Maria Soledad Peresin, Ph.D.

Adriana Restrepo Osorio, Ph.D.

Adriana Restrepo-Osorio is a postdoctoral researcher in the Sustainable Bio-Based Materials Laboratory at Auburn University and a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. She received her B.Sc. in Textile Engineering and her Ph.D. in Engineering from the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. Her research focuses on biomaterials, textiles and natural fibers, especially silk and soy proteins, with applications in various fields. Adriana has mentored numerous students and is deeply committed to community engagement, women’s organizations, and the promotion of circular economy. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, dancing to Latin rhythms, and traveling, which brings a rich cultural perspective to her professional and personal life. 

Contact: adriana.restrepo@auburn.edu

Zahra Naghizadeh Mahani, Ph.D.

Zahra Naghizadeh is a postdoctoral fellow specializing in Wood and Paper Sciences and Industries. Her research focuses on optimizing process parameters, characterizing, and evaluating the performance of wood products and bio-based composites, particularly for construction applications. She is adept at developing and refining compressed wood product panels and mass timber, ensuring they meet high standards for structural integrity and environmental sustainability. Additionally, she explores innovative uses of 3D-printed bio-based materials, aiming to integrate them into modern construction practices. Her expertise lies in developing viable alternatives to conventional construction materials. Through her work, she contributes to advancing sustainable building practices and promoting the use of renewable resources in the construction industry. When not in the lab, Zahra enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new places to visit, cooking, and reading. 

Contact: zzn0012@auburn.edu

Sydney Brake, M.S.

Ph.D. Student

Sydney Brake is a PhD student in the Sustainable Biobased Materials Lab with a background in Materials Engineering. Sydney’s research focuses on fundamental interactions of sustainable materials and insecticidal compounds, as well as the development of functional, bio-based fibers with superior properties to those made from harmful, traditional plastics. The applications of this work include bednets for defense against mosquito-borne illnesses, which are highly durable and made from renewable, biodegradable sources. When not in the lab, Sydney enjoys spending time outdoors, watching movies, and listening to music. 

Contact: slb0072@auburn.edu

Laura Vanessa Alvarez Marin

Masters Student

Laura Alvarez holds a Nanotechnology Engineering degree from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Colombia (2017-2022), earning an honor scholarship in 2022. She also attained a Project Management certificate from the same institution in 2023. Currently, Laura is a research assistant at Auburn University, pursuing a master’s degree in Forestry. Her research is centered on enhancing wood and bio-based resin composites with cellulose-based materials to create more sustainable and eco-friendly composites for the construction industry. Demonstrating expertise in technological surveillance and data analysis, Laura possesses a diverse skill set that includes teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. She is passionate about promoting environmental conservation and is recognized for her integrity, efficiency, and conflict resolution abilities. In her free time, Laura enjoys working out, watching movies and traveling. 

Contact: lva0003@auburn.edu

Daniel Owusu Sekyere

Masters Student

Nahomy G. Pacheco Amaya

Nahomy graduated with a degree in Food Science and Technology from Zamorano University and completed an internship in Mexico that focused on biomaterials for food packaging in 2023. She is currently a visiting scholar at Auburn, where she is working on creating compostable biochar containers for horticultural uses. In addition to biomaterials, she is deeply interested in entrepreneurship, and, prior to her undergraduate studies, she was interested in graphic design. In her spare time, Nahomy uses her creativity to learn to play the violin, make crafts, and write short novels. These activities bring her joy and relaxation, help her unwind, and inspire new ideas. 

Contact: ngp0017@auburn.edu

Valentina Flammini

Valentina Flammini is an undergraduate researcher focusing on controlled pesticide release with cellulose-based prills (spherical pellets that release agrochemicals gradually into soil) to enhance sustainability in agricultural sectors. Valentina is a senior pursuing a degree in Biochemistry at Auburn University. Previous research at the University of Alabama (Spring 2022) involved the synthesis of zinc metal organic frameworks to encapsulate phthalocyanine (an organic compound used as a colorant) with the objective of capturing the residual pollutants from industries. After obtaining her degree, she desires to contribute to sustainability through research and development globally with the goal of reducing environmental pollution and improving living quality. Valentina fosters her American, Chilean, and Italian heritage, embracing each culture. Valentina is a proficient English speaker, ella habla español, e lei parla italiano. 

Contact: vef0006@auburn.edu

Evie Pearson

Evie Pearson is an undergraduate student worker serving as the Science Communications Specialist. She is a senior pursuing a degree in Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging at Auburn University and has worked at the Sustainable Bio-Based Materials Lab as an Undergraduate Researcher, an Undergraduate Research Fellow, and now works in communications, especially regarding the website and social media pages of the lab. After obtaining her degree, she hopes to contribute to sustainability on a corporate level to implement tangible change. Evie enjoys cooking and trying new foods, studying languages, and writing poetry in her spare time. 

Contact: erp0021@auburn.edu