The AquaWind project proudly celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science by recognising the exceptional women driving innovation in renewable energy and offshore aquaculture. Their expertise and leadership are essential to the success of this pioneering initiative, which integrates offshore wind energy and aquaculture for a more sustainable future.
Their contributions span across project management, financial oversight, environmental monitoring, and technological development, ensuring that AquaWind remains at the forefront of sustainable marine solutions.
Laura Ruiz | Head of Section at ACIISI (Agency for Research, Innovation and the Information Society of Canary Islands)
Laura Ruiz leads AquaWind’s project management, overseeing organisation and public sector engagement. Her work ensures strong collaboration between key stakeholders and promotes the project’s vision on an international scale.
Mónica Quesada | Project Manager at the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster
With a background in marine sciences and a specialisation in port and coastal engineering, Mónica Quesada coordinates European initiatives within AquaWind. She focuses on stakeholder engagement, policy recommendations, and strategic planning, helping to integrate offshore aquaculture with renewable energy.
Michelle Perello | CEO of Consulta Europa Projects & Innovation SL
Michelle Perello ensures that gender equality and diversity are embedded in AquaWind’s activities. She collaborates with project partners to design inclusive initiatives while overseeing financial management and compliance.
Beatrice Avagnina | Managing Director of Consulta Europa Projects & Innovation SL
Handling AquaWind’s financial management and reporting, Beatrice Avagnina ensures compliance with EMFAF regulations. Her expertise keeps the project financially sound and aligned with its long-term sustainability goals.
The success of AquaWind also relies on scientific research and environmental monitoring, ensuring that offshore operations are both efficient and eco-friendly. Experts in marine ecosystems and sustainability play a crucial role in evaluating impacts and optimising solutions.
Silvia Martín | Responsible Research Manager at PLOCAN
Silvia Martín leads PLOCAN’s involvement in AquaWind, leveraging its expertise in offshore multi-use platforms, renewable energy, and environmental monitoring. She plays a key role in testing and integrating offshore wind and aquaculture solutions.
Paula Bastos | Economic and Life Cycle Assessment Specialist at WavEC Offshore Renewables
Paula Bastos conducts Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to evaluate AquaWind’s potential carbon footprint reduction. Her work identifies circular economy strategies to enhance sustainability and minimise environmental impact.
Luana Clementino | Marine Mammal and Bioacoustics Researcher at WavEC Offshore Renewables
Luana Clementino oversees environmental monitoring activities, focusing on seabed and water quality, underwater noise, and benthic communities. Her research ensures that offshore operations adhere to environmental sustainability standards.
At the operational level, ensuring safety and efficiency in offshore trials is essential for turning innovative ideas into real-world solutions.
Ana Mayorga | Chief Operating Officer at Enerocean SL
Ana Mayorga leads the execution of marine operations and trials for the W2Power prototype, overseeing health and safety, legal permits, and strategic business planning. Her work ensures that offshore trials are conducted safely and efficiently.
These women exemplify the power of expertise, leadership, and innovation in marine science and technology. Their efforts not only advance AquaWind’s mission but also pave the way for future generations of women in STEM.
AquaWind is proud to support a more inclusive and sustainable future, where talent and determination drive groundbreaking solutions in offshore renewable energy and aquaculture.
Maria Ikhennicheu | Project Manager at INNOSEA
Maria Ikhennicheu is a hydrodynamic and mooring engineer with eight years of experience in the offshore renewable energy industry and a PhD in experimental hydrodynamics, where she researched turbulence in tidal turbines. Since 2019, he has expanded his work to the floating solar energy sector.
In the AquaWind project, Maria holds the position of Project Manager, where she leads the development of key solutions for mooring and hydrodynamic systems. Her expertise is crucial for the successful integration of offshore wind and sustainable aquaculture solutions, advancing ocean renewable energy technologies.
Verónica Zamora | Professional Driver at Canexmar
Verónica Zamora is a professional diver specialising in underwater maintenance, with an extensive background in the maritime sector. In her role at Canexmar, Verónica is responsible for carrying out inspections, repairs and maintenance of underwater infrastructures, ensuring that the projects in which she participates remain operational and safe.
Her work is essential for the proper functioning of various underwater facilities, contributing to the efficiency and sustainability of maritime operations.