Dr. Patricia Pedraz

 

I obtained the degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Salamanca (Spain) in 2010 and I enrolled in a master “Nanostructured Materials for Nanotechnology Applications”, which allowed me to acquire wide general theoretical and practical knowledge about other leading techniques and issues in this field. At the same time, I got experience in several atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques working with very different materials as an AFM technician in Surface and Coating Characterization Service at CEQMA (CSIC-University of Zaragoza) for two years.

Between 2014 and 2017, I did my PhD in Physics of Condensed Matter and Nanotechnology at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain), in the Nanotribology group at IMDEA Nanoscience, under the supervision of Dr. Enrico Gnecco. My thesis was focused on the effect of rippled nanopatterns and ultrasonic vibrations on friction, wear and adhesion phenomena on the nanoscale.

In June 2017, I joined the laboratory of Prof. Mark Rutland at KTH University (Stockholm, Sweden) with a postdoctoral fellowship. During that period, my research was focused on two main projects based on AFM measurements: The study of the tribological performance of several ionic liquids under the presence of an external applied voltage; and, on the other hand, a collaboration with L’Oréal in cosmetic science.

Since March 2019, I have worked as a specialised AFM technician at IMDEA Nanoscience. My job is to be in charge of the different AFMs in the Institute as well as providing service to both internal and external users in the characterization of very different surfaces through AFM and its associated techniques.