Born: 1947 (Bogotá, Colombia)
Biography:
Ángela Stella Camacho Beltrán, born on 5 February 1947, is a Colombian physicist and a prominent figure in the field of condensed matter physics. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to the study of solid state physics and low-dimensional physics. Camacho holds the distinction of being the first Colombian woman to obtain a PhD in physics, a remarkable achievement that has paved the way for future generations of women in the field.
Camacho’s journey in the world of physics began in her hometown of Bogotá. In 1966, she enrolled at the National University of Colombia and received her degree in physics in 1970. Determined to further her studies, Camacho embarked on a new adventure by traveling to Germany. In 1973, she obtained a Diplom-physikerin from the Technische Hochschule Darmstadt, and four years later, in 1977, she was awarded a Dr. rer. nat. by the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, becoming the first Colombian woman to earn a doctorate in physics.
After completing her studies, Camacho returned to Colombia in 1978 and joined the physics department of the Industrial University of Santander. She dedicated herself to both teaching and research, eventually assuming the role of research director of the physics department from 1980 to 1982. In 1982, she transferred to the physics department of the Andes University, where she held various positions including Department Director, Postgraduate and Research Coordinator, and Member of the Committee of Teacher Organization of the Faculty of Sciences.
Throughout her illustrious career, Camacho has actively participated in the formation of physicists, guiding numerous doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate theses. Her passion for fostering scientific development is evident in her involvement with various national and international scientific associations. Notably, she served as an associate member of the International Center for Theoretical Physics from 1984 to 1990. Additionally, Camacho has been an influential figure in the Colombian Physics Society since 1980, assuming roles such as Coordinator of the Northeast Chapter, Secretary of the Central Chapter, Principal Member of the Board of Directors, and Vice President.
Camacho’s dedication to advancing the field of physics extends beyond her home country. She has been a guest and visiting professor in research centers across Europe, the United States, and Mexico, sharing her expertise and collaborating with scientists from around the world. Her research interests have focused on condensed matter physics, solid state physics, and low-dimensional physics, particularly in the areas of semiconductor nanostructures, optical and electronic properties, and the dynamics of nanostructures. Currently, she is exploring the interaction of light with zero-dimensional and one-dimensional nano-systems.
Ángela Stella Camacho Beltrán’s contributions to the field of physics have not gone unnoticed. In 2003, she was honored with the National Award for Excellence in Research by the Colombian Association for the Advancement of Science. Moreover, in recognition of her achievements, the Colombian Academy of Exact, Physical, and Natural Sciences elected her as a Corresponding Member in 2002, and later as a Full Member in 2011.
Camacho’s pioneering spirit and remarkable accomplishments make her an inspiration to aspiring scientists, particularly women, in Colombia and beyond. Her dedication to her work and commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge have left an indelible impact on the field of physics and women’s history.
Awards:
– National Award for Excellence in Research (2003)
– Corresponding Member of the Colombian Academy of Exact, Physical, and Natural Sciences (2002)
– Full Member of the Colombian Academy of Exact, Physical, and Natural Sciences (2011)