Vanessa Castro holds a BSc in Chemistry from Pennsylvania State University, where she specialized in organic chemistry. Her undergraduate research focused on the formulation and product development of hair and skin products. Her interest in cosmetic science is what brought her to TRI as an intern during summer 2020. Currently, she contributes to the advancement of our skin &  bio-substrates group as a senior research associate.

Vanessa plans to continue her education and pursue advanced degrees in chemistry and chemical biology.  In addition to her scientific interest in cosmetics, Vanessa also practises as a licensed esthetician (skin beauty therapist).