Meet the team | ChemSynBio Lab

ABOUT ME

Group Leader

Benjamí Oller-Salvia

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 and ERC Researcher 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 love nature and enjoy it mostly through hiking and gardening.

Senior Researcher and Lab Supervisor

Cristina Díaz Perlas

I obtained my PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Barcelona, conducting the research at IRB Barcelona. Then, I pursued a 3-year postdoc in at EPFL, Switzerland, focussed on generating novel peptide-based therapeutics using phage display. In 2022, I moved back to Barcelona with an MSCA-PF. 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.

Senior Researcher

Shambhavi Pandey

I earned my PhD in Biosystems Engineering from Seoul National University, focusing on nanopolymer synthesis and their gene-modulating applications within cancer and cancer stem cells, particularly addressing the blood-brain/tumor barrier. Currently, at IQS, I develop lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of brain tumors with the support of a Beatriu de Pinós fellowship and ERC project OBGate.

During my free time, I relish listening to audiobooks, playing Sudoku and puzzles, as well as watching movies with my children and engaging in heartfelt conversations with close friends.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Nathanaël Rakotoarinoro

Originally from Occitania, I worked on disruptive ADC technologies based on non-canonical amino acids at Fraunhofer and obtained my doctorate in Pharmacy from the Freie Universität Berlin. At IQS, I aim to develop concepts based on conditionally active antibodies and antibody delivery across the BBB.

Besides work, I enjoy long night walks in Barcelona and discovering what the capital of Catalonia has to offer.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Vanesa Nozal García

I obtained my PhD in Organic Chemistry from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid after moving from my hometown Valladolid. My thesis was focused on the discovery of kinase inhibitors for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. My research interests are broad as I enjoy learning about structural biology and biochemistry as well as new drug modalities. At IQS, I want to develop new targeted protein degraders.

Sewing and creating new outfits for any occasion is one of my passions! I also love reading, cycling, travelling and enjoying the nature! Anything but standing still.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Eduardo Ruiz López

I am an enthusiastic researcher originally from Calatayud. I am passionate about the blood-brain barrier and neurooncology. I obtained my PhD degree by the University of Zaragoza pursuing research at the Aragón Health Research Institute. I am currently working on the ERC OBGate project to create an orthogonal gate to the brain.

I am fascinated to learn about different cultures and traditions elsewhere. Therefore, in my spare time, I enjoy traveling and visiting new places.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Goren Saenz de Pipaon

I am a biochemist specialized in vascular biology and gene therapy. In my PhD at the University of Navarra, I combined bioinformatics and molecular biology to identify novel biomarkers in peripheral arterial disease. I then continued my research at the University of Washington in Seattle, where I developed a vascular wall-targeted gene therapy to promote cholesterol removal from arteries. 

In my free time, I enjoy hitting the gym, hiking, exploring new places, and camping in remote locations.

Predoctoral Researcher

Montserrat (Montse) Escobar Rosales

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.

Predoctoral Researcher

Pedro Correia Canhao

I come from Portugal. I have a background in Biotechnology and in the past 10 years I have been working in several companies in Antibody Discovery. 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 the biotech company SpliceBio.

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

Predoctoral Researcher

Pol Martín Chulio

I am a chemist and molecular biotechnologist with an interest in generating new pharmaceutics. I pursued my master's project at the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research of Barcelona as JAE Intro ICU fellow. In my industrial PhD project, I am working on the development of masked antibodies targeting metastatic cancer in collaboration with the biotech company ONA Therapeutics.

I enjoy sport-related activities such as running, hiking, cycling and riding horses. If you ever need someone to go on an adventure with, just let me know!

Predoctoral Researcher

Adrià Puigdemont Gifra

I am a biologist and biotechnologist specializing in cellular and molecular biology. In my master's project, I worked on CRISPR optimization and protein degradation at UPF and IRB Barcelona. In my PhD, I a working on understanding receptor-mediated transcytosis and engineering new proteins to enhance drug transport into the brain.

When I'm not in the lab, you will most likely find me reading books or listening to alternative music... unless I have taken a flight to travel around the world.

Predoctoral Researcher

Burcu Yaldiz

I received my bachelor's degree from the Department of Bioengineering at Ege University, Turkey. Then, I obtained a master’s degree working on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in the Biomimetic Microsystems Lab. In my PhD, I am working on the development of 3D in vitro models for the evaluation of drug delivery systems.

I'm a cinephile, so in my spare time I love discovering good movies and writing reviews about them. I also enjoy hiking and embroidery.

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Predoctoral Researcher

Cristina Montaner Rey

I obtained my BSc in Chemistry and MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from IQS-URL. In ChemSynBio group, I am working on the design of activatable antibodies for targeted therapies.

In my spare time, I like reading good literature, and swimming. I have been playing the violin since I was 5 years old, and I have a special bond with classical music.

Research Assistant

Blanca Isart i Massó

I graduated in Chemistry at IQS-URL and am currently enrolled in the Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in the same university. I will pursue most of my research work at Universidad de Chile, within a collaborative project with Prof. Marcelo's Kogan on brain-targeted nanorods for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

I really enjoy attending live music performances, where I can feel the energy and creativity firsthand. I also love traveling and connecting with different cultures, as it gives me a chance to broaden my perspective and appreciate the diversity of the world.

Research Assistant

Ana Otero Bello

I graduated in Biomedical Engineering at University of Vigo and I am currently enrolled in the Bioengineering master's at IQS-URL. My master's project is in collaboration with Dr. Francesc Guix (IQS) and Prof. Guisseppe Bataglia (IBEC). I am investigating the molecular mechanism involved in Tau propagation between neural cells in Alzheimer's Disease.

I can't live my life without sport. I practiced synchronized swimming and athletics. In my free time I like reading books, go to the theatre and cinema. I also love traveling and discovering different cultures.

Laboratory Assistant

Lovely Apple Fabros Yasay

I am originally from the Philippines and moved to Spain at the age of 16. I continued my education in Barcelona, where I earned a Higher Technician Certificate in Laboratory Analysis and Quality Control. Currently, I work at IQS as a Group Laboratory Assistant, supporting both technical and administrative aspects of laboratory management.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, watching films and series, and staying active through fitboxing. I also have a passion for spontaneous adventures such as hiking and travel, which allow me to explore new environments and recharge.

Erasmus+ Intern

Valentina Brki

I’m from Croatia and hold a BSc in Biotechnology and Drug Design as well as an MSc in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Rijeka. I’m currently completing an internship at IQS, where I’m involved in a project focused on the production of lipid nanoparticles.

My hobbies are reading and painting!