Patricia Saenz Mendez came to Karlstad University in 2020, in the midst on the pandemic. A rather strange start, but as a newly appointed docent in chemistry, she feels that she is in exactly the right place.
- I completed my PhD in Uruguay and after that I ended up in Sweden. Before Karlstad University, I was a postdoc at KTH and Örebro University, as well as at University of Gothenburg for a short period, says Patricia Saenz Mendez. I didn’t know that much about Karlstad and the university here when I saw the vacancy, but I realised that it was a subject environment with a specialisation that would suit me perfectly.
Materials research
Patricia Saenz Mendez is part of the research group Materials Research, which specialises in the development of materials with many different areas of application.
- I work with computer simulation to see how materials can be improved, for example, materials for organic solar cells to increase efficiency. Materials research through computer simulation can be used in many areas, not least the development of biomolecules for pharmaceutical manufacturing. And there are many other exciting areas where our research can truly make a difference.
In addition to research, Patricia also teaches.
- I teach courses as part of the teacher education programmes as well as the technology and engineering programmes. I enjoy the mix of research and teaching and appreciate the interaction with our students.
International environment
- Here at the Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences, there are many members of staff who, like me, come from other countries and continents. It is easy to feel at home here, both at work and as a resident of Karlstad.
