Dr Maria Fernanda Rojas Michaga

I am originally from Bolivia, where in 2013 I earned a Chemical Engineering degree at the Universidad Mayor de San Simón, recognised as the best student in the Faculty of Engineering. During my undergraduate studies, I gained practical experience as both a teaching and research assistant in biotechnology and bioprocesses. A scholarship from TotalEnergies enabled me to pursue a Master's in Energy and Processes at the IFP School in Paris, France. My studies encompassed petroleum refining and renewable fuels. Following my Master's, I completed an eight-month internship in the engineering department at a Bolivian petroleum refinery.

Upon finishing my eight-months training, I lectured in chemistry, physical chemistry, and thermodynamics at the Universidad Mayor de San Simón and Universidad Privada Boliviana for three years. A Bolivian scholarship then brought me to the UK for my PhD, focusing on sustainable aviation fuel production. During my PhD, I also worked part-time as graduate teaching assistant at the Diamond at the University of Sheffield, and as a research assistant on hydrogen production and CO2 capture technologies at the Translational Energy Research Centre (TERC).

I joined the University of Sheffield in 2024 as a Research Associate at TERC, continuing my work on sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen production and CO2 capture and utilisation. I am currently involved in industry-led projects with partners such as Boeing, as well as government-funded initiatives.