ABOUT INSPIRE
Who we are?
Generate our own solutions
according to our reality
OUR DNA
Inspire Ecuador
The history of dynamic and progressive thinking
Alex X. Jerves / PRESIDENT
I got my PhD in Applied Mathematics and Mechanics at Caltech (California Institute of Technology) where I also had the opportunity of getting a grant with NASA to design and build a tool for sampling Martian and celestial bodies regolith. I am interested in problems at the interface of physics and mechanics.
Santiago Quinteros / VICE PRESIDENT
Passionate about interdisciplinary work to find new geotechnical solutions for the energy sector. I am getting my PhD from Imperial College London, UK, for solving fundamental soil behaviour aspects, while working at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) in Olso, Norway. I obtained also a Master’s degree from the University of British Columbia, UBC in Vancouver Canada and a Bachelor’s Degree in Switzerland. I have broad international experience, leading both consultancy and research projects, in a dozen of countries.
Stefano Buitrón / SECRETARY
I’m currently working on my thesis for graduating in Mechatronics Engineering at Universidad Internacional del Ecuador. I do research in the group of Alex X. Jerves with my coworker Manolo Noboa, which consists on implementing neuronal networks to classify grains obtained from 3D tomographic images of real samples at granular scale. In my spare time I like to read, watch anime, play video games and help other students with their projects.
Sebastian Pazmiño / TREASURER
My research focuses on the implementation of genetic algorithms, principal components analysis and gradient based methods to calibrate 3DLSDEM simulation parameters to compare the computational results against experimental. I am a current student of chemical engineering at ESPOL. In my spare time i like to read about new advances on physics and chemistry, new materials and engineering process.
Andrea C. Landázuri / LEAD MANAGER
I obtained a Chemical Engineering degree from Universidad San Francisco de Quito-Ecuador, in 2007. I hold a Masters degree and PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, with a minor in Environmental Engineering, from the University of Arizona, USA. I have more than 12 years of experience in scientific research and products and process development for food, environmental, vegan cosmetics, occupational health, and second generation biorefinery applications. I enjoy writing scientific articles in a creative way. Currently, I have more than 30 international academic and educational publications. Throughout my career I promote green science and green process engineering through creativity, innovation, multi, inter- and transdisciplinary work, supported by practice and modeling. The job I love the most is that of being a mother of three: two boys and a girl. My hobbies are singing and dancing.
David A. Medina / PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR
My research focuses on developing a mathematical algorithm in Alex X. Jerves' group and validating this model with a simulation that uses the Discrete Element Method and real shapes of soils in granular scale. Before I joined INSπRE, I went to San Francisco de Quito University where I am pursuing a graduate degree mathematics with a minor in psychology. In spare time I enjoy solving problems, watching anime, playing video games and learning about computers.
Rubén Jerves / LEAD MANAGER
I am currently working on my M.S. in Civil Engineering at Washington State University (Go Cougs!) with an emphasis on structural engineering. Here, I work on research under the field of composite materials, especially with wood composites for structural applications. I am also passionate about earthquake engineering, which I will be work on during my Ph.D. studies. On INSπRE I have had the privilege to work alongside Franklin Lucero and professor Alex Jerves to construct analytical models and computational simulation to predict the behavior of granular materials undergoing avalanches.
Elizabeth Mendoza / ALTERNATE DIRECTOR
I'm currently studying petroleum engineering at Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) where I first came across INSPIRE. I'm also working with Prof. Jerves on the second edition of his book ``Elements of Numerical Calculus``. On my spare time I like reading about oil-industry related stuff, listen to music and play video games.
Maurizio Mulas / ALTERNATE DIRECTOR
I obtained the BSc in Earth Sciences. ``. In 2008 I obtained a Master's Degree in Geological Science at the Faculty of Earth Sciences of Cagliari My doctoral thesis is entitled: ``Depositional and welding processes in low aspect ratio ignimbrites: examples from the Sulcis Volcanic District (Sardinia, Italy)`` (Tutor Prof. Dr. Raffaelo Cioni). After I conclude my doctorate, I followed the master course ``VULCAMED`` on geophysical and volcanic monitoring processes at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) in Naples.
Oscar Alvear / ALTERNATE DIRECTOR
Oscar Alvear has obtained a doctorate in informatics and a master's degree in computer engineering from the Polytechnic University of Valencia in 2014 and 2018, respectively. he graduated as a systems engineer from the University of Cuenca in 2007. During his studies, he has researched environmental monitoring using mobile devices, integrating different areas such as Crowdsensing, Internet of Things and UAVs. He is currently interested, in addition to the areas described above, in Data Analysis, Machine Learning and Digital Transformation. Oscar works as a teacher at the University of Cuenca and collaborates on various research projects at the INSPIRE Foundation.
Omar Rojas / ALTERNATE DIRECTOR
Civil Engineer with a master's degree in Construction Management from UNIVERSIDAD DE LAS FUERZAS ARMADAS ESPE. Omar, currently works in the field of construction and structural consulting as well as he’s pursuing a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering with minor in Seismic Resistant Structures, at the UNIVERSIDAD CATÓLICA DE CUENCA. Omar’s interests are both in earthquake resistant design and construction.
Jorge Albuja / MEMBER
I obtained a BSc in Civil Engineering in 2012, at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE). In 2016 I obtained a Master of Science Degree in Soil Mechanics and Environmental Geotechnics at Imperial College London, United Kingdom, and in 2023 I finished my doctorate at the University of Ferrara, Italy, with the doctoral thesis entitled “Local Site Seismic Response in an Inter-Andean Valley: Geotechnical Characterization and Seismic Amplification Zonation of the Southern Quito Area”, under the supervision of Prof. Vincenzo Fioravante. Currently, I’m a University lecturer in several undergraduate and master's programs, a consultant in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering projects, and Director of the Laboratory of Strength of Materials, Soil Mechanics, Pavements and Geotechnics at PUCE.
Francisco Darquea / MEMBER
Regarding my academic background, I am a Civil Engineer from the Universidad de Cuenca (2007) and a Master in Road and Transportation Engineering from the same University (2017). I have conducted research on sedimentary and igneous stone materials and their behavior as construction materials, as well as on traffic and transportation. As a teacher in the Civil Engineering program at the Universidad Católica de Cuenca, I have supervised several thesis projects related to the aforementioned topics.
Ruth Coronel / MEMBER
Mathematics and Physics Professor with over 25 years of extensive experience as an instructor in local high schools and universities. Significant areas of instruction include Higher Algebra, Set Theory, Differential and Integral Calculus, Differential equations, Geometry, Analytic Geometry, General Physics, Statics, Dynamics, and Physics Laboratory. Proven academic background with a Bachelor of Education in Mathematics and Physics, a Master's degree in Teaching Mathematics and a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics. Emphasize the application of critical thinking, technology innovations and mathematical modelling for a comprehensive educational experience, receiving recognition for outstanding teaching performance in four years. Director of the Master in Education Program with a specialization in Mathematics Education at the University of Cuenca. Research collaborations include using data science, machine learning and code development for civil engineering applications.
Carlos Avila / MEMBER
I serve as the founding Dean of the Department of Science, Engineering, and Construction at UTE University in Ecuador. I hold a full professorship from EPN and boasts expertise in computational mechanics of solids, with a particular focus on reinforced concrete structures. I'm also specialized in applying technology innovations to enhance education. I was the founding Rector of IKIAM University, spearheading an ambitious new model for higher education in Ecuador. As Academic Coordinator, I likewise played an instrumental role in the creation of Yachay University and its forward-looking vision. I’m an avid trail runner and pianist. I continuously push intellectual and physical boundaries across my pursuits. My multifaceted achievements as an academic leader, researcher, educator, and change agent showcase a tireless commitment to elevating Ecuador's scientific and educational community.
Camilo Perez / MEMBER
Specialized in fluorescence microscopy, scanning-probe measurements, and plasmonics with a strong background in condensed matter. Passionately committed to innovating optical instrumentation to democratize technology. After obtaining my PhD from ESPCI Paris in 2022, I now delve into research on scanning near-field optical microscopy at the Université de Technologies de Troyes
Roselyn Murillo / AUDIOVISUAL CONTENT
I am a student of Industrial Engineering at the University of Guayaquil. One of my goals is to contribute to INSPIRE's work through networking content. In my free time I like to create posts or videos, paint and listen to music.