Profile
A Few Words About Me
I’m Zuhelen Padilla, a physical chemist and science communicator passionate about the intersection between scientific research, climate justice, and social change. My work explores how matter and energy interact at the molecular level, with applications in renewable energy and sustainable materials. Originally from Latin America, I believe that science is never neutral—it shapes and is shaped by political, economic, and cultural forces. Through writing, teaching, and public engagement, I aim to make science more inclusive, critical, and responsive to the challenges of our time, especially in the Global South.
Universidad Central del
Bachelor’s degree, Chemistry
2002-2008
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Master’s degree, Química de la atmósfera y climatologíaMaster’s degree, Atmospheric Chemistry and Climatology
2010 – 2013
Atmospheric Physical Chemistry
Skills:
Data Visualization · Environment, Health and Safety · Statistical Data Analysis · Spatial Analysis · Data Science · Data Analysis · Environmental Monitoring
Scientific & Technical Consultant (Data Scientist)
National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change
(INECC) · Full-time
Feb 2020 – Nov 2020 ·
Mexico City, Mexico · On-site
Functions:
Performed statistical analysis and interpretation of greenhouse gas and air quality data.
Prepared historical air quality analysis reports for various regions of the Mexican Republic.
Managed commissioning and calibration of atmospheric monitoring equipment (mobile air quality monitoring laboratory).
Conducted fieldwork including source identification, data collection, and ambient air quality assessment.
Achievements:
Provided technical support on air quality to assess the impact of the 2020 pandemic on air pollution in Mexican cities and contributed to corresponding emission mitigation actions.
Developed R-based code for the analysis of historical ambient air quality data across multiple monitoring sites.
Skills:
RStudio · Environment, Health, and Safety · QGIS · Python · Data Science · HYSPLIT-NOAA · WRF-Chem · Statistical Data Analysis · Spatial Analysis · Data Visualization · Issue Resolution
Researcher (Data Scientist)
National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change (INECC) · Full-time
Nov 2020 – Aug 2023
Mexico City, Mexico
Functions:
Conducted satellite-based analysis of air quality data (Sentinel-5P, TROPOMI).
Collected, performed statistical analysis, and interpreted historical air quality datasets.
Performed instrumental analysis of atmospheric monitoring systems.
Contributed to multidisciplinary environmental projects through data analysis and report preparation.
Developed strategies and approaches for air quality improvement and climate change mitigation.
Achievements:
Developed R algorithms that significantly reduced the processing time for large datasets.
Successfully applied R-based models to multiple air quality-related projects.
Systematized the operation of mobile air quality monitoring laboratory equipment.
Created R algorithms for spatial analysis of Sentinel-5P satellite data (air quality).
Effectively led project teams by coordinating and communicating across departments and with other project managers.
Skills:
Problem Solving · Environment, Health, and Safety · Project Management · LEAP · Data Science · Statistical Data Analysis · Spatial Analysis · Google Earth Engine · Tableau · Presentations · Research · GIS Applications · R (Programming Language) · Data Visualization · Issue Resolution
Climate Change and Health Fellow
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) · Full-time
Aug 2023 – Aug 2024
Washington, D.C., United States · Remote
Functions:
Analyzed data from national surveys on climate change and health indicators across the Americas region.
Authored technical and preliminary reports for review and validation.
Participated in capacity-building activities related to climate change and environmental determinants of health.
Developed educational materials for courses in collaboration with academic institutions and civil society, as well as informational brochures for policymakers on the health impacts of climate change.
Contributed to publications by UN agencies on the health impacts of climate change in the Americas.
Supported multidisciplinary projects through data analysis and technical reporting on the health effects of climate change.
Assisted in preparing funding proposals for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for health and climate change initiatives in the region.
Collaborated on the development of subregional action plans (North America, Caribbean, Central and South America) for health and climate change.
Supported the planning and organization of meetings, workshops, and trainings on Climate Change and Health involving Ministries of Health, UN agencies, academic institutions, and civil society.
Achievements:
Contributed to the formulation of a regional policy aimed at strengthening the health sector’s response to climate change through an equity-based approach in the Americas.
Assessed health indicators in the Caribbean region; report scheduled for publication in December 2024.
Optimized the Spanish-language script for the Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) for walking and cycling by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Skills:
HEAT · AirQ+ · CarbonH · Technical Documentation · Analytical Skills · Capacity Building · Data Analysis · Professional & Academic Writing
Climate Change and Health International Consultant
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
Nov 2024 – Present
Washington, D.C., United States · Remote
Responsibilities:
Leveraging data analysis tools and techniques to assess health and climate indicators, providing countries with actionable insights.
Supporting the development of online courses and educational materials on climate change and health.
Coordinating capacity-building initiatives to strengthen national health systems in addressing climate-related challenges.
Assisting in the establishment of climate and health observatories to enhance monitoring of climate-sensitive diseases.
Collaborating with Ministries of Health, UN agencies, academic institutions, and civil society to organize workshops, trainings, and technical meetings.
Preparing evidence-based technical reports and policy recommendations to support decision-making at national and regional levels.