Meet The Team
Dr. Marcano has a deep passion for advancing humanity to the future and is greatly inspired by the space industry’s potential to create and push humankind forward. Trained in orthopedic surgery, he is currently a PhD candidate with a bioentrepreneurship track at the Karolinska Institute, focusing in AI for decision systems and precision medicine. Besides having experiences as a founder and entrepreneur, Dr. Marcano has a strong passion for developing human capital and, as a simulation instructor
Christian holds an Engineering diploma and a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences. He led research at Martin Luther University, pursued post-doc work in immunology at Technion, and now heads a department at a Fraunhofer Institute. He is an Assoc. Prof. with 20+ years of teaching and authored 70+ research articles, patents, and book contributions. In 2022, he co-founded matrihealth, a healthcare materials company. Beyond work, Christian's lifelong passion is space exploration and aviation.
NASA/JPL Software Systems Engineer, highly skilled software professional and engineer leader with extensive experience in the software sector. Proven expertise in hands-on coding/hardware and technical leadership roles, specializing in science data, aeronautics and quantum computing. Gómez possesses a BSc in Computer Science and a MSc Space Studies. Gómez is a certified private pilot (PPL) and scuba diver. In 2023 Gómez participated in NASA's analog mission HERA (simulated trip to Phobos).
Dirk is an experimental physicist specialized in optical spectroscopy and laser photonics. He currently works as an instrument scientist at the European XFEL, has a PhD in ultra-fast time-resolved optical spectroscopy and has experience in contamination detection for space systems and as a development engineer for high-precision optical systems. Dirk is also a paramedic, enjoys exploring nature during various outdoor activities and sports. He participated in the Lunares analog mission M2.23.
With a background in terrestrial architecture and engineering obtained at the Technical University of Brunswick in Germany, Roxana Dumitru is an experienced program manager. Currently doing a Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Bucharest, she is researching radiation shielding on human habitats in space. She is a member of Women in Aerospace and an alumna of the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability. In her free time, she likes to skydive, run, swim, hike, and rappel in caves.
Dr. Camilla Tossi is a nanotechnology and microgravity researcher, currently a postdoc sponsored by ESA at the ZARM of Bremen, and an affiliated researcher at the Italian Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on the synthesis of nanomaterials applied to water splitting, CO2 utilization, and optoelectronics; she is also exploring the fabrication of nanomaterials in microgravity conditions, using sustainable techniques and non-toxic precursors.
Enrique holds a MSc (minor in Aerospace) and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from EPFL, and has contributed to ESA's D4D initiative. He currently works as a ground/flight test engineer. He has served in the Bolivian Navy, is a member of the SFTE and the Mars Society, a PoSSUM Citizen-Astronaut Candidate, a Private Pilot, a PADI Open Water Diver, a Licensed triathlete, a mountaineer and a First Aid Responder.
Dr. Pinna has long been fascinated by space and the progress of human knowledge. A biochemist by training, she obtained a PhD in Prebiotic Chemistry from the University College London (UCL, UK), where she started to make a name for herself within the astrobiology research community by investigating the origin of life on Earth. Dr. Pinna has extensive experience in training young researchers in specialised analytical chemistry techniques, and is an accomplished science communicator.
Alma Rubio, PMP® has an extensive background and professional qualifications in project management and engineering design of EPC/ EPCM Oil and Gas construction projects. Her 17-years professional experience spans from concept design up to start-up. She holds a BS and MS Degree in Mechanics and Structures (University of Valladolid, Spain), a Postgraduate MS in Seismic Design (Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain), and a 1-year MBA (ULB SOLVAY Brussels School- Economics & Management, Belgium).
Jose Tórtola is a highly accomplished Spanish Navy Officer. Naval Aviator, Test Pilot, Flight Instructor, and Educator, with over 21 years of military service with a track record of leadership and superb results in high-stress, high-risk scenarios, he has been honored with several national, NATO and EU Council decorations and undergone specialized training as SERE and HUET. Holding a Diploma in Pedagogy from the Military School of Education Sciences, now leads a Navy Recruiting Support Section.
General Surgeon with a passion for extreme medicine. PhD candidate in neuroscience. Founder & CEO of Adventure Medicine Sweden. PADI Rescue Diver, mountaineer, explorer, participated and organized expeditions.
