Enrique Valera

Enrique Valera is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he has been working since March 2021. He is also a Research Affiliate at Carle Hospital's Biomedical Research Center. Prior to his current position, he served as a Research Scientist at UIUC from July 2018 to March 2021 and was a Post-Doctoral researcher in the Bashir Lab starting in October 2016.

Dr. Valera received his Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain in 2008. Following his doctoral studies, he joined the Applied Molecular Receptors group at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC, Barcelona, Spain) as a Post-Doctoral researcher with a Juan de la Cierva fellowship in 2009. In 2012, he joined the Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN, Barcelona, Spain), and in June 2014, he joined the Bayley Lab at the Department of Chemistry at UIUC as a Post-Doctoral researcher.

Dr. Valera's research focuses on developing point-of-care diagnostic devices and microfluidic platforms for clinical applications. His work centers on biosensor technology that combines specific biological recognition elements with transducers for signal processing. He aims to create tools that enable personalized medical approaches and more precise diagnoses, particularly for identifying specific bacteria causing infections and monitoring immune responses to infections. His research spans electronic technology, micro and nano devices, silicon micromachining, microfluidics, and various biosensor applications including point-of-care detection, multiplexed detection, and biomarker and pathogen detection using optical and electrochemical transducers.

Analysis of Dr. Valera's recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing rapid, multiplexed diagnostic platforms for infectious diseases, particularly respiratory viruses and bloodstream pathogens. His work often integrates microfluidics with smartphone technology to create accessible point-of-care devices. Many of his recent papers address challenges in pathogen detection, sample preparation techniques (particularly blood drying methods), and biosensor development using novel materials like nano-corrugated graphene. His research demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward creating practical diagnostic tools that can be deployed in resource-limited settings.

Dr. Valera has published over 50 papers in prestigious international journals and holds 4 patents (2 in Spain and 2 in the USA). His work has been supported by funded projects in Europe, Spain, and the USA.

As a researcher, Dr. Valera has participated in numerous international and national conferences and has collaborated extensively with other researchers in the development of diagnostic technologies. His work on the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 transmission at a large public university demonstrates his engagement with real-world public health challenges.

Dr. Valera works within the Bashir Research Group at UIUC, which is known for its work in bioengineering, micro- and nanotechnology, and diagnostic device development. His research integrates aspects of electronic engineering, chemistry, and biology to create innovative diagnostic solutions.