My academic and professional career has focused on dentistry and oral and maxillofacial radiology, with an emphasis on research. I recently completed my doctoral program in the Oral Life Sciences program at Niigata University, Japan, where I developed essential research skills. Currently, I am a teacher and researcher at Universidad de los Andes, teaching in the postgraduate program in oral and maxillofacial imaging. This role has allowed me to share my expertise with future specialists in the field.

I have gained extensive clinical experience in general dentistry and oral and maxillofacial radiology, working in various private clinics and dental services in Chile. Additionally, I have served as a teaching assistant in oral and maxillofacial radiology and English courses for undergraduates.

My research includes two key manuscripts. The first, titled “Effect of Sake Lees on Osteoblast Differentiation and Bone Metabolism,” provided valuable insights into bone metabolism and the influence of natural substances on osteoblasts. The second, “Oral Health Interventions in Natural Disasters: A Scoping Review,” strengthened my skills in literature review and research synthesis.

I have also received two scholarships in Japan. The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) scholarship, awarded by Niigata University, supported scientific-technological innovation through the SPRING Project. The second, the International Student Scholarship (JEES), was granted for my doctoral studies. These opportunities have significantly contributed to my academic and professional development.

My academic and professional experience has been driven by a strong commitment to teaching and improving patient care, which I find really rewarding. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to work in Chile's public healthcare system for so long. It's been such a privilege to gain a deep understanding of the realities and challenges we face in this beautiful country. I feel really lucky to have had this background, as it gives me a unique perspective that I love sharing with the next generation of specialists.

As an academic at Universidad de los Andes, I am really passionate about preparing my students for the challenges of the professional world. I focus not only on developing their technical expertise, but also on instilling a comprehensive view of the patient, because I believe that's what's needed to make a real difference in people's lives. It's so important for future specialists to remember that, at the end of the day, we're all working to improve people's lives.

My time at Niigata University in Japan was so important for my professional and educational approach. There, I learned the importance of generating new knowledge and maintaining an active research environment. This emphasis on innovation and education really motivates me to continuously refine my skills and those of my students, with the goal of enhancing the quality of patient care.

Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the development of specialists who are not only experts in their field but also possess a comprehensive understanding of patient needs.

My research interests focus on the impact of new compounds and extracts endemic to Chile on bone regeneration, with special attention to their therapeutic potential to treat osteoporosis. I am motivated by the possibility that these compounds may offer significant benefits in bone metabolism, which could lead to the development of new treatments or interventions in dentistry.

My goal is to identify compounds that may be favorable for bone metabolism, to create drugs or supplements that aid bone healing. To do this, I use advanced techniques such as micro CT bone tissue analysis, a technology that allows me to detect changes in bone metabolism with high accuracy.

Previously, in Japan, I worked on similar research using extracts from traditional Japanese foods. These studies showed that some components could help improve osteoporosis. Now, I want to apply that knowledge to Chilean compounds, exploring their potential to develop innovative treatments based on our findings. The possibility of positive impacting on people's lives and contributing to the advancement of medicine is a great motivation for my research.