People

Eleni is a dynamic and detail-oriented visual communication specialist with extensive experience in UX/UI and information design, based in Barcelona. She has collaborated with institutions and organizations worldwide across social, commercial, and artistic sectors, excelling in transdisciplinary collaborations and participatory design projects.

With a strong ability to translate complex data and abstract ideas into accessible, user-centered visual solutions, Eleni also streamlines program administration efficiently. Her work is driven by a passion for space, books, and progressive social change, balancing both grounded and experimental approaches. She seamlessly blends analog with digital, research with play, and visualizes improvisation to create unique experiences and smart, functional solutions.

Committed to fostering engagement through strategic planning, meticulous organization, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders, Eleni believes in (co)evolution. She constantly seeks creative encounters, new approaches, and fresh perspectives, striving to work on projects that prioritize collaboration, meaningful conversations, and a positive social and environmental impact.

Cristina Goberna is an architect, critic, and educator director of Architectural Agonism, which she founded in New York City in 2008. She works as architect and as expert consultant in architecture, cities, critical thought and for museums, governments and institutions and as organizer/frequent speaker in international round tables, juries, events and lectures. She is an architectural critic for the magazine El Ministerio de Ctxt.

Architectural Agonism proposes futures by the exploration of the potential of Agonism or positive dissensus to reveal spaces frequently forgotten by the discipline, and their relation with politics, society, culture and the environment. Her production has been widely and internationally awarded, published (A+U, Log, Volume, Bauwelt, Domus etc.) exhibited in Biennials (Venice, Hong-Kong, Lisbon, Buenos Aires, Oslo, Chicago, Spain etc.) and museums/galleries around the world (MoMA, Guggenheim, Centre Georges Pompidou, Chicago Art Institute among many others). AA’s work has been acquired by the Centre George Pompidou (Paris) and the Chicago Art Institute (Chicago) for their permanent collections.

She has taught among other places at Columbia University GSAPP (New York), MIT (Cambridge, Boston), Cooper Union (New York), Royal College of Art (London), Sydney UTS (Sydney), BAU (Barcelona) or IE University (Madrid), institutions where she has coordinated various courses, thesis and research projects. She is a PhD Candidate at the RMIT University Architecture and Urban Studies School (Melbourne) Research Through Practice Program. She was educated at Columbia University (New York) as a Fulbright grantee, at the European Graduate School (SaaS-Fee, Switzerland), New York University, MACBA Independent Studies Program PEI (Barcelona), ETSAB (Barcelona) and ETSAS (Sevilla). 

After 13 years in New York she is currently based in Barcelona, where she works internationally and locally and directs the Master in Critical Contextual Design in Elisava School of Design and Engineering.

Akshay Madapura is a Computational Design Specialist and Architect from India, with a strong foundation in advanced digital technologies and their application in architecture. He is a graduate of the Master in Advanced Architecture at IAAC, where he has played a key role in numerous projects and seminars that explore the integration of digital tools with physical design processes.

His areas of expertise include algorithmic design, machine learning, computer vision, interaction design, and robotic fabrication. Akshay’s primary focus is on applying data-driven algorithms to real-world architectural challenges, aiming to create innovative, efficient, and sustainable design solutions.

With a passion for advancing computational methodologies, Akshay is committed to driving the evolution of architecture through the informed use of technology, pushing the limits of how data and algorithms can shape the future of design.

Laura Ruggeri is an Italian economist specialised in International Relations. She currently coordinates the Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture and Design at IAAC. Laura’s career focuses on international education and exchange, with expertise in Asian culture, language, and Business Administration. She has worked across various countries, including China, Canada, Italy, and Spain.

In recent years, Laura has developed a strong interest in arts, design, and architecture. She has managed several international events and platforms, such as the Responsive Cities Symposium, part of the Active Public Space EU project, and ITmakES, a cultural design platform between Italy and Spain, powered by the Italian Consulate in Barcelona.

David Andres Leon is an architect specialising in the research and development of computational tools for architecture, construction, and design.

He serves as the Director of the Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture and Design and is a senior faculty member for the Master in Advanced Architecture at IAAC, where he co-teaches the Digital Matter studio alongside Areti Markopoulou. David also teaches programming for architects in the MPDA Master’s program at UPC.

David holds a Master of Science from the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD) at the University of Stuttgart and a Master’s in Advanced Design and Digital Architecture from Elisava. His research experience includes participation in the German research platform FAT-LAB in Stuttgart and working as a research assistant at the Centre for Information Technology and Architecture (CITA) for the EU-Horizon 2020 Flora Robotica project. He is also a co-author of various publications in architectural research and robotics.

Cristian Rizzuti is an interactive media artist based in Barcelona and Rome. He graduated in Visual and Multimedia Art and completed the M-IA Master at IUAV University of Venice, specialising in interactive immersive environments.

Cristian has exhibited his work at major European events and venues, including Sonar Barcelona, MAXXI museum in Rome, Venice Biennale, and ZKM museum in Karlsruhe. Drawing inspiration from science and mathematics, his work explores human perception and the creation of synesthetic spaces, combining emotional soundscapes with physical experiences.

His installations, influenced by digital arts, live media, and interactive experiments, are often described as light sculptures.

Shreya Rangholia is an Indian architect and designer with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. She has developed expertise in project design, construction, and on-site management. Shreya began her career at JT & Associates, where she advanced to senior architect and later associate, gaining five years of experience in designing and managing building projects, from single residences to luxury resorts.

Her passion for Indian art and textiles led her to freelance in textile art installation projects. In 2022, Shreya joined IAAC, where she now serves as Student Services Secretary and MAA Coordination Assistant.

DOES and MAYBE Creative Director, VISIONS BY Founder and Editor-in-chief and VIBE content director.

While lecturing at Elisava Barcelona University of Design and Engineering he also researches functional and digital identities as part of the “Making with…” Research Group (TU Eindhoven Research) and “Futures Now” Research Group (Elisava Research). Saúl is the co-director of the Master in Design For Emergent Futures (MDEF), organised by the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) and Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering, in collaboration with the Fab Academy. Saúl has been visiting professor and lecturer at international universities, educational institutions and cultural venues such as Harvard GSD, Central Saint Martins and London College of Communication (UAL), Institute for advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), RMIT University Melbourne, Rhode Island School of Design, Pascual Bravo University in Medellín, Sónar+D, Victoria&Albert Museum, CCCB and DHUB, among others.

Chiara Dall’Olio is an Italian designer based in Barcelona. Architect and urban planner by training, she is currently the academic coordinator of the Master in Design for Emergent Futures and part of the Fab Academy global coordination team at Fab Lab Barcelona. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Ferrara, Italy. Master in City and Technology degree for IaaC, Barcelona, and Master in Urban and Territorial Planning for UPM, Madrid. Chiara has professional experience as an urban planner on several scales, from regional planning to small urban interventions. She applies the culture of planning to different fields: design, education, and research.

Josep Martí Elias is an Industrial Engineer from Barcelona. He began his career as a BI consultant before shifting paths and graduating from Fab Academy in 2019. Since then, Josep has taught digital fabrication, design, and electronics at the Fab Lab, contributing to the Future Learning Unit by teaching in Fab Academy, Fabricademy, and the Master in Design for Emergent Futures.

He recently started his research journey in Erasmus+ projects. Josep holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology Engineering and a Master’s in Industrial Engineering, specialising in Automatic Control, both from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), as well as a Fab Academy diploma. He has a deep interest in Maker culture and is always eager to learn and create new things.

Julia Leirado is an architect based in Barcelona with a focus on educational innovation and how new technologies and digital fabrication tools can enhance traditional curricula and improve the learning experience. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (ETSAB), a Master’s in Project Management from EAE, and a Fab Academy diploma in digital fabrication from the Fab Lab Network.

Noel Criado is an economist and consultant specialising in business development and strategic relations. He studied at the University of Barcelona (Spain) and the University of Maastricht (The Netherlands). Since 2005, he has helped educational institutions develop strategic partnerships and monetize knowledge through applied innovation processes.

Previously, Noel served as Head of Marketing and Communication, and Head of Corporate and Institutional Relations at Elisava. He also held roles in multinational companies, including Product Manager at Esselte and Market Research Analyst at Naturgy Energy Group.

Alessandra Schmidt is an administrator and researcher with a critical approach to social development and management sciences. She holds a degree in Business Administration from the Federal University of Parana State and specialized in Social Entrepreneurship at INSEAD (France). Alessandra completed her first Master’s in Social Development Practice (MSc) at The Bartlett Development Planning Unit, University College London (UK), and her second Master’s in Management Sciences (MRes) from ESADE, where she is currently pursuing a PhD.

Before moving to the UK/EU, Alessandra co-founded We.Flow, a social enterprise focused on consulting and training for social impact, where she continues to serve on the Advisory Board. We.Flow is based in Brazil, her home country.

At Fab Lab Barcelona, Alessandra is a researcher involved in several EU-funded projects, including Distributed Design Platform, Make Works, Pop-Machina, Reflow, FoodSHIFT, and FOSTER.

Xavier Domínguez is a multimedia engineer, action researcher at Fab Lab Barcelona, and lecturer in the Master in Design for Emerging Futures at IAAC-Elisava. He is also a global instructor in the Fab Academy program led by Neil Gershenfeld at MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA).

Since 2017, Xavier has dedicated his career to researching methods and tools that foster creativity and innovation in developing competencies and skills for life, guided by principles of circularity, sustainability, and equity.

He participates in several private and EU-funded research projects, including TEC-LA (measuring the impact of maker project-based learning on STEAM education), DO IT (entrepreneurship and social innovation for youth), PHALABS 4.0 (photonics research and its Fab Lab applications), POP-MACHINA (the maker movement and circular economy), and SHEMAKES (empowering sustainable fashion innovators).

Lorenzo Salinas Cisneros is a Peruvian architect who graduated from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP). He holds a Master’s Degree in Parametric Design for Architecture from ETSAV and a Postgraduate Degree in Sustainable Urbanism and Environmental Architecture from La Salle.

Lorenzo’s career focuses on sustainable design and construction using alternative materials like wood, bamboo, and earth, often incorporating participatory designs with high social impact. He currently works at IAAC as Project Staff.

Bruno Ganem is a Brazilian architect and researcher from Brasília. He currently serves as the Green Fab Lab Manager at Valldaura Self-sufficient Labs.

Bruno holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from the University of Brasilia (UnB), a Master’s in Advanced Architecture, and a Postgraduate degree in 3D Printed Architecture from IAAC.

With a strong interest in the intersection between architecture and craftsmanship, Bruno has gained experience working with various materials at different scales, from furniture production to the construction of timber structures.

Esin Aydemir is a practising architect specialising in timber structures. After graduating from Istanbul Technical University, she worked at a construction firm focusing on timber structures. Esin furthered her studies with the Wood Program at Aalto University and a Master’s in Mass Timber Design (MMTD) at IAAC. She is currently the Academic Coordinator for the Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings and Biocities (MAEBB) program at IAAC.

Michael Salka is the Co-director of the Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities (MAEBB) and the Technical Director of Valldaura Labs at IAAC (2022–present). He is also a Gates Scholar PhD candidate in Architecture at the University of Cambridge (2021–2025). Michael’s career spans projects such as designing water infrastructure in rural Rwanda (2012–2014), developing net-zero neighbourhoods and urban infill projects in the USA (2014–2018), and working on engineered timber buildings and ‘Biocities’ in Spain (2018–present).

His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals (2013–2022) and books such as Springer Nature’s Transforming Biocities (2023), commissioned by the European Forest Institute. He has also contributed reports on biobased social housing for the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). His work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times (2021). His PhD focuses on how geospatial data can inform nature-based value chains to address global climate change and related crises.

Laia Pifarré holds a degree in Law from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (2002) and participated in the Erasmus program at Università degli Studi di Parma (2003). She completed the Global Trends, Local Impacts: An Urban Futures Masterclass at the London School of Economics (2015) and recently earned a degree in Political Science and Administration from Universitat de Barcelona (2018).

Laia joined IAAC in 2008 as Assistant Director. From 2011 to 2015, she served as Chief of Staff for the Deputy Mayor for Urban Habitat at Barcelona City Council. Since 2016, she has been the Director of Operations at Valldaura Labs.

Vicente Guallart was the chief architect for Barcelona City Council from 2011 to 2015, where he was responsible for developing the strategic vision for the city and overseeing major development projects. He co-founded and directed IAAC from 2001 to 2011, leading notable projects such as the Media House Project (in collaboration with MIT’s CBA), HyperCatalunya, and the Fab Lab House.

Guallart’s professional practice, Guallart Architects, has delivered widely published projects, including the ports of Fugee and Keelung in Taiwan and the Sociopolis neighbourhood in Valencia. He is currently working on projects in China and Russia, focusing on innovative urban solutions. As an author, he has written books like Plans and Projects of Barcelona (2011-2015), Geologic, and The Self-Sufficient City, and he co-authored the Metapolis Dictionary of Advanced Architecture. His work has been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Biennale of Venice and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, with a solo exhibition organised by the American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C., in 2010.

Mauro Izarra is a Venezuelan Architect, with a Master’s Degree in “Urbanismo Próximo” from IAAC. He is currently the Urban Sciences Lab Assistant for the Coordination of the Lab’s Master courses.

He teaches at Universidad Simón Bolívar in Caracas, Venezuela, in the course “Digital Expression” displaying the use of different softwares for architectural and urban design, as well as researching, digitising and displaying works of academic, modern and contemporary Venezuelan Architecture. He has worked on projects that vary on scale, from vast territories, to cities, buildings and interior spaces. His work in cooperation with colleagues has reached finalist places in various international competitions.

Mauro’s research focuses on the representation of architecture through digital virtual space and how its potential is a clue to research the past, present and future of cities. His work is based on a dynamic of human-machine cooperation, as the use of technology, data and analysis can lead to accurate interventions on urban settlements. Mauro’s final project for the Master’s course displays the mass contamination and fragility of communities along the basin of the Lake of Tacarigua in Maracay, Venezuela. With the use of mapping of climate change effects on rivers, the project aims to provide small and manageable interventions that can provide crisis affected sectors with new economies centred on hydrology.

Iacopo Neri conducts research at the intersection of architecture, computer science, and urban planning. He holds a Master of Science in Architecture with Distinction from the Polytechnic University of Milan and completed the Master in City and Technology (currently Master in Advanced Urban Planning & Data Analytics) at IAAC. During the Responsive Cities Symposium (2017, Barcelona), Iacopo presented a paper on Swarm Intelligence for crowd-based analysis.
Since 2015, he has been a teaching assistant at the University of Florence, the Polytechnic University of Milan, and currently at IAAC, where he is part of the City and Technology computational research team. Iacopo also works as a computational designer at External Reference Architecture Bureau in Barcelona.

Maria Isabel da Rocha Lima is a Brazilian architect, urban strategist, and researcher. She is the coordinator of the Master in Advanced Urban Planning & Data Analytics (formerly City & Technology) and a researcher at the Urban Sciences Lab at IAAC. Isabel holds a Master’s in Urban Management and Development from IHS, Erasmus University of Rotterdam.

She has worked in Portugal and Brazil, specialising in public participation and conducting workshops on urban rehabilitation, capacity building, the right to the city, and sustainable development. Her roles have included moderator, project manager, and researcher. Isabel has also served on the Alumni Board at IHS, representing the organisation at the World Urban Forum (WUF) and moderating a training event on small-scale initiatives.
Her research focuses on urban strategies, participatory planning, governance, and the right to the city.

Ana Gallego is an architectural and urban designer, as well as a researcher at IAAC’s Urban Science Lab, focusing on innovative and sustainable projects at various scales. She was recently recognized as one of the 25 emerging researchers in architecture and urbanism by the Learn, Interact, and Networking in Architecture Programme, a European Union initiative.

Her work has been showcased by institutions such as the New European Bauhaus, the Mostra di Architettura di Venezia, MODEL Festival de Arquitecturas, and Barcelona Architecture Week. Ana has also lectured on urban design at various European universities and is currently collaborating with organisations like the Kosovo Foundation of Architecture, the Timisoara Architecture Biennale, and the Haus Der Architektur Research Lab.

Previously, she worked at prominent architectural and urban planning firms, including AMB – Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, Miralles Tagliabue EMBT, Sol89 Arquitectos, and Pargade Architectes.

Laura Guimarães is a Brazilian architect and urbanist with a Master’s Degree in City & Technology from IAAC. She currently serves as the Urban Science Lab Manager at IAAC.

Before moving to Barcelona, Laura worked as an urban planner in Brazil, first in a city government entity overseeing mobility projects, and later as an Urban Planner and Project Coordinator at one of the country’s leading urban design firms. Her expertise in masterplans and large-scale projects is complemented by her master’s studies, which explore the intersection of urbanism and data science.

Laura’s research focuses on integrating data-driven and human-centred approaches to urban development, using digital analysis and citizen participation to inform decision-making. Her award-winning final graduation project, the Urban Regeneration of Campus 1 in Goiânia, Brazil, earned recognition in the 29th Ópera Prima National Competition for Architecture and Urbanism (2017-2018).

Willy Müller is a Spanish-Argentinian architect and urbanist, with a PhD from the Università degli Studi di Genova (UNIGE). He is one of the founders of IAAC, where he created the Urban Sciences Lab. He co-directs the Maestría en Urbanismo Próximo and has led the X-Urban Design Studio of the Master in Advanced Architecture since 2003. Willy has co-authored several books, including Metapolis Dictionary of Advanced Architecture and Hipercatalunya.

In 1996, Willy founded WMA – Willy Müller Architects, winning multiple international competitions, including projects in St. Petersburg, the Puerto de Almería, and the Mercabarna Flower Market, which earned the International Real Estate Award for Best Public Services Building in Europe (2010).

From 2011 to 2015, Willy was the CEO of Barcelona Regional Agency, overseeing strategic planning and urban development. He has led major urban projects worldwide, including Dream City in the Dominican Republic, Vitoria Bay in Brazil, Moscow Agglomeration, and the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Master Plan (PDUI).

Mathilde Marengo is an Australian–French–Italian PhD Architect whose research focuses on contemporary urban phenomena, its integration with technology, and its implications for the future of the planet. In today’s critical environmental, social, and economic context, she explores how designers can address these challenges through circular and metabolic design.

She is the Urban Sciences Lab Director, Head of Studies, Co-director of the Master in Advanced Urban Planning & Data Analytics (formerly City & Technology), and a PhD Supervisor at IAAC. In this setting, she designs and tests innovative educational formats, promoting holistic, multi-disciplinary design approaches that emphasise materialisation and reframe design education in the Information Age.

Her work extends to National and EU-funded research projects, including URBiNAT, InnoChain ETN, and BUILD Solutions. Mathilde’s work has been published and exhibited internationally.

Valeria Carrion Cruz is a project coordinator and designer with extensive experience in sustainable architecture, innovative construction, and program management. She has successfully coordinated academic programs, including curriculum design and multidisciplinary collaborations, and led participatory workshops for public space interventions. Her role at UCLG involved facilitating global urban policy training and co-authoring influential publications, showcasing her ability to bridge education, technology, and sustainability. With a Master’s in Sustainable Emergency Architecture and a design background, she is well-equipped and looking forward to expanding into the world of  advanced construction by coordinating the Robotics and 3D printing Architecture academic programs.

Nestor Beguin is an architect and computational designer, a graduate of La Cambre-Horta in Brussels and the Postgraduate program in 3D Printing Architecture at IAAC. As a digital enthusiast, Nestor embraces a multidisciplinary approach to design, blending engineering, craftsmanship, and philosophy in his work. He has worked as a computational designer in Brussels, Montréal, and Barcelona.

Currently, Nestor teaches at DFS (La Cambre-Horta, Brussels), the Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction (MRAC), and the 3D Printing Architecture (3DPA) program at IAAC.

Huanyu Li is an architect and digital fabrication designer, focused on exploring the intersection of architecture and technology, particularly in digital fabrication and emergent technologies. He advocates for integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence into the architectural design process.

Huanyu earned his undergraduate degree in architecture from Nanchang University (NCU), China, in 2015, and completed his Master’s in Robotics and Advanced Construction and a Postgraduate degree in 3D Printing Architecture at IAAC in 2022.

Marita Georganta is a mathematician and self-taught computer vision engineer with a passion for robotics and space. She holds a BSc in Mathematics and is completing her MSc in Space Technologies at the University of Athens, Greece. Marita previously served as the CTO of an Earth observation startup in Stockholm, where she worked on autonomous detection of natural disasters from space.

She has also collaborated with various organisations on projects related to wildlife protection, search and rescue operations, vision-based navigation, and unknown terrain mapping with the European Space Agency. In addition, Marita volunteers as a project coordinator for Women In Aerospace-Europe. She is currently a Robotic Sensing Expert and Researcher at IAAC.

Oriol Carrasco is a PhD architect from Barcelona and a senior fabrication expert at IAAC, with extensive expertise in composite manufacturing. He currently teaches in the Master in Advanced Architecture (MAA) and 3D Printing Architecture (3DPA) programs. Since 2013, Oriol has co-led the Design with Nature research line and teaches in the Metabolic Introductory Studio.

With a career spanning since 2005, Oriol has combined teaching with professional work in the engineering and architectural fields, collaborating with major firms on projects across Europe and South America. He is passionate about computational design, prototyping real-scale mock-ups, and exploring novel fabrication methods.

Yara Tayoun is an architect and researcher specialising in the digital and technology-driven transition of circular processes in architecture and design. She holds a Master’s in Architecture from ALBA (Beirut, 2016) and a Master’s in Advanced Architecture from IAAC (Barcelona, 2019), with a focus on adaptive reconfigurable structures and metamaterials.

Yara is the co-founder and director of Driven Studio, a startup fostering early-stage applications of computational design and advanced technologies in construction. Before joining IAAC as the coordinator of its Postgraduate Applied Research program in 3D Printing Architecture (3DPA), she managed a team in Paris, co-creating circular resource flows in cities with a focus on wood construction through the European research project Reflow.

She developed her expertise in fabrication and design engineering by bridging traditional craftsmanship and manufacturing technologies at an innovative Wasp hub in Beirut. Yara also extends her collaborative and sustainable design approach to the performing arts, working interactively with filmmakers and dance companies.

Edouard Cabay graduated from the Architectural Association in 2005 and has since worked for renowned firms such as Foreign Office Architects in London, Anorak in Brussels, and Cloud 9 in Barcelona, where he served as head of the office. Notable projects he completed for Cloud 9 include the Thirst Pavilion for Expo Zaragoza 2008 and the Cúpula del Milenio concert hall in Valladolid.

Currently, Edouard is a unit master for Diploma 18 at the Architectural Association, where he focuses on large-scale architectural strategies addressing the consequences of global warming. Alongside his academic work, he is establishing Appareil, an architectural practice that integrates digital design and fabrication techniques to shape the built environment.

Alex Mademochoritis, is a Greek-French urbanist with a degree in Interior Architecture and Design from the University of West Attica and a Master’s in City & Technology (MaCT) from IAAC. From 2017 to 2022, he coordinated IAAC’s MaCT program and taught in the Advanced Architecture Group. In 2022-2023, he served as IAAC’s Admissions Manager while continuing his teaching. Since 2023, Alex has led IAAC’s Alumni Relations and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Urban and Spatial Planning at the University Gustave Eiffel in Paris.

Lina Sofía Córdoba, is a Colombian designer and filmmaker based in Barcelona. She is the audiovisual lead at Fab Lab Barcelona, creating narratives to share knowledge and produce content that inspires and empowers citizens to rethink how we live, work, and play in cities. Lina studied design at Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, and earned a postgraduate degree in Art Direction and a Master’s in Audiovisual Creativity at Elisava School of Design and Engineering in Barcelona.

Daniel Llavines is responsible for managing the application process for new students. A native of Barcelona, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism with a focus on the hospitality and travel industries. His professional journey abroad has exposed him to diverse cultures and backgrounds, shaping his expertise. With a deep understanding of people’s needs, Daniel is dedicated to guiding and advising students, serving as their first point of contact in the exciting IAAC experience.

Guenda Dal Cin, is the Communication Coordinator for EU-funded Projects, overseeing communication and outreach efforts for various research and innovation initiatives. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication for Development and has experience in project management.

Violeta Rivera, originally from Bogotá, Colombia, she has lived in the US, Argentina, and now Barcelona. With over five years of experience in higher education administration and project management, Violeta specialises in international student exchange and institutional relations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a Master’s in International Development from Universitat Pompeu Fabra.

Lina Salamanca is a Senior Brand Designer specialising in creating systems that elevate and scale brands through impactful visual design. With a strong foundation in Art Direction and Brand Design, she employs a Research-Creation methodology that allows her to explore the aesthetic possibilities of each project. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interactive Media Design and a Master’s degree in Interaction Design from IAAC. Over the past nine years, she has led numerous projects in Visual Design, UX, and Artistic Direction across diverse sectors, including fintech, education, and design and architecture.

Alice Puleo has 15 years of experience specialising in Communication, Public Relations, and Event Production, with a strong focus on the cultural and creative sectors. Trained as an architect and certified as a coach at the Barcelona School of Management, she worked with renowned firms such as Miralles Tagliabue EMBT in Barcelona and Massimiliano Fuksas in Rome, serving as Communication Manager and Executive Assistant.

In 2014, she joined the Domaine de Boisbuchet (formerly Vitra Design Museum Summer Camp) as Design and Architecture Workshop Program Manager. From 2020 to 2022, she led Communication, Public Relations, and Event Production at Cosentino City Barcelona for the Cosentino Group. Since 2015, Alice has collaborated with IAAC, where she is currently Head of Admissions, Marketing, and Communication.

Xavier Marco, has over 20 years of experience in accounting. He is responsible for handling purchases requested by various departments, invoicing customers, following up on pending payments, and providing support in accounting tasks. Xavier graduated with a degree in Business Administration (ADE) from Barcelona University in 2003 and holds a Master’s degree in Finance from EADA Business School.

Daniel Sallés, is IAAC’s Head of Administration and Accounting. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration (ADE) from Barcelona University in 2015. Daniel brings valuable experience from his previous roles in accounting within the financial departments of the education sector.

Josep Seuba is an economist from the University of Barcelona. He began his professional career as an international consultant in corporate demand planning solutions, gaining experience in Germany and Argentina. With over 20 years in consulting, he specialises in R&D fundraising at both national and international levels.
Since 2014, he has served as an in-house consultant in the pre-awards area at IAAC, participating in nearly 100 projects, most of which are European. His contributions represent a total funding volume close to 20 million euros.

Jaqueline Hernández holds a degree in Public Accounting from Universidad Edec de Monterrey. With approximately 13 years of experience in administrative and accounting roles, she has collaborated with notable multinational companies such as PKF Auditors and HAAS Automation.

Currently, she provides support in the administrative area of European Projects at IAAC.

Roser Busquets brings to IAAC extensive experience in managing National and European Competitive Funding Programs. With over 15 years in research centres and academic institutions, she has worked at notable organisations such as the Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, and Universitat Internacional de Catalunya.

Roser began her career abroad, first at Rockefeller University and then at the University of California, San Francisco. She is currently serving as a Senior Grants Specialist at IAAC, where she continues to contribute her expertise in grants management.

Federica Ciccone is an architect, urban planner, and designer focusing her research on Strategic and Sustainable Planning, Environment, and Landscape Architecture. With a diverse skill set, she has developed expertise in Project Research Development and Management, Urban Design, and Photography.

She holds a Master’s degree in Architecture and a Master’s in City and Technology from IAAC, both with Distinction. Her research has been showcased at prestigious venues, including the MAXXI Museum and the Venice Biennale.

At IAAC, Federica has held various roles, enhancing her understanding of grant management, international relations, and organisational leadership. Currently, as Head of the Grants Management Department, she oversees international and national funding initiatives and acts as a Grants Specialist and EU Project Financial Controller.

Federica manages projects funded by H2020 and other European initiatives like Erasmus+ and Creative Europe. She leads a talented team, fostering innovation and collaboration in navigating international grant funding. Alongside her professional work, she researches photography, reflecting on human behaviour in urban contexts and its environmental impact.

Juan Lattanzio Caro is a dynamic professional passionate about employment and committed to personal development. His diverse career includes roles as a labour lawyer, project manager, troubleshooter, employee relations specialist, HR Business Partner, and HR Manager in cosmopolitan cities such as Buenos Aires, Washington DC, Brussels, and Barcelona.

Juan’s academic background is equally varied, encompassing law and international relations, along with certifications in neuroscience applied to organisations, negotiation, conflict resolution, and talent management. This multidisciplinary experience equips him to excel in the administrative, developmental, and transformative aspects of Human Resources.

His notable accomplishments include undergraduate studies at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), a master’s degree from George Washington University (GWU), labour relations work at the Organization of American States (OAS), involvement in green job initiatives with the International Labor Organization (ILO), and HR experience at the European Parliament.

In 2023, Juan joined IAAC as HR Manager, leading the newly created role.