Dr. Alba Avila is an associate professor at the Electrical and Electronics Department of the University of Los Andes. She holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Cambridge in the UK, a master's in electrical engineering, and a B.S. in physics and electrical engineering from the UA. Her research interest and publications include nanomaterials electrical characterization using scanning microscopy techniques, nanocomposites-based approaches for energy harvesting for physico-chemical water and food’s physical properties sensing applications. She also works on designing and developing kits to promote nanotechnology and energy education and regularly engages in outreach activities with rural communities.