Personal Background & Leadership

Beyond Data & Physics

Combining scientific rigor with creative leadership, literature, multidisciplinary team management, and athletic discipline.

Rafael Carmona Vendoiro (Rafa)

Academic Journey

I hold a BSc in Physics from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), where I followed the Fundamental Physics track and took all elective courses in Astrophysics. I achieved Highest Honors (Matrícula de Honor) in Statistics and Data Analysis, and earned a 9.6/10 Outstanding grade on my Bachelor's Thesis on exoplanetary system characterization.

In 2026, I am embarking on my MSc in Astrophysics at the prestigious Niels Bohr Institute (University of Copenhagen - UCPH) in Denmark.


Leadership & Cultural Association

🏛️ Co-founder & Vice-President — Asociación La Sección Prohibida

Timeline: Sept 2025 – Present • Location: UCM (Faculty of Psychology)

Beyond academic research, I value community leadership and organizational management. I co-founded and served as Vice-President of La Sección Prohibida, an officially recognized student association dedicated to promoting literary and cultural engagement on campus.

Asociación La Sección Prohibida & Book Club
  • Drafted the association's founding statutes and coordinated structural setup with the faculty dean's office.
  • Led the planning and execution of literary and cultural activities, directing multidisciplinary student teams.
  • Developed project management, public speaking, and community organization skills outside the lab.

Languages & Certifications

  • English: Full Professional Proficiency • IELTS Academic Band 8 (C1) (Dec 2025).
  • Spanish: Native speaker.
  • French: Basic proficiency.

Sports & Outreach

I have a background in competitive swimming and continuous athletic discipline, which reinforces resilience and focus in complex research environments. I am always open to connect with researchers, students, and professionals across astronomy and space exploration!