Maria del Carmen Samayoa graduated in Biological Chemistry with a Masters in Toxicology. In light of her institutional work experience, she has received numerous specializations and updated courses in different countries.
She was in charge of evaluating research projects of the General Directory of Investigation of the San Carlos University (DIGI) and the National Council of Science and Technology (CONCYT). As a researcher at the Central American Institute for Research and Industrial Technology, she has written 85 publications, as author and as co-author in international scientific publications. She has been invited to be the speaker in national and international events. She has occupied positions as President of the Academy of Medical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Guatemala and President of the Quality Commission of CONCYT. She has also held the following membership and titles: Board of Directors of the College of Pharmacists and Chemists of Guatemala, founding member of the Association of Women in Science, Board of Directors of the Caribbean Scientific Community, Executive Committee and Focal Point of the Women for Science Program of the Network of Academies of America and the Regional Committee of the International Commission for Science.