Diana Rincon Valbuena
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Current PhD student
Biography
I am currently in my first year as a PhD student in Global Sustainable Development as part of the TRANSFORM programme, funded by the Leverhulme Trust.
My research focuses on assessing the environmental and social factors involved in the exploitation of critical raw materials (CRMs) in vulnerable contexts. This research is conducted in collaboration with the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Group at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG).
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and an Honours Master’s degree in Management. I have worked for six years in technical and sales support for materials of various applications, including adhesives and sealants, across multiple manufacturing industries in Colombia and Latin America. In addition to my professional experience, I have conducted applied research at postgraduate level, focusing on the integration of sustainable and resilient construction in developing countries. I also have worked on volunteer projects to improve the quality of life of vulnerable people in Colombia and the UK.
Research Overview
My research centres on identifying the key environmental and social factors in the exploitation of CRMs in developing countries with substantial reserves. This understanding aims to contribute to ensuring a sustainable and equitable supply of these minerals for low-emission technologies.
Academic Background
- PhD in Global Sustainable Development - University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Master’s in Management - Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Bogota, Colombia
- BSc in Chemical Engineering - Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Bogota, Colombia
Supervisors
- Dr Stuart Coles - Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing at WMG
- Dr Kerry Kirwan - Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing at WMG
- Dr Maria Gavris - Institute for Global Sustainable Development, School of Cross-faculty Studies
Research interests
With a particular focus on:
- The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts of the mining of CRMs
- Social life cycle assessment (SLCA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) of the CRMs
- Indigenous peoples or local communities and mining
- Management of CRMs in the ecosphere and their transition to the technosphere
- Policies and agreements regarding the supply chain of CRMs
Funding and awards
- Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Scholarship (2024–2028)
- Meritorious mention for my master's thesis. (The Council of Faculty of Economic Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Bogota, Feb 2022)
- First place in the XXI COLAEIQ Posters contest. (21st Latin-American Congress of Chemical Engineering Students - Guatemala City, July 2015)
Publications
- Rincón Valbuena, D. (2021). Determinación de los Factores Críticos de Éxito (FCE) para la integración de la sostenibilidad en la gestión de proyectos de construcción de edificaciones en Colombia. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. https://repositorio.unal.edu.co/handle/unal/81160