Born and raised in the small town of Canals near Valencia, Alba pursued her undergraduate studies in Biotechnology at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, expanding her horizons with an enriching Erasmus year at The University of Nottingham and collaborating in diverse projects involving molecular biology and genetics for biomedical research.
After the degree, and intrigued by an alternative application of her background that was also a life-long interest, she undertook a Scientific Master in Forensic Analysis at the University of the Basque Country, where she almost accidentally landed on the intricate world of microfluidics. Fascinated by the potential of this technology, she embarked on a Ph.D. journey for the following five years. For her thesis, she developed microfabricated tools and biosensors to investigate single-cell isolation and cytotoxicity assays to advance our understanding of cellular death processes. At the end of this transformative period, she also gained an international perspective with a research secondment at the University of Melbourne.
Now, as a member of the NMSB lab, Alba brings her expertise in microfluidics and microfabrication to the forefront, contributing to research on cellular aging paradigms using the cellular model of S. cerevisiae, and also on mechanical stress by collaborating in other projects involving C. elegans and microfluidic devices.
Beyond the laboratory, Alba enjoys practicing piano, devouring the captivating narratives of classic and fantastic novels, and exploring new cultures through travel.