I was
born in Riobamba, Ecuador. From a young age, I was curious about everything
around me: I loved nature, animals, and always felt a deep desire to help
people. My greatest passion has always been dance—the art of conveying emotions
through every movement.
As I grew
older, I developed a strong interest in physics, biology, and everything
related to nuclear energy. It was then that I discovered, at ESPOCH, a degree
program that seemed tailor-made for me: Biophysics, an interdisciplinary
science that combines the principles of physics to study biological processes.
During my
studies, I suffered a serious accident on Mount Chimborazo: I fell 70 meters
and sustained severe physical injuries, including a skull fracture, facial
paralysis, and partial loss of mobility, vision, and hearing. I had to
temporarily leave university to focus on recovery. Physical therapy, cognitive
rest, and a great deal of patience became my routine for several months.
When I
returned to my studies, changes in the academic curriculum set me back by over
a year. Migraines and memory difficulties became part of my daily life as I
slowly adapted again. Despite this, I chose to move forward.
I
completed my professional internships in two fascinating areas: the Optics and
Spectroscopy Research Laboratory at EPN and the Laboratory for Particle,
Astroparticle, and Radiation Detection (LEOPARD) at USFQ. By the end of my
degree, I found a topic that deeply inspired me: the analysis of radon gas
concentration, which became my undergraduate thesis.
After graduating, I planned to continue in the
field of research. But fate led me to work at SOLCA, in another city, far from
my family. I didn’t know anyone, but I was ready for a new challenge. It was
there that I discovered the real-world applications of nuclear technology in
healthcare: nuclear medicine, radiopharmaceuticals, and cyclotron production. I
became one of the first women to obtain an authorized license as a Radiation
Safety Officer in cyclotron practice, thus ensuring the protection of patients,
workers, and the environment from radiation risks.
My work
awakened a new passion: radioisotopes and their potential to save lives,
especially in treating cancer patients. Motivated by this interest, I decided
to pursue a master's degree in Medical Physics. To afford my studies, I looked
for an additional job in the same field, which allowed me to gain experience in
Diagnostic Radiology and Interventional Radiology.
During
this time, I led the licensing and authorization project for the production,
distribution, and transport of radiopharmaceuticals using a cyclotron, making
SOLCA the first hospital in Ecuador to obtain such a license.
This
project became the foundation of my master’s thesis and opened the door to
further exploring the multiple applications of nuclear energy—not only in
medicine, but also in industry and power generation.
I have
always had the unconditional support of my parents, who, through sacrifice and
effort, helped me become a professional. Throughout my career, I have been
fortunate to meet colleagues who have become true friends.
Today, I
live in Canada, where I continue my professional development in the field of
nuclear energy. I serve as the Vice President of WiN Ecuador and as Regional
Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean for WiN Global Young
Generation—a role I embrace with pride and commitment. From this platform,
my mission is clear: to inspire more young women to join the peaceful use of
nuclear energy and advocate for a more equitable scientific community.
The Role of Nuclear Energy in Ecuador’s Future
Ecuador’s
energy matrix is predominantly dependent on hydroelectric generation, which
accounts for over 80% of the country's electricity production. While this
reliance on hydropower offers benefits in terms of low carbon emissions, it
also introduces structural vulnerabilities due to climatic phenomena such as El
Niño and La Niña. These variations can compromise energy supply continuity,
highlighting the strategic need to diversify the matrix with stable,
sustainable, and low-emission generation sources—such as nuclear energy.
Currently,
Ecuador does not have any nuclear power plants for electricity generation.
However, the country actively participates in the peaceful uses of nuclear
technology in fields such as medicine (imaging diagnostics, radioisotope
therapy), agriculture (genetic improvement and pest control), environmental
monitoring, and select industrial applications. These activities are regulated
by the Subsecretariat for Nuclear Control and Applications (SCAN) with
technical support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In a
recent milestone, Ecuador signed an agreement with the IAEA to promote national
capacity-building for peaceful nuclear energy development. This technical
cooperation includes knowledge transfer, specialized training, regulatory
strengthening, and support in developing strategies for potential integration
of nuclear technology into the national energy system.
While
this advancement presents a significant opportunity, it is essential to
acknowledge the technical, environmental, and social challenges involved in
implementing nuclear energy in a country with complex geological
characteristics due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Nuclear
safety must remain the central guiding principle in any planning. In this
regard, the deployment of emerging technologies such as Small Modular
Reactors (SMRs) or fourth-generation reactors could offer advantages
in passive safety, reduced implementation scale, flexible siting, and minimized
radiological risk.
One
critical requirement for the feasibility of nuclear development in Ecuador is geological
and radiometric characterization of the territory to identify economically
viable uranium or thorium deposits. At present, Ecuador is not listed among the
countries with reported resources by the IAEA in this area. However, given the
lack of comprehensive geological exploration, the possibility of local reserves
cannot be ruled out without exhaustive studies.
The site
selection for any future nuclear facility must consider geotechnical,
hydrological, and seismic criteria. Given the geological instability of the
Sierra region, the coastal or Amazonian regions may offer more favorable
conditions. This would require detailed seismic risk studies, environmental
licensing, and social impact assessments.
Ultimately,
the success of any nuclear project in Ecuador will depend heavily on public
acceptance and political support, which can only be achieved through an
integrated strategy of transparent communication, public education,
institutional transparency, and clear demonstration of socioeconomic and
environmental benefits. If managed with technical rigor and responsibility,
nuclear energy can substantially contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more
resilient energy system for Ecuador.
“Today, I
can say with certainty that being brave is always worth it. That even the
hardest falls can turn into new opportunities. And that yes—I am in the right
place, at the right time.”
Updated history on June 21, 2025 with complementary information provided by her author, Lorena Santillán.
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