UP Women: Innovation and Leadership in Science and Technology

Mexico City, February 11, 2025.- With the purpose of understanding the critical role that women and girls play in science and technology, on February 11 we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which is why, as part of this celebration, we recognize women from the Universidad Panamericana community whose contributions in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) areas are noteworthy.

From computer security and artificial intelligence to industrial process optimization and telecommunications, not only do these women excel in their respective fields, but also inspire future generations of women scientists and engineers.

Daniela Medrano Gutiérrez: Contributing to IT Security

Daniela Medrano Gutiérrez, alumni from the first generation of Applied Mathematics at Universidad Panamericana, Mexico City campus, published the research article entitled PPSA: Polynomial Private Stream Aggregation for Time-Series Data Analysis in IACR ePrint Archive, an internationally recognized repository in the field of cryptography. 

The paper proposes an innovative method to perform secure polynomial calculations on encrypted data, contributing to privacy and security in the analysis of temporal data streams. This advance has relevant applications in sectors such as finance, health and energy management, enabling risk analysis, medical research and system optimization without compromising data confidentiality.

In addition to the publication, Daniela had the opportunity to present her work at the EAI SecureComm 2024 conference in Dubai, one of the most important cybersecurity events worldwide.

Daniela achieved this milestone thanks to her strong background in mathematics at our university and the support she received as a Fulbright Scholar, where she conducted research at the University of Notre Dame under the guidance of Ph.D. Taeho Jung and collaborated with Ph.D. students at the Data Security and Privacy Lab. In this fashion, Daniela’s work has contributed to the field of cryptography and computer security.

Carolina Del Valle Soto: Innovations in Telecommunications and Information Technology

Originally from Medellin, Colombia, Dr. Carolina Del Valle Soto is a leading figure in the field of telecommunications and information technologies, who has positioned herself as a leader in research and technological development.

Graduated as an Electronic Engineer from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, she began her career with an innovative thesis on the design and construction of a photon counting system, laying the foundation for her future in research. 

Her passion for knowledge led her to obtain a master’s degree in Electronic Engineering with a specialization in Telecommunications at Tecnológico de Monterrey, where she contributed to the development of a P2P (peer-to-peer) network with DNS (Domain Name System Security Extensions) security.

Her pursuit of academic excellence resulted in a PhD in Information and Communication Technologies, also at TEC de Monterrey, where she developed a pioneering protocol for wireless sensor networks, demonstrating her ability to address complex challenges in the field of telecommunications.

Currently, Dr. Del Valle Soto is head of the Computing Academy in the School of Engineering at Universidad Panamericana, Guadalajara campus, where she continues to inspire the next generation of engineers. In addition, she is recognized as a member of the National System of Researchers (SNII) level I, proof of her impact on the scientific community.

With more than 90 publications in high-impact journals, international conferences and two books, her work covers critical subjects such as wireless networks, telecommunications security and energy optimization algorithms. Her dedication and contributions continue to drive meaningful advances in the field, consolidating her as a benchmark in her area of expertise.

Avelina Alejo Reyes: innovation and excellence in Engineering

Dr. Avelina Alejo Reyes is an outstanding researcher and scholar in the field of engineering, whose career reflects an outstanding commitment to research, teaching and innovation. With a solid academic background and a passion for solving complex problems, she is consolidated as an influential figure in her field.

She is an Industrial Engineer graduated from Tecnológico de Ciudad Madero, where she also obtained her master’s degree. Her quest for excellence led her to pursue a PhD in engineering at Universidad Panamericana, Guadalajara campus, from which she graduated with honors

During her training, she did a research internship at the University Center of Exact Sciences and Engineering of the University of Guadalajara, strengthening her expertise in quantitative methods and optimization.

Her doctoral thesis was recognized with the second place as Best Doctoral Thesis by the Mexican Society of Operations Research in 2021, a proof of her academic rigor and ability to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in her field.

She is currently a professor with the School of Engineering for Universidad Panamericana, Guadalajara campus, where she also serves as head of the Mathematics Academy and Academic Coordinator of the Operations Management Specialty. Her leadership in these areas has been fundamental in promoting the training of highly qualified professionals.

Her academic and professional career reflects an exceptional commitment to research and engineering excellence, excelling in several key areas:

  • PhD in Engineering at UP, with honorable mention in 2021.
  • She has published 22 scientific articles and has co-authored three books.
  • Specialist in Inventory Theory, Supplier Selection, Metaheuristic Algorithms and Optimization.
  • She is member of the SNII, level I and has participated as a reviewer of specialized engineering journals.

Dr. Avelina Alejo Reyes continues to be a benchmark in research and academia, inspiring future generations of engineers with her dedication and transformative vision.

Claudia Nallely Sánchez Gómez: Innovation and leadership in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

The Dr. Claudia Nallely Sánchez Gómez She is a researcher and scholar in the field of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, whose career combines academic excellence, technological innovation and a deep commitment to scientific dissemination. She has led cutting-edge projects in:

  • Machine learning and computer vision.
  • Optimization models and evolutionary algorithms.
  • Technology transfer, with registrations in INDAutor and IMPI.

She holds a degree in Computer Systems Engineering from Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes. Her passion for research led her to obtain a Master of Science degree in Industrial Mathematics and Computer Science from the Center for Research in Mathematics (CIMAT), and later a PhD in Data Science from the INFOTEC Research Center. 

Her doctoral thesis ranked on the second place in the Best Doctoral Thesis Award granted by the Mexican Society of Artificial Intelligence in 2020.

Since 2014, Dr. Sánchez Gómez has been part of the Faculty of Engineering at Universidad Panamericana, Aguascalientes campus, where she has played key roles as head of the Computing Academy and, currently, as a Full Research Professor B and Research Secretary. 

Her commitment to scientific dissemination has led her to organize events and venues such as the scientific café Aguas con la Ciencia, to promote interest in technology from an early age. Its impact on research positions her as one of the top-notch leaders in the field of artificial intelligence in Mexico.

She has publications in journals indexed in Scopus, such as Evolutionary Computation, Foods and Applied Sciences, among others. As a member of SNII level C, her work continues to drive significant advances in the field of technology and research.

Dr. Claudia Nallely Sánchez Gómez is an example of dedication, innovation and leadership, inspiring future generations through her academic, scientific and outreach work.

Role model for the UP community

These outstanding women from Universidad Panamericana are a clear example of how passion, talent and dedication can transform the world of science and technology. Therefore, we celebrate their invaluable work and reaffirm our commitment to continue promoting female participation in STEM areas.

Learn more about the research projects promoted by our university at: https://www.up.edu.mx/investigacion-noticias/