Melissa Hernández is a PhD candidate at eLaw - Center for Law and Digital Technologies. Her research focuses on Standards for Quantum Applications in Finance.

More information about Melissa Hernandez Vindas

Melissa Hernández is a PhD candidate at eLaw - Center for Law and Digital Technologies. Her research focuses on Standards for Quantum Applications in Finance.

Melissa obtained a JD at the Universidad de Costa Rica, a Postgraduate degree in Alternative Dispute Resolution at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, an Alumni degree in Economic Law with an Emphasis in International Trade at the Universidad Estatal a Distancia de Costa Rica (she currently does not hold a practising certificate), and an LL.M. in International Technology Law at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Before joining eLaw, Melissa worked in the private sector as legal counsel for financial and insurance companies and with the Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce, where she coordinated different departments and committees and participated in enacting and reforming several bills, such as the Law on the Protection of Individuals Concerning the Processing of their Personal Data, the Law on Arms, the Reform of the Law on Consumer Protection, and the Reform of the Labour Code.

Research

Melissa's research project investigates the potential of quantum technology in transforming the finance sector, focusing on quantum computing and quantum communication. It aims to explore the application of these technologies in financial operations, such as risk modelling, fraud detection, portfolio optimisation, and secure communication. Additionally, it will analyse regulatory frameworks and standardisation efforts by organisations like ISO, NIST, and IEEE to address governance challenges, security, data privacy, and compliance. It will also evaluate oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and confidence in adopting quantum applications, contributing to creating balanced, forward-looking regulatory models.