Yony Soledad Valdez Lloqque | Data Science and Deep Learning | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Yony Soledad Valdez Lloqque | Data Science and Deep Learning | Best Researcher Award 

Ms. Yony Soledad Valdez Lloqque, at Peruvian University of Applied Sciences, Peru.

Soledad Valdez is an industrious and adaptable Industrial Engineering graduate from Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC). With a passion for streamlined operations and safety management, she’s nurtured hands-on experience in distribution logistics, transportation, and SSOMA (Safety, Health, Environmental Management). As a proactive learner and collaborator, Soledad brings strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous improvement. Her current role as an Internal Control Intern at Southern Perú Copper Corporation underscores her analytical mindset and dedication to organizational excellence. Fluent in Spanish and Quechua, with advanced English and basic French, Soledad’s cross-cultural communication further enhances her ability to drive efficient, safe, and sustainable supply chain solutions.

Professional Profile

ORCID

🎓 Education

Soledad earned her Industrial Engineering degree with a specialization in Supply Chain Management from UPC (2019–2024), demonstrating strong academic performance. She holds a Diploma in International Baccalaureate from COAR Cusco (2018) and completed professional development through a SSOMA Supervisor Diploma from the Colegio de Ingenieros del Perú in 2023. Additionally, she pursued a Supply Chain Management specialization at UPC (2022–2023), reinforcing her theoretical foundation. Complementing her technical education, Soledad completed courses in electronic invoicing, advanced Excel for business, and leadership workshops through UPC’s Grupo de Excelencia Académica in 2021—sharpening both her technical acumen and team leadership. This robust educational background supports her holistic approach to operational efficiency, compliance, and strategic resource management.

💼 Experience

Southern Perú Copper Corporation (Internal Control Intern, Jan 2025–present): Soledad aids in revising procedures, updating processes, and supporting internal risk-control systems via GR tools.
Terpel/ Mobil Perú (Distribution Intern, Jan 2024–Jan 2025): She enhanced lead time management through efficient bidding and transport scheduling. Soledad also automated export documentation using Power Apps/Power Automate and integrated supplier documentation in Drivin ERP to improve traceability.
ISAT Perú S.A.C. (Risk Prevention Officer, Jun 2023–Dec 2023): She revamped occupational risk assessments, launched a safety training program that increased compliance, and ensured adherence to regulatory safety standards.
Municipalidad Distrital de Chinchaypujio (Project Assistant, Jan 2023–Apr 2023): She supported strawberry-derivatives production workshops, optimized warehouse inventory by 35%, and improved HR productivity with reporting and tracking tools.

🔬 Research Interest

Soledad is devoted to projects at the intersection of Supply Chain Management and SSOMA systems. She’s particularly interested in optimizing distribution logistics through digital tools (e.g., ERP, Power Automation) to enhance traceability and reduce lead times. Another focal area is occupational health and safety metrics—integrating data-driven risk assessment and training to proactively prevent incidents. She’s also curious about sustainable resource use in industrial processes, tying environmental protocols into supply chain frameworks. By fusing management systems, technology, compliance, and sustainability, Soledad envisions comprehensive solutions that improve operational efficiency and safety while safeguarding worker welfare and environmental health.

🏅 Awards

Soledad’s accolades reflect her leadership and community impact. She earned recognition as a volunteer educator with EducaPiecitos (2019), where she taught integrated math and communication to 32 children in Villa María del Triunfo, and as a mentor to seven local producers in Chinchaypujio, training them in fruit-derivative production methods. Within university, she received academic distinction through UPC’s Excellence Academic Group leadership workshop (2021), and was awarded a Diploma of SSOMA Supervision by the Colegio de Ingenieros del Perú (2023). These honors highlight her educational passion, social responsibility, and capacity to lead both inside and outside the classroom through proactive initiatives and community engagement.

📚 Top Noted Publications

(Note: no formal peer-reviewed journal publications provided.)
However, Soledad has authored project documentation and case reports focused on supply chain optimization and SSOMA system integration. Though not published in journals, these contributions reflect her ability to blend academia with real-world operations—such as her automation project at Mobil and risk assessment modules at ISAT Peru—and her documentation serves as a strong foundation for future academic and professional publications.

1. “A Data‑Driven Lean Manufacturing Framework for Enhancing Productivity in Textile Micro‑Enterprises”

  • Journal: Sustainability (MDPI)

  • Publication Date: 5 June 2025

  • Volume & Issue: 17(11), Article 5207

  • DOI: 10.3390/su17115207 wrs.ojs.upv.es+6mdpi.com+6ideas.repec.org+6

  • Authors: Sebastian Tejada; Soledad Valdez; Orkun Yildiz; Rosa Salas‑Castro; José C. Alvarez openurl.ebsco.com+7mdpi.com+7ideas.repec.org+7

📌 Key Aspects

  • Context: Case study on a Peruvian textile micro-enterprise with productivity at 0.085 units per sol in 2023—~22.5% below the sector average of 0.13—leading to significant financial losses mdpi.com+4ideas.repec.org+4cris.upc.edu.pe+4.

  • Framework: Combined tools—5S, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), process standardization, digitalization, and data analytics—to overhaul operations arxiv.org+12ideas.repec.org+12cris.upc.edu.pe+12.

  • Pilot Results:

    • Productivity increased by ~0.10 unit/sol.

    • Improved machine uptime, reduced waste, clean workplace scores, and fewer quality defects (specific data tables and figures are provided in the full article) arxiv.org+10ideas.repec.org+10cris.upc.edu.pe+10.

  • Peer-Review Timeline: Received on 12 April 2025; revised 26 May; accepted 29 May; formally published 5 June mdpi.com.

2. “Proposal of Redesign of Data‑based Lean Management‑Oriented Business Processes in the Textile Industry: Previous Diagnosis”

  • Conference: 10th International Conference on Innovation and Trends in Engineering (CONIITI 2024)

  • Dates & Venue: 2–4 October 2024, Bogotá, Colombia

  • DOI: 10.1109/coniiti64189.2024.10854836 journals.co.za+3researchgate.net+3cris.upc.edu.pe+3cris.upc.edu.pe+1cris.upc.edu.pe+1

  • Authors: Sebastian Tejada; Soledad Valdez; Rosa Salas‑Castro; José C. Alvarez; Orkun Yildiz openurl.ebsco.com+7researchgate.net+7cris.upc.edu.pe+7

📌 Highlights

  • Objective: Diagnose root causes of low productivity—machine unavailability, high failure, lack of standardization—via data-driven assessment researchgate.net+2cris.upc.edu.pe+2cris.upc.edu.pe+2.

  • Approach: Applied lean methodologies (5S, TPM, process standardization) alongside data collection on machine uptime, failure frequencies, reprocessing rates cris.upc.edu.pe+4cris.upc.edu.pe+4cris.upc.edu.pe+4.

  • Outcomes:

    • Productivity elevated to 0.25 units/sol in the studied SME.

    • Machine availability rose, and reprocesses dropped by ~20% journals.co.za+5cris.upc.edu.pe+5cris.upc.edu.pe+5.

  • Publication Details: Included in IEEE proceedings (ISBN 979-8-3315-3172-0), peer-reviewed, officially published in late 2024 researchgate.net.

🔗 Summary & Connection

  • The CONIITI paper (Oct 2024) sets the diagnostic groundwork and proposes a data-based lean redesign.

  • The Sustainability article (Jun 2025) validates that redesign through a real-world pilot, quantifying productivity improvements (~0.10 unit/sol) and operational gains.

Conclusion

Is Soledad Valdez a suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award”? Yes, but with reservations. Her profile stands out for her applied approach, commitment to process improvement, and use of relevant technological tools. She has great potential for applied research, particularly in areas such as SSOMA management, supply chain, and process automation.

 

Ana Abreu | Data Science and Deep Learning | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Dr. Ana Abreu | Data Science and Deep Learning | Distinguished Scientist Award

Scientis, at Georgia Dermatopathology Assocaites, United States .

Dr. Ana María Abreu Vélez is a distinguished Colombian-American physician-scientist renowned for her contributions to dermatology, immunology, and public health. As the Scientific and Laboratory Director at GDA in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Scientific and Public Health Director for the Orphan Autoimmune Blistering Response Program in Colombia, she has dedicated over three decades to advancing medical research and healthcare delivery. Dr. Abreu Vélez’s pioneering work in endemic pemphigus foliaceus, particularly in El Bagre, Colombia, has led to the identification of novel disease variants and autoantigens. Her extensive publication record, including over 140 peer-reviewed articles, underscores her commitment to scientific excellence and innovation. Fluent in English and Spanish, with proficiency in Portuguese and French, she bridges cultural and linguistic gaps in global health initiatives. Her leadership in clinical trials, laboratory diagnostics, and public health programs has earned her recognition as a leading expert in autoimmune and tropical diseases.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID​

🎓 Education 

Dr. Abreu Vélez’s academic journey is marked by rigorous training and specialization. She earned her M.D. from the Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud (CES) in Medellín, Colombia, where she also completed a dermatology residency. Her pursuit of advanced knowledge led her to obtain a Ph.D. in Biomedical Health Science and Immunology from the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Antioquia. She further honed her expertise through postdoctoral fellowships in immunodermatology and molecular biology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, in clinical trials compliance and research at the Medical College of Georgia, and in oncology at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute. These academic endeavors provided her with a robust foundation in clinical research, immunology, and dermatological sciences, enabling her to contribute significantly to medical science and public health.​

💼 Experience 

Dr. Abreu Vélez boasts a multifaceted career encompassing clinical practice, research, and public health leadership. As the Scientific and Laboratory Director at GDA in Atlanta, she oversees critical laboratory operations and research initiatives. Her role as the Scientific and Public Health Director for the Orphan Autoimmune Blistering Response Program in Colombia reflects her commitment to addressing neglected tropical diseases. With over 29 years of experience, she has led numerous clinical trials, managed extensive research grants, and developed public health programs at local, national, and international levels. Her work with tribal communities in Colombia’s jungles highlights her dedication to underserved populations. Dr. Abreu Vélez’s expertise spans immunodermatology, molecular biology, and clinical diagnostics, and she has served as a peer reviewer for over 500 scientific publications, underscoring her standing in the medical research community.​

🔬 Research Interests 

Dr. Abreu Vélez’s research interests are deeply rooted in immunodermatology and the pathogenesis of autoimmune blistering diseases. Her groundbreaking studies on endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia, have unveiled new disease variants and autoantigens, such as desmoplakins I-II, epiplakin, periplakin, and MYZAP. She has developed novel diagnostic tools, including a 45 kD desmoglein ectodomain ELISA, enhancing disease detection and understanding. Her work extends to exploring the interplay between environmental factors, like mercury and cyanide exposure, and genetic predispositions in disease manifestation. Additionally, she investigates the role of neural receptors and cell junction proteins in autoimmune responses. Her research not only advances scientific knowledge but also informs public health strategies for managing and preventing autoimmune diseases in endemic regions.​ResearchGate

🏆 Awards 

Dr. Abreu Vélez’s contributions to medicine and public health have garnered significant recognition. She has been honored for her innovative research in autoimmune dermatological diseases and her dedication to improving healthcare in underserved communities. Her leadership in establishing clinical, epidemiological, and public health programs in Colombia and the United States has been particularly lauded. Her work has led to the identification of new disease variants and the development of novel diagnostic tools, earning her accolades from both academic institutions and public health organizations. Her commitment to mentoring emerging scientists and her extensive peer-review work for prestigious journals further underscore her standing in the scientific community.​

📚 Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Abreu Vélez has an extensive publication record, with over 140 peer-reviewed articles and multiple book chapters. Her notable works include:​

📌 1. New complex cell junctions in and around the intervertebral discs discovered using autoantibodies from patients affected by endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America

Publication Date: Sep 2024
Summary:

  • Explores a novel finding where autoantibodies from El Bagre endemic pemphigus foliaceus (El Bagre-EPF) patients help identify previously undetected complex cell junctions in intervertebral discs.

  • Suggests a possible link between autoimmune skin diseases and systemic or spinal connective tissues.

  • Introduces implications for neurological and rheumatological autoimmune cross-reactivity.

📌 2. Immunofluorescence findings in a reactivating lichenoid photoallergic chronic dermatitis (actinic reticuloid)

Publication Date: Aug 2024
Summary:

  • Uses direct immunofluorescence (DIF) to investigate actinic reticuloid, a chronic sun-sensitive dermatitis mimicking cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

  • Key finding: specific lichenoid immunofluorescent patterns in photodistributed lesions during reactivation.

  • Highlights photosensitive immune mechanisms and possible diagnostic markers.

📌 3. Drug reaction, cyclooxygenase 2, and alteration on lymphatics

Publication Date: Jul 2024
Summary:

  • Investigates how certain drug reactions involve COX-2 expression and lymphatic endothelial damage.

  • Links nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medications to lymphatic pathway disruptions, possibly influencing immune cell trafficking and inflammation.

  • Highlights a vascular-immune interface in adverse drug responses.

📌 4. Metals and metalloids as binding antigens in a new variant of endemic pemphigus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America

Publication Date: May 2024
Summary:

  • Explores the role of environmental metals/metalloids (e.g., mercury, gold, arsenic) as potential triggers or binding antigens in a variant of El Bagre-EPF.

  • Suggests haptenization mechanisms where metals bind to proteins, altering immunogenicity.

  • Emphasizes environmental exposure and geoepidemiology of autoimmune blistering diseases.

📌 5. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis induced by medications displaying colocalizing lesional deposits for CD15, myeloperoxidase and HLA-DPDQDR: A Yin and Yang?

Publication Date: Oct 2022
Summary:

  • Analyzes cases of drug-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) showing co-localization of immune markers: CD15 (granulocytes), MPO (neutrophils), and HLA-DPDQDR (MHC class II).

  • Suggests a dual immune role (Yin and Yang) involving both innate and adaptive immunity in vasculitic lesions.

  • Highlights complex immune-pathogenic pathways triggered by certain medications.

Conclusion

✅ Dr. Ana María Abreu Vélez is an outstanding and highly distinguished candidate for the Research for Distinguished Scientist Award. Her record combines high-impact scientific discovery, long-term humanitarian service, transdisciplinary leadership, and international collaboration. Her work has directly improved diagnostics, clinical care, and scientific understanding in neglected areas of medicine.

Her candidacy embodies the spirit of the award—a visionary researcher who not only expands the frontiers of science but also translates that knowledge into real-world impact. With minor refinements, her dossier would be among the most compelling in any international competition.