Edna Matta-Camacho
Ottawa, Ontario
Position: Clinical Assessment Officer
Organization: Health Canada
Regulatory scientist with over 20 years of research experience from academia, industry, and the public sector. In her current role, Edna specializes in the biopharmaceutical evaluation of generic drugs, ensuring they meet rigorous clinical standards for safety and efficacy. Her work protects public health and ensures Canadians access to affordable and effective therapeutic options. Edna’s academic journey began in Ibagué, Colombia. It led her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the National University of Colombia, a Master’s in Biochemistry from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry–Chemical Biology from McGill University in Canada. Her doctoral research focused on the “structural studies of ubiquitin-related proteins,” where she explored the atomic-level details of ubiquitin-related pathways, which are critical in regulating protein degradation and signalling pathways in cells. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Edna is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Fundación STEM sin Fronteras, a nonprofit organization founded in 2018 to address educational inequities in Colombia’s rural regions. The foundation empowers educators and inspires young minds—particularly girls and young women—by providing students and teachers in underserved areas with access to STEM-focused resources and activities. These initiatives foster curiosity and have the potential to open doors to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics opportunities. As a Latina scientist and leader, Edna is deeply committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future through science and education. Her life motto is “There is no straight or perfect path to achieving your goals. Believe in yourself, overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and help others whenever possible.” This embodies her dedication to inspiring and empowering future generations to realize their full potential.
Areas of Expertise:
Language(s):
My Work
What I do:
I specialize in the biopharmaceutical evaluation of generic drugs, focusing on analyzing clinical data to ensure they meet stringent safety and efficacy standards. While I no longer conduct traditional research, my academic background includes extensive studies in biochemistry, particularly protein regulation mechanisms and their role in therapeutic innovation. This foundation allows me to critically assess clinical evidence and contribute to public health through regulatory science. I am deeply passionate about equity in education and making STEM opportunities accessible to underserved communities, especially in rural Colombia and Latin America. I believe fostering curiosity and critical thinking in children and young adults, particularly girls and young women, is key to breaking systemic barriers and driving societal progress. I am also passionate about empowering educators, professionals, and students to overcome challenges and achieve their potential. My mission is to bridge science and society by ensuring access to affordable, effective medicines through my regulatory work and creating opportunities for underserved communities through education. I aim to inspire future generations to embrace STEM, reduce inequities, and build a more inclusive world. By leveraging my expertise and experiences, I hope to create a lasting social impact that empowers individuals and transforms communities.
Ask me about:
I specialize in evaluating the clinical and non-clinical requirements for pharmaceutical drugs for human use and conducting biopharmaceutical evaluations for generics. With a strong foundation in chemistry and biochemistry, I’ve dedicated my career to understanding complex biological systems and applying that knowledge to regulatory science. What drives me is the opportunity to bridge science with real-world impact. I’m passionate about ensuring that regulatory decisions are rooted in evidence while contributing to a healthier and more equitable world. Beyond my work, I’m passionate about creating opportunities for underserved communities through STEM education. I believe in fostering curiosity and breaking down barriers, particularly for children and young people in rural areas, so that they can envision a future in science and innovation. For me, it’s more than analyzing data—it’s about making a tangible difference in people’s lives by connecting knowledge, equity, and action to create a lasting impact.
Why me:
What makes me stand out in my field is the combination of deep technical expertise, diverse experience, and a strong commitment to using science for real-world impact. With over 20 years of experience spanning academia, industry, and the public sector, I’ve developed a unique skill set that allows me to evaluate the clinical and non-clinical requirements of pharmaceutical drugs and conduct biopharmaceutical evaluations of generics with precision and insight. My background in chemistry and biochemistry and regulatory expertise give me the tools to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and public health outcomes. Having studied and worked in Colombia, Mexico, the USA and Canada, I bring a global perspective to my work, which helps me adapt to complex challenges in a rapidly changing field. Beyond my technical expertise, I’m deeply committed to advancing STEM education and equity. As the co-founder of Fundación STEM sin Fronteras, I strive to empower underserved communities, particularly in rural Colombia, by inspiring young minds and fostering opportunities in science. My ability to combine technical rigour with a passion for social impact drives everything I do. I aim to make a meaningful difference—both in regulatory science and in creating opportunities for the next generation
Fun facts:
I’m always curious and love exploring how things work—something that started as a child when I’d take apart radios and hair dryers (often to my mom’s frustration). That curiosity has stayed with me, driving my career in science and my passion for lifelong learning. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. I love hiking and finding quiet moments in nature, especially when I visit Colombia’s beautiful landscapes, which remind me of my roots. I enjoy doing simple science experiments with my kids at home, like baking soda volcanoes or exploring how plants grow, to inspire their curiosity and creativity. As a proud Colombian, coffee is more than a drink—it’s part of who I am. I can’t start my day without a good cup, and I enjoy sharing the stories behind Colombian coffee culture with friends and colleagues. For me, balance comes from connecting with people, sharing stories, and finding joy in the little things and the big-picture work of making a difference.
About Me
Sector: Government
English proficiency: Read, Write, Speak
French proficiency: Read, Write, Speak
Other Language(s): Spanish
Title: Dr.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Gender: Female