Professor Patricia Castillo Ocampo has been in charge of the Electron Microscope Laboratory at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) since 1996. In 1996, the laboratory had already installed 2 Zeiss thermionic emission microscopes, one scanning microscope with WDS, and one 120kV transmission microscope. With this equipment, it was possible to support the research of the Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, and Biology departments. External services have been provided to other universities and the Industry.

In 2011, the University acquired a High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope JEM 2100F and a Scanning Electron Microscope JEM 7600F, both with field emission, JEOL brand, with a budget of 2.5 million dollars.

In this project, she had direct active participation in selecting the equipment, conditioning the necessary infrastructure where the microscopes would be housed, and the installation of the two microscopes. To later achieve the set up of both pieces of equipment. Today the laboratory offers the community the use of the following techniques:
Characterization in Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) using the following imaging modes: BF, DF, Diff, nano diff; STEM BF and DF, with HAADF, Z contrast, and diffuse thermal dispersion; In situ heating experiments; Experiments at liquid Nitrogen conditions, basically becomes necessary for labile elements in vacuum and EELS analysis.

In spectroscopy: point and mapping EDS; EFTEM, EFTEM-SI; general, point and mapping EELS.

Characterization in Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), with Secondary Electron Imaging; Backscattered Electron Imaging; General, line, and mapping EDS.

In the laboratory, it is possible to prepare samples such as Polymers, Catalysts, Metals, Ceramics, and even biological material. In sample preparation, she has experience in ultracryo-microtomy, making cuts with thicknesses of 80nm from room temperature to even -120°C. She has also implemented all the techniques, consumables, and accessories for fixation, staining, dehydration, dehydration, and critical point desiccation for biological samples.

Co-author in more than 50 national and international publications. Acknowledgments in more than 100 national and international articles and conferences. Attendance in more than 60 courses related to Electron Microscopy.

Professor Castillo has a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) with the Thesis Characterization of Materials with Transmission Electron Microscopy in the Al-Mn system. She received a scholarship of the Gobierno Flamenco for a stay in Electron Microscopy at the University of Ghent- SIDMAR, Belgium. From 1989-1999, she was a Professor of Materials Science at the Faculty of Engineering, UNAM. From 1995-1997, a Lecturer in Materials Technology, Mechanical Engineering, at the Universidad Iberoamericana (UIA); and from 2003-2005, at the Materials Research Institute, UNAM. 100% of credits in the Master's Degree in Materials Science.