Dr. Társilo Girona is the Principal Investigator (PI) of the SISMOVEGA project. He is a Ramón y Cajal Research Fellow at Geosciences Barcelona (GEO3BCN–CSIC), where he leads research dedicated to developing advanced physics- and data-driven frameworks for detecting geophysical unrest and forecasting geological hazards. His work bridges disciplines by combining seismic and gas observations, satellite thermal infrared data, numerical models, field and lab experiments, and AI approaches to improve our understanding and anticipation of extreme geological events. As PI of SISMOVEGA, Dr. Girona leads a multidisciplinary initiative to deploy advanced seismic monitoring technologies in the Vega Baja del Segura (southeastern Spain), integrating Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), fiber-optic networks, and modeling to transform the region into a pioneering testbed for next-generation seismic monitoring and natural hazard mitigation.
Soraya Manzanera Quiles is an educator with expertise in educational innovation, developing active methodologies that foster meaningful learning and stimulate students’ curiosity. She develops approaches that strengthen autonomy and critical thinking, and as a teacher instructor she promotes pedagogical transformation through practical strategies that enrich learning. In SISMOVEGA, she co-leads the design of Escape the Quake!, creating engaging and surprising activities that bring geosciences closer to children. Her work focuses on developing puzzle- and challenge-based experiences that facilitate understanding of seismic processes, promotes participatory learning grounded in real scientific practice, and fosters sustained interest in natural phenomena.
Noelia Sánchez Pardo is an educator with extensive experience in the school system and a teacher trainer specializing in innovative methodologies. Her work combines direct classroom practice with the professional development of teachers seeking to transform their teaching toward more inclusive, creative, and student-centered models. Within the project, she co-leads the design of Escape the Quake!, aimed at bringing science closer to children through participatory educational experiences. Her goal is to design and coordinate activities that allow boys and girls to become “scientists for a day,” fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and active learning. Her work ensures that every visit becomes a meaningful and enriching educational experience, strengthening the participants’ connection with the scientific world.
José Ángel Pic Cuartero is currently the Managing Director of VegaFibra in the southern Levante region of Spain, with extensive experience in the telecommunications sector. A co-founder of the TVHoradada Group, established in 1988, he led its expansion and consolidation until 2018, when Avatel acquired 100% of the company. Following this period, he became involved in projects such as VegaFibra, Flexa Networks, and Sat TV Plus, driving their growth and contributing to the creation of a leading telecommunications group in the provinces of Alicante and Murcia, which was later reintegrated into Avatel. He is particularly recognized for his expertise in the deployment of fiber-optic networks and for his strategic vision focused on advancing connectivity and digital services across the region.
Andrea Liboreiro is the CEO of elanta (one of the main neutral wholesale FTTH operators in Spain). She is a seasoned telecommunications lawyer with over 20 years of experience, specializing in mergers and acquisitions. She began her career as Senior M&A Counsel at Telefónica, and later served as General Counsel and Head of M&A at lyntia networks, a company owned by Antin Infrastructure Partners. Andrea played a pivotal role in the creation and growth of lyntia’s FTTH access division, now known as Elanta, leading over 130 M&A transactions and driving substantial increases in customer base, fiber coverage, and turnover. Following the sale of Lyntia Networks in January 2023, she was appointed CEO of Elanta, overseeing its continued strategic expansion. Andrea holds First Class Honors degrees in English Law and Spanish Law from University College London (UCL) and is a qualified Spanish lawyer and English solicitor. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, she combines a robust legal education with extensive industry expertise as a director.
Miguel Ángel González is an FTTH Operations professional at Elanta, with training from the Spanish Navy School of Transmissions and Electricity (ETEA) and in Industrial Design. He has a solid and proven track record in the telecommunications sector, with extensive experience in the installation, commissioning, and deployment of communications networks, working with technologies such as Radio, MPLS, DWDM, FTTH, GSM, LTE, and TETRA, among others. He has held both technical and operational leadership roles, managing complex projects and coordinating multidisciplinary teams in demanding environments. Miguel Ángel has been responsible for after-sales service, operations and maintenance (O&M), and project management, always maintaining a strong customer-focused approach and ensuring service quality, network reliability, and operational continuity.
Lara Expósito holds a degree in Journalism and has experience in institutional communication, content creation, and supporting scientific outreach projects. She has worked on the design and implementation of communication strategies that combine science communication storytelling, digital communication, and project management. She currently coordinates the Communication & outreach Unit of GEO3BCN CSIC, focusing on adapting academic knowledge into accessible formats for diverse audiences. Her contribution to SISMOVEGA consists of supporting the project’s communication and outreach efforts, including content planning and production, audience specific adaptation, and the development of actions to increase the project’s visibility.
Dr. David Benavente is Full Professor of Petrology and Geochemistry at the University of Alicante. He is an expert in petrophysics and low-temperature geochemistry, with extensive experience studying processes occurring in the critical zone. His research focuses on gas exchange between soil and the atmosphere, combining laboratory and field experiments with numerical modeling. Currently, his research is evolving toward geochemical modeling for CO₂ and metal removal, as well as the transport of gases in volcanic environments. Within the SISMOVEGA project, his contribution will focus on analyzing geochemical anomalies in the emissions of gases such as CO₂ and ²²²Rn as potential indicators of seismic activity, taking into account the geological characteristics of the region.