Sofia Mantilla Salas

PhD candidate Stanford University

Sofia Mantilla Salas is a PhD candidate in Earth and Planetary Sciences at Stanford University, where she develops data-driven geospatial methods to advance sustainable mineral exploration and energy transition solutions. Her research integrates geoscience, data science, and risk analysis to accelerate responsible decision-making for critical resources. She has led projects on carbon capture and storage, geothermal energy assessment, and community-engaged approaches to resource development, combining quantitative modeling with participatory methods. Beyond her academic work, Sofia is active in Stanford’s entrepreneurial ecosystem as a Fellow with programs such as RAISE, OpenMinds NextGen, and LeadX. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Sofia is committed to leveraging science, innovation, and inclusive engagement to support equitable and climate-aligned pathways for the global energy transition.