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Belinda Huerta

    • About Me

      I live in Dublin with my cat. I am a postdoctoral researcher and I like learning new languages, traveling (who doesn't), and all kind of animals.

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      I have lived in six countries, including my country of origin, Spain. I like experiencing new places, and I believe that one of the best parts of being a researcher is getting to know/live in so many different countries and making friends all over the world. My cat has been traveling with me for the last three (he is American), and I love him to pieces. A part from moving around so much, I enjoy very normal things like reading, going to music gigs, and spending time with my friends.

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      My work is framed within the domain of several disciplines, including analytical and environmental chemistry, as well as chemical biology. My scientific interests are focused on the use of advanced analytical tools to evaluate the impact of human activity in the aquatic environment, both marine and freshwater, and the risks to the living organisms exposed to pollution derived from these activities.

    • My Typical Day

      I normally wake around 6 am (if you have a cat, you know why), and then get to work normally around 9. My work involves lab experiments, but also teaching, supervising students and writing papers and project proposal. I stay on campus until 4 pm, but I tend to finish some work from home, so I would say that my end of the work day happens around 7 pm.

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      I normally wake around 6 am (if you have a cat, you know why), and then get to work normally around 9. My work involves lab experiments, but also teaching, supervising students and writing papers and project proposal. I never have two days exactly the same, which is one of the reasons I love my job. I like being busy, so an ideal day will involve a bit of everything I listed before. I stay on campus until 4 pm, but I tend to finish some work from home, so I would say that my end of the work day happens around 7 pm (hopefully). After work is usually a relaxing period to disconnect, reading or watching Netflix.

    • What I'd do with the prize money

      I would like to invite a few primary schools to an initial talk by one or two researcher followed by a visit to the centre, where the children carry out a series of experiments.

    My CV

    • Education:

      Universidad Autonoma de Madrid

    • Qualifications:

      Bachelor in Environmental Sciences, MSc in Water Quality, PhD in Environmental Chemistry

    • Work History:

      Catalan Institute for Water Research, Brunel University London, Michigan State University, University of Montpellier

    • Current Job:

      Postdoctoral researcher at Dublin City University

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        cat-loving environmental researcher

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Marine biologist

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Not really, I am kind of a nerd

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        At the moment, Josef Salvat

        What's your favourite food?

        Mexican

        What is the most fun thing you've done?

        Watching the aurora borealis, whale-watching

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        Health, Love, Money (in that order)

        Tell us a joke.

        I could tell you a joke, but all the good ones Argon...

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