I obtained my Ph.D. in Dr. Carlos López-Otín’s lab at the University of Oviedo. During my doctoral studies, I focused my research on the functional characterization of the microRNA miR-29 in the metabolic control of cardiac disease. During that time, I also completed a three-month predoctoral training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) under the supervision of Dr. Mohanish Deshmukh, working on the miR-29-mediated regulation of the aging process. I completed my Ph.D. in June 2019. My doctoral thesis received cum laude, International Mention and the University of Oviedo Extraordinary Award, and it was also recognized by the Real Academia de Medicina y Cirugía del Principado de Asturias as the best basic science doctoral thesis presented at the University of Oviedo in 2019.
Driven by my enthusiasm for cardiovascular research, I decided to broaden my horizons and move to the US for my postdoctoral training. For that reason, I joined Dr. Eric Olson’s laboratory at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Olson’s lab is globally recognized as one of the leading research groups in the cardiac field. My scientific goal was to unveil the specific roles that the nuclear envelope protein LEMD2 plays in the heart and determine why a mutation in its coding sequence leads to severe cardiomyopathy in both humans and mice. In parallel, I also led a project focused on using base editors to correct variants in the LMNA gene that cause cardiac disease. Finally, I collaborated on an initiative utilizing gene editing tools to combat non-genetic cardiovascular diseases.
I am a strong advocate for the principle that the value of science extends well beyond laboratory research. Reflecting this conviction, I have been honored with the position of Vice President of the Postdoctoral Association at UT Southwestern. In addition, I am proud to have established 'Villaviciosa ConCiencia,' an initiative founded to make scientific advancements accessible and engaging to the community in my hometown.
In September 2025, I joined the Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology of Cantabria (IBBTEC) and the University of Cantabria as a Ramón y Cajal (RyC) Principal Investigator.
