Sandra Viviana Medina López is a biologist with an MSc in Food Science and Technology and a current PhD candidate at Universidad Nacional de Colombia, in co-tutelle with the Technical University of Cartagena, Spain. Her research experience spans postharvest biology, food loss and waste mitigation, sustainable processing of plant-based ingredients, and the biocultural valorization of underutilized crops. She has developed functional food prototypes and investigated strategies for improving nutritional quality, resilience, and value addition in native supply chains. Sandra has taught postharvest technology and related topics at undergraduate level and participated in various outreach, academic, and volunteer initiatives. Her academic training has been complemented by international congress presentations, scholarships, and recognitions for scientific communication. She is particularly interested in food biodiversity, culturally rooted innovations, and the intersection of gastronomy, sustainability, and public health. She is proficient in English, fluent in Spanish, and has working knowledge of French and Italian.