Hi, I'm Juan!

Originally from Colombia, I'm a quantum chemist and data specialist passionate about data science, exoplanets, science education, and science communication. I completed my PhD in quantum chemistry at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 2023, where I developed high-throughput computational pipelines to generate approximate infrared molecular spectra for thousands of molecules, helping improve the chemical characterisation of exoplanet atmospheres.

My work centres around building and applying coding solutions to tackle data challenges across diverse fields. I've performed comprehensive benchmarking studies assessing the accuracy and computational trade-offs of different DFT methods and basis sets in quantum chemistry, simulated infrared spectra for thousands of molecules, and designed end-to-end computational pipelines to acquire, process, harmonise, analyse, and visualise data from different sources.

I'm also deeply committed to making science more accessible and inclusive. I have experience delivering a variety of outreach, science communication, and science education initiatives targeted at different audiences, from secondary school students to fellow researchers. My work includes mentoring senior high-school students in independent research projects, writing science communication articles, and creating infographics that amplify the work of underrepresented scientists.

I like to think of this website as my extended CV where I get to write more about what I do, my interests, and my passion for science. Welcome! :)