Amid the Amazonian environment, where nature coexists with oil industry operations, Mariuxi Fernanda Pinguil Guamán has found a learning space that goes beyond academics. An eighth-semester Chemical Engineering student at ESPOL’s Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, she is currently completing her pre-professional internship at the Environmental Technologies Research Center of the Amazonía Viva Project, operated by PETROECUADOR.
Her daily work takes place at Sacha Central Camp, located in Block 60 in Joya de los Sachas, Orellana Province. There, between laboratory work and field activities, Mariuxi has been building an experience that combines technical knowledge with a deeper understanding of the environment and its challenges.
Part of her work involves supporting accreditation processes under ISO 17025 standards, maintaining the quality management system, and participating in the sampling and analysis of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. She also contributes to the preparation of technical reports and various laboratory activities, always responding to operational needs.
However, beyond the day-to-day responsibilities, there is one aspect that has especially shaped her experience: witnessing the soil remediation process firsthand. Understanding how contaminated areas are restored has allowed her to connect the theories learned in the classroom with their real-world application. Added to this is the opportunity to travel through different areas of the Amazon region, including Auca, Cuyabeno, and Lago Agrio, where she has closely observed bioremediation processes, such as the production of organic biofertilizers.
“The most challenging part is adapting to fieldwork because of the demands and challenges that arise in the work environment. However, these challenges depend on each person’s ability to adapt and apply critical thinking,” Mariuxi shares, reflecting on an experience that has also contributed to her personal growth.
Throughout this process, she has applied knowledge acquired during her Chemical Engineering studies, particularly in areas such as analytical chemistry, statistics, physical chemistry, unit operations, and process control, while also strengthening essential skills including organization, technical judgment, and the ability to adapt to changing environments. This education is further enriched by field experiences, such as visits to the Kiwashu ethnobotanical nursery near the Auca field, where the relationship between science, community, and the natural environment becomes evident.
With future students in mind, Mariuxi leaves behind a simple yet meaningful message: take advantage of every experience as an opportunity to learn, observe, and grow.
Stories like hers reflect how students in FCNM-ESPOL’s Chemical Engineering program are trained with academic excellence, developing the ability to transform knowledge into real-world solutions, where theory and practice come together to create impact in society.
If you also want to experience an education that connects you with real-world challenges, we invite you to learn more about the Chemical Engineering program on our website: https://www.fcnm.espol.edu.ec/en/undergraduate-programs/chemical-engineering
