Catalina has an MFA in Design from The Ohio State University and a BA in Industrial Design from Universidad del Valle. As a Colombian designer focused on sustainability and materials, she integrates principles of circular design, systems thinking, and biomimicry into her work. Her passion for the ocean, renewable resources, and natural systems drives her commitment to environmentally responsible design.

She believes sustainability should be embedded at every stage of the design process—from material selection to production and end-of-life—and is particularly interested in the role of materials in achieving long-term environmental goals. Her research, Materia: A Material Selection Tool for Advancing Bio-based Materials Adoption, reflects this dedication by bridging technical and experiential perspectives, accessibility, and lifecycle thinking.

Sports like swimming, cycling, and triathlon have shaped her discipline, resilience, and goal-driven mindset. This foundation fuels her curiosity, creativity, and commitment to continuous growth as a designer and collaborator.