Bioeconomy Youth Ambassadors

Thomas James Alexander is an Austrian American Biotech Engineering master's student at the University of Natural Resources and Life Science in Vienna (BOKU). As a specialised generalist in biotechnology engineering and policy, he has worked on innovative projects spanning all areas of biomanufacturing and process design. Growing up between the US and Austria he brings a transatlantic perspective to bioeconomy challenges. As Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador he will empower Europe to continue to lead in sustainability, through youth voices in democracy and the workplace. When not networking, Thomas likes to stay active by swimming, dancing, and running, and feeding the creative fire with art, music and theatre.  

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João Cambotas de Medeiros is a master’s student at NOVA University of Lisbon, based in Lisbon, Portugal. With a background in biology and pursuing a Master’s in Law and Economics of the Sea - Ocean Governance, João is focused on combining science, policy and economics tools to develop the blue bioeconomy. As an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, João aims to apply his expertise to the development of bioeconomy policies and demonstrate how bioeconomy can be one of the solutions for the world's challenges. João also enjoys gardening, reading, music, travelling, and playing sports. 

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James De Backer is a master's student in Bioscience Engineering (majoring in Environmental Technology) at Ghent University, in Belgium. With a background in environmental engineering, he focuses on marine science, biodiversity and sustainable material use. As an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, James aims to empower people through education on bioeconomy and sustainability, fostering collaborative solutions to environmental challenges. Outside his studies, James has worked at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), volunteers at Green Office, is a student representative, and enjoys reading, travelling and scuba diving. 

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Elena Del Pup is a PhD Candidate in Bioinformatics at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. With a background in agriculture, plant sciences and plant breeding, she is committed to the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems. Drawing on her experience in volunteering for science communication and entrepreneurship initiatives, as an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, Elena is looking forward to raising awareness around technology and innovation for the bioeconomy. Outside her work, she enjoys dancing, running and drawing.  

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Lucie de Seguins Pazzis is a postgraduate student in Environmental Economics at AgroParisTech, based in Paris, France. Having completed an undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences, she aims to contribute to the transition towards more resilient food systems by focusing on their economic and policy dimensions. As an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, she seeks to amplify youth voices at both national and European levels, while raising awareness on bioeconomy challenges through a scientific and policy-oriented lens. In her spare time, Lucie enjoys outdoor sports, playing the accordion and painting. 

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Andreea Gavril is a bachelor's student in European Studies and International Relations at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. She has experience with embassies and government institutions, exploring the link between diplomacy and sustainability, co-authored a youth position paper on sustainable development and represented Romanian young voices at the Young Ambassadors Forum. These experiences strengthened her belief that collaboration can make the bioeconomy a cornerstone of a resilient economic system. She aims to bring the EU Bioeconomy Strategy closer to young people and ensure that youth perspectives are heard by decision-makers. Outside work and studies, her personality shines brightest when she is surrounded by good music and people who can enjoy deep and meaningful conversations. 

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Nanna Koefoed is a research scientist at Novonesis, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. With a background in biotechnology engineering from the Technical University of Denmark and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she focuses on sustainable resource consumption through the development of biosolutions, as well as cross-discipline science communication. As an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, she aims to encourage scientists, politicians and citizens to collaborate in advancing the bioeconomy by focusing on systemic change. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and exploring the food/cultures/communities in the world around her.  

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Panagiotis Koronaios is a PhD candidate in Bioeconomy at Panteion University of Athens, Department of Economic and Regional Development. His research interests include bioeconomy, sustainability, circular economy and regional development. He has a BSc in Economic Science and an MSc in Management Science and Technology from Athens University of Economics and Business. As an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, Panagiotis aims to support the transformation of linear economies into bioeconomies by raising public awareness, promoting stakeholder engagement, enhancing science communication and informing policy decisions. 

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Elvira Mateos García is a Spanish master’s student in Global Challenges for Sustainability, enrolled in an itinerant European programme, currently studying in Utrecht, Netherlands. With a background in biology, she specialises in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and innovative approaches to biotechnological plastic revalorisation. As an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, Elvira works to empower young people, ensure their voices influence bioeconomy decisions and promote accessible solutions. Outside her studies, she enjoys discovering new places and contributing to community-driven initiatives for a sustainable future. 

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Kati Merruntaus is a Finnish Forest Sciences master’s student at the University of Eastern Finland, with a background in agriculture. Her main areas of interests are peatland ecology, carbon cycle and sustainable ways of managing agricultural land and forests. As an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, Kati aims to raise awareness of the bioeconomy’s importance and potential among young people, promoting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. When not in the forest or studying, she enjoys painting, reading, gardening, and spending time outdoors, embracing a cozy, nature-connected life. 

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Henrique Rasera Raniro is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Trained as an agronomy engineer, he focuses on sustainable resource use in agriculture, integrating soil chemistry, biology and fertility with plant physiology to develop strategies that enhance nutrient cycling and recycling in agroecosystems. As an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, Henrique aims to contribute his expertise in nutrient stewardship and agriculture, fostering transdisciplinary solutions to global bioeconomy challenges. Outside of work, he enjoys music, travelling and birdwatching. 

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Katina Staleva is a Bachelor student at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), based in Straubing, Germany. She has a background in environmental social engagement and NGO volunteering in Bulgaria, with a current focus on bioeconomy and sea-water desalination. As part of the EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassadors programme, Katina seeks to contribute to the development of bioeconomy policies by elevating youth voices and supporting educational initiatives. Outside of her studies, she enjoys travelling, photography and playing the guitar. 

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Ivana Suver is a master's student in Bioeconomy at the Technical University of Munich, based in Germany. With a background in International Management and minors in Sustainable Business and European Business Studies, she brings an international, economic, and business-oriented perspective to the bioeconomy. Over the years, Suver has gained experience in communication and strategy, including work with an international NGO. As an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, she aims to raise awareness, strengthen underrepresented voices and make the bioeconomy more visible. Outside of her studies, she enjoys travelling, learning languages and sewing. 

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Vlad Andrei Ungureanu is a master's student in Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences at Utrecht University, in the Netherlands. With a background in molecular microbiology and synthetic biology, he focuses on the translation of life science-based solutions to environmental and societal contexts. He has also gained outreach and project management experience through various NGOs and associations. As an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, Vlad aims to bridge the communication between policy makers, researchers and society to support a healthy transition to the bioeconomy. Outside of his studies, he enjoys travelling, collecting vinyl records and playing the guitar. 

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Katharina Wunder is a double degree Master’s graduate from Luiss University in Rome and the University of Salzburg, currently based in Brussels, Belgium. With a background in European Union studies and international relations, she focuses on sustainable development and its implementation, particularly through climate and bioeconomy policies and food system transformation, using approaches such as true cost accounting. As an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, Wunder aims to translate research into action by promoting policies that protect the environment and future generations, while fostering responsibility and encouraging youth engagement. Outside of her studies and work, she enjoys handball, hiking in the mountains, and photography and art.   

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