CRETUS STAFF

Almudena Hospido Quintana

Professor of Chemical Engineering
Department: Chemical Engineering
Center: School of Engineering (ETSE)
Research Group: Environmental Biotechnology Group (BIOGROUP)
Phone.: +34 8818 16797
Email: almudena.hospido@usc.es
Group Web: https://biogroup.usc.es
Personal website: https://biogroup.usc.es/users/almudena-hospido

   
   
    

I studied Chemical Engineering at USC (1994-1999) and, after a brief period in the private sector, I completed my PhD with distinction (Nov 2005). I have conducted research stays at prestigious national (LEQUIA, IRTA) and international (RISE, USurrey, UDalhousie) institutions and maintain an intense international research activity (>70% of my works are co-authored with researchers from other countries).

I am currently a Full Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at USC, teaching in several degree programs on campus [Bachelor’s degrees in i) Chemical Engineering and ii) Biotechnology; and Master’s degrees in i) Environmental Engineering, ii) Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, and iii) Sustainable Water Management]. Additionally, I serve as the academic coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering and the academic coordinator of external internships for the Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering.

In the field of research, I have always been involved in the application and development of methodologies based on life cycle thinking and how its main tools can support informed decision-making at all levels. I coordinated the European project ENERWATER, which laid the foundation for the European standard on energy efficiency in urban wastewater treatment plants, and I have supported organizations such as the dairy cooperative CLUN in the environmental certification process of its premium product.

I was the founder and president of COEQGa (07/2008-02/2011) and vice president of FEIQ (05/2003-05/2006). I was also the CEO of Cursos Internacionales de la USC (10/2015–06/2018), as well as Coordinator of External Relations (09/2013-04/2014) and Vice-Rector for Internationalization (09/2015–06/2018), both at USC.

I participate in STEM outreach activities in primary and secondary education through programs such as “A Female Engineer/Scientist in Every School” and ESTALMAT-Galicia, as well as in several mentoring programs, from which I gain significant personal and professional enrichment.

Last but foremost, I am the mother of two incredible persons.

Research Lines

• Application of environmental assessment methodologies

– Life Cycle Assessment in the urban water cycle
– Energy efficiency in urban wastewater treatment plants
– Life Cycle Assessment in the food sector: from product to territory
– Life Cycle Assessment in the development of emerging technologies

• Development of environmental assessment methodologies

– Characterization factors for the inclusion of salinity in the aquatic compartment
– Characterization factors for the inclusion of plastics in the terrestrial compartment
– Incorporation of environmental externalities through monetization

• Integration of life cycle-based knowledge for informed decision-making