About me
Welcome to my world, where science and art converge. My name is Julia Bauzá-Martinez, I am a doctor in Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry by formation, and I have always been passionate about understanding the complexity of multicellular organisms from a molecular biology perspective. Moreover, as the daughter of an artist, I've nurtured a lifelong passion for drawing, from realistic portraits to invented characters. Alongside my artistic pursuits, I also find joy in playing music, crafting jewelry, and exploring various forms of artistic expression.
During my doctoral studies, I discovered and developed my talent for scientific illustration, transforming complex data into visually captivating graphs that not only aided my colleagues but also contributed to impactful publications. With this passion in mind, and knowing that I thrive on the opportunity to work on a variety of topics rather than focusing on a single one, I decided to pursue my dream career project — Skid Visual Science. Combining efficiency and dedication, I merge the precision of science with the allure of art. Let's collaborate to bring your ideas to life through eye-catching figures and illustrations that foster a deep understanding of your topic and engage your audience. Together, we can create something truly remarkable.
Education
2018 - 2022
PhD in Biomolecular mass spectrometry
Utrecht University
Promotor: Albert J.R. Heck
Co-promotor: Wei Wu
During my PhD, I became proficient in operating and troubleshooting various mass spectrometers (Orbitrap HF, Fusion, Lumos, etc.), HPLC systems (1290, Ultimate 3000), and I specialized in various mass-spectrometric techniques (proteomics, phosphoproteomics, peptidomics, etc.). I continued to develop my skills in data analysis softwares (MaxQuant, Proteome Discoverer, etc.), as well as in analytical techniques, powered by my passion in R programming. I also adquired advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator for scientific illustration.
2016 - 2017
MSc in Biomedical Research
Pompeu Fabra University
During my MSc in Biomedical Research internship, I gained valuable experience in human blood plasma sample preparation and MS data analysis, focusing on studying proteolysis dysregulation in shock and sepsis within the ShockOmics project. I worked with LC-MS instruments, performed proteomics sample preparation techniques, and developed skills in data analysis software, techniques and programming.
2012 - 2016
BSc in Biotechnology
Vic University
During my BSc in Biotechnology, I gained practical experience through various internships. At the Molecular Biology department of Vic University, I performed techniques such as PCR and DNA extraction. In the Microbiology Area of Ibiza’s hospital, I conducted bacterial culture and identification, along with serological analysis. At Bioingenium, I worked with bacterial and yeast cell culture, protein production, and purification. Lastly, at the Proteomics Platform, I optimized plasma sample preparation and applied mass spectrometry for peptidome analysis in septic shock patients.
Relevant publications
Awards and recognitions
Beumer J #, Bauzá-Martinez J #, et al. Mapping prohormone processing by proteases in human enteroendocrine cells using genetically engineered organoid models. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 119, e2212057119 (2022) — DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2212057119, PMID: 36343264
Bauzá-Martinez J, et al.. Characterization of protein complexes in extracellular vesicles by intact extracellular vesicle crosslinking mass spectrometry (iEVXL). J Extracell Vesicles 11, e12245 (2022) — DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12245, PMID: 35918900
Bauzá-Martinez J, Heck AJR & Wu W. HLA-B and cysteinylated ligands distinguish the antigen presentation landscape of extracellular vesicles. Commun Biol 4, (2021) — DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02364-y, PMID: 34211107
Beumer J #, Puschhof J #, Bauzá-Martinez J #, et al. High-Resolution mRNA and Secretome Atlas of Human Enteroendocrine Cells. Cell 181, 1291-1306.e19 (2020) — DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.04.036, PMID: 32407674
Bauzá-Martinez J & Oliveira E. Photodissociation Mass Spectrometry of Peptides and Proteins. Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry 1–22 (2018) — DOI: 10.1002/9780470027318.A9620
Bauzá-Martinez J, et al. Proteolysis in septic shock patients: plasma peptidomic patterns are associated with mortality. Br J Anaesth 121, 1065–1074 (2018) — DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2018.05.072, PMID: 30336851
Received the Bert Leufkens Best PhD Thesis Award for my thesis entitled "Understanding the nuances of intercellular communication with sensitive mass spectrometric approaches" – Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University (DOI: https://doi.org/10.33540/1527) (2023)
My artwork entitled "Bad trip to the electron microscope" (digital collage) was featured in the “I Art My Science” exhibition – Utrecht University (2023)
My work entitled “Mapping prohormone processing by proteases in human enteroendocrine cells using genetically engineered organoid models” was featured in Nature Reviews Endocrinology as a research highlight – Nature Reviews Endocrinology (DOI: 10.1038/s41574-022-00786-0) (2022)
Received the young investigator award and scholarship – International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) (2021)
Received the best publication award for my work entitled “High-Resolution mRNA and Secretome Atlas of Human Enteroendocrine Cells” – Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University (2020)