Dr. Alethia Vázquez Morillas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Azcapotzalco Campus. She earned a Master of Science in Process Integration from the University of Manchester and a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering from the same UAM. She is currently a professor-researcher in the Department of Energy at UAM, Azcapotzalco campus, where she leads research projects focused on waste management and valorization, particularly plastics.

She has a strong academic and research background and has distinguished herself as the author of numerous scientific articles, book chapters, and presentations at international forums. She has supervised more than 100 undergraduate and graduate theses and is recognized as a Level 2 member of Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNII), as well as a recipient of the PRODEP Desirable Profile distinction. Her research focuses on the analysis of plastic waste, its environmental impacts, and its potential for degradation and recycling, with an emphasis on sustainable technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Throughout her career, she has contributed in various capacities, including as Academic Program Coordinator, member of national and international scientific committees, and advisor on sustainability-related projects. She is currently a member of the Governing Board of the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana.

Among her most recent achievements, she coordinated the National Inventory of Sources of Plastic Pollution, in collaboration with Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. She has also served as a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Plastic Waste and Microplastics of the United Nations Environment Programme.