MARIA JESUS LERMA GARCIA

Dr. MARIA JESUS LERMA GARCIA is a Professor at the Department of Analytical Chemistry in the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Valencia. She holds a Doctorate from the University of Valencia (2011) with a thesis focused on methods for characterizing and authenticating olive and vegetable oils, supervised by Guillermo Ramis Ramos and Ernesto Francisco Simó-Alfonso.

Her primary research interests include development and application of advanced analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopic methods for food analysis, quality control, and botanical authentication. She also pioneers educational innovations, including AI-driven learning tools like ChatGPT integration, TikTok-based nanolearning, and student-generated instructional videos to enhance laboratory instruction and communication skills in chemistry education.

Her work bridges analytical chemistry methodology with real-world applications in food safety and environmental monitoring, while simultaneously advancing pedagogical strategies using modern digital platforms. She leads the CLECEM research group and focuses on creating novel sample preparation approaches involving molecularly imprinted polymers, aptamer-based systems, and nanomaterials.

Key contributions include methods for detecting allergens in foods, analyzing cocoa and olive oil authenticity, and developing smart materials for microextraction systems. She actively engages in curriculum development for master's programs in food safety, emphasizing effective oral communication competencies through structured self-learning itineraries and flipped classroom methodologies.