Natalia Cantó Sancho, PhD

Experience

• 

  UA - Universidad de Alicante / Universitat d'Alacant

  Jan 2014 - Dec 2016

  Research Associate | Optics & Optometry | Effective Health Communication | Quick learning

  🎯 Throughout this experience, I have consistently expanded my expertise in the realm of 𝗘𝘆𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, honing my skills across various domains including 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝗢𝗽𝗵𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀, 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝘆, 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆. This continuous learning process has deepened my understanding of the significance of vision and the intricate workings of the visual system, while reinforcing the importance of 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴.During this period, I achieved important 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, including:✅ A 𝟮𝟬𝟬-𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 (Benidorm), where I provided practical customer care and improved my communication skills in English.✅ High level of expertise in Eye and Vision Health, having conducted +𝟴𝟬𝟬 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 across diverse populations.✅ I have attended +𝟳𝟬 𝗘𝘆𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵-𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀, ensuring up-to-date knowledge and technical skills in this field.✅ I led the 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 +𝟱𝟬 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀, aimed at simplifying complex concepts of eye care, thus fostering greater understanding and awareness among diverse audiences. Show less

• 

  Università degli Studi di Padova

  Jan 2017 - Jul 2017

  Visiting Research Associate Fellow | Optometric Text | Adaptability | Relationship Building

  🎯During my Erasmus+ experience (funded by the European Commission), I had the opportunity to embark on my first professional venture beyond Spanish borders, 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗺𝘆𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀. Foremost among these was adapting to a new linguistic landscape in Italian, a language I had not previously explored. Despite this initial hurdle, I 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 and effectively navigated the complexities of communication at 𝘖𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘰 (Padova), fostering seamless interactions with clients seeking clinical examinations.During this time, 𝗜 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀, including:✅ Completing a 𝟮𝟬𝟬-𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝘁 𝙊𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙤, which provided invaluable insights into optometric practice in a diverse cultural environment, thereby enriching my professional repertoire.✅ Conducting +𝟭𝟬 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 (including TBUT, meibography, phenol red test, and tear evaluation and classification) on +𝟲𝟬 Italian 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, showcasing my proficiency in diagnostic procedures.✅ Successfully 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝟮 𝗞𝗢𝗟𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, demonstrating my ability to coordinate international initiatives and leverage diverse expertise. Show less

• 

  University of Alicante

  Sept 2017 - Sept 2018

  Junior Scientist | Health Research | Creation of Scientific Material | Teamwork

  🎯 Throughout my Masters, I honed my research skills through in-depth exploration of key areas including Statistical Analysis, Programming (Matlab), Literature Review Methodologies, Epidemiology, and Occupational Health. These experiences not only cultivated a heightened analytical acumen and critical thinking aptitude in the field of Global Health but also enhanced my adeptness in delivering compelling presentations and effectively communicating complex findings — skills paramount in Public Health.During this period, I achieved some 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:✅ Co-authored 1 high-impact publication in collaboration with researchers from other institutions.✅ Created +100 materials and delivered +20 presentations to various stakeholders.✅ Participated in 2 visual health campaigns, screening the eyesight of +200 students. Show less

• 

  University of Alicante

  Nov 2018 - Dec 2023

  🎯 My 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 in this role was to effectively communicate medical information, translating complex scientific data into accessible content for diverse audiences, while leading international projects and building relationships with KOLs, stakeholders, and colleagues.My 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 during this time included:✅ Creation of +33 scientific and outreach materials.✅ Attended and participated in +20 health events in different countries.✅ Prepared presentations for +200 hours of health teaching to university students.✅ Led and managed +3 international and multi-centre research projects.✅ Collaborated with +20 cross-functional teams and KOLs. Show less 🎯 Throughout this experience, I advanced my Health and Scientific Knowledge in Occupational and Eye Health. My 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 was to lead and manage international projects, working with cross-functional teams across different countries.My most 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 during this period included:✅ Authored and published +10 high-impact scientific publications.✅ Engaged with +200 stakeholders in international research and project management initiatives.✅ Developed key regulatory documents for +7 human research projects.✅ Successfully managed the registration of +10 intellectual properties.✅ Simultaneously managed projects in +5 different countries.✅ Recruited and monitored +100 patients in a clinical trial. Show less

  • Senior Health Scientist | Global & Eye Health | Effective Communication | Leadership

    Nov 2022 - Dec 2023

  • Research Scientist | Scientific Writing | Project & Time Management

    Nov 2018 - Oct 2022
• 

  Ospedale Policlinico Borgo Roma

  Apr 2019 - Jul 2019

  Visiting Research Scientist | Occupational Health | Effective Health Communication | Time Management

  🎯 In this short but intense experience, my 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 was to collaborate with KOLs, including occupational physicians, neurophysiologists, and ophthalmologists, in conducting 2 studies led by Ospedale Borgo Roma (Verona) and the University of Brescia. These studies investigated visual/ocular symptoms and binocular problems associated with the use of digital devices in the workplace.During this period, my most 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 were:✅ Managed 2 research projects resulting in 2 high-impact publications.✅ Developed recruitment strategies, resulting in the participation of +300 workers.✅ Conducted +11 subjective and objective vision tests on +400 office workers.✅ Delivered 2 seminars to resident doctors on eye health and the use of patient-reported outcome measures. Show less

• 

  Universidade do Minho

  Oct 2022 - Dec 2022

  Visiting Research Scientist | Optics & Optometry | Scientific Writing | Teamwork & Collaboration

  🎯 During this experience, my 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 was to collaborate closely with 2 KOLs in Optometry to investigate the Visual Health of workers. This collaboration led to significant insights through the execution of 2 research projects: one focused on the validation of a questionnaire, and the other examining the risk factors that may influence ocular and visual health due to the excessive use of digital devices.Throughout this period, my 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 included:✅ Managed 2 research projects resulting in 2 high-impact publications.✅ Communicated findings to diverse audiences at 3 health conferences.✅ Fostered collaboration between 2 multidisciplinary research groups, promoting collaborative initiatives.✅ Managed and analyzed data collected from +340 workers in <2 months.This experience not only deepened my expertise in Optometry and Visual Health but also highlighted my skills in project management, data analysis, scientific communication, and relationship building ✨ Show less

• 

  Libertad Con Ciencia

  Nov 2023 - Apr 2024

  Participant | Career Transition | Health Industry | Oriented to Science Communication

  🎯 I participated in this 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, gaining insights into Healthcare Communication. I focused particularly on communicating advancements in the scientific field, especially within the health sector, while actively building a network with professionals from different companies and departments.𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:✅ Completed +100 hours of Health Industry training.✅ Shifted focus to a healthcare communicator role.✅ Stayed updated on public and global health news.✅ Fostered valuable connections within the healthcare industry.✅ Improved skills relevant for a science communicator, including effective health communication, interpersonal skills and collaborative aptitude. Show less

• 

  Freelance

  Jan 2024 - now

  Healthcare & Science Communicator | Global Health | Customized Presentations | Attention to Detail

  🎯 In this role, with +𝟭𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 of direct involvement in Health Sciences Research, my 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 is to effectively communicate industry advances to stakeholders, bridging the gap between scientific innovation and public understanding. I translate complex scientific concepts for all audiences while maintaining rigour and accuracy. My 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 is to help people through communication.My 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 so far have been:✅ Developed +5 outreach and scientific materials for medical events, congresses, and journals.✅ Delivered 2 stakeholder presentations using creative and engaging approaches.✅ Wrote and managed 3 scientific articles.✅ Collaborated with +20 ex-colleagues, stakeholders, and KOLs from different centres and countries.✅ Managed and drafted +2 intellectual property patents.✅ Performed quality reviews of impact projects as a peer reviewer for +6 journals. Show less