¡Hola! I’m Gabriela Paola Torres Frontánez (but my friends call me Gaba!), a chemist with a specialization in biochemistry and minors in biology & business from Ponce, Puerto Rico. I’m passionate about science, innovation, and building bridges between academia, industry, and community, with a focus on nature, sustainability, and ethical leadership.

During my undergraduate studies at Barry University, I conducted pioneering research on the extraction of cannabidiol (CBD) from three different strains of hemp flowers (two strains from Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico) analyzing results via LC-MS, and NMR, becoming the first student at Barry to conduct scientific research on Cannabis.

Currently, I work at Universal Arts Compounding Pharmacy, Florida’s first PCAB-accredited compounding pharmacy, supporting QA/QC processes to ensure safety, accuracy, and compliance in every formulation. I am also an active member of Barry University’s Academia-Industry-Government Chemistry Advisory Committee, helping shape curricula that prepare chemistry graduates for real-world professional opportunities.

Beyond my current roles, I’m slowly building a plant-based biotech venture in Puerto Rico, combining science, nature, sustainability, and Ponce’s unique cultural identity.