragonfly mission (DragMet), a member of the INAOE Atmospheres and Stellar Populations Group (GrAPEs), a member of the Mexican Society of Astrobiology and EuroPlanet Early Career. He has the title of “SOLACYT Legend” awarded who carry out activities related to science in Latin America, and has obtained 4 gold and 2 silver medals in international scientific competitions. His areas of interest are Astrobiology, Planetary Sciences, and Popular Science.
Biomedical engineer from the Polytechnic University of Chiapas. She pursued a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and Technologies at the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics, and Electronics (INAOE), specializing in applying optics to medicine with her thesis on molecular similarity analysis using Raman spectroscopy. Currently working on her Ph.D. at INAOE, she focuses on developing a methodology for neuron characterization using computer vision.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Eréndira is dedicated to scientific outreach, actively participating in events covering diverse topics such as economics, psychology, astronomy, astrobiology, and medicine.
Her passion for science and commitment to societal well-being have led her to be part of important international societies, such as Women in Engineering (WIE) and the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS), both affiliated with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Her alma mater, INAOE, has influenced her interest in astronomy. Eréndira has participated in events such as Astro-ABC, Yuri’s Night, Night of the Stars, and the NASA Space Apps Challenge, among others. Recently, she joined the Space Generation Advisory Council, an international organization that brings together young leaders in the space sector.
Mechatronics engineer, graduated from the Autonomous University of Campeche, with a master’s degree in Optics from the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics and Electronics (INAOE) and is currently a Ph.D. student in Optics at the same institute. Tania Beatriz Martinez Hernández has participated in competitions for scientific and engineering dissemination, at the local, national, and international level, being positioned in the first places.
Among his interests are scientific dissemination, the optics of biological systems, and the accessibility of science, specifically optics and STEM areas.
Ángel Gómez is an aerospace engineering student at the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC). They currently serve as the Chief Operating Officer of ARESPHERE, and are the Sponsors Team Lead of SG[Mexico] 2024 for the Space Generation Advisory Council.
As the founder and COO of the startup ARESPHERE, they have developed four proposals that strategically approach the main challenges faced by the Mexican space industry, all of them promoting the circular economy and maximum use of resources.
Additionally, Angel is the founder of the ARES SPACE club, where they participated in NASA’s Lucy mission for the occultation of the asteroids Polymele and Orus, coordinating the use of 4 telescopes for the team.
They applied their knowledge in the Spaceport America Cup 2023 competition in the area of warhead aerostructures, with the Mexican team achieving the highest score.
In 2021, Ángel won second place with the project “MEGAN: Solar Desalination Plant” in the VI Academic Environmental Fair developed by Tijuana Innovative.
They hold a YellowBelt Six Sigma certification.
Computer Technician and Aerospace Engineering undergraduate at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. He participated in the Colmena and Nano Connect-2 mission from LINX UNAM as a software developer jr, researching computer vision for autonomous robotics in space exploration as well as testing and integrating the ground station for Nano Connect-2. He was part of the Hult Prize 2022 organizing team as sponsorship manager; he was manager assistant of the Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Student Chapter (CETIEM). Angel was part of the International Space Education Board at the International Astronautical Congress 2022. He founded and chaired the Aerospace Engineering Alumni Society (IASA UNAM), and he led rocketry, cansat and aerodesign teams. He is currently interested both in rocket and aircraft propulsion systems as well as entrepreneurship and AI implementation in space systems.
