LORETTO CONTRERAS PORTIA
Degree in Biology and degree in Bioprocesses, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
PhD in Biological Sciences, Mention in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
My lines of research are focused on answering ecological questions related to marine algae by applying molecular tools, including biochemical, proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic methods. Many of my current projects aim to describe the tolerance mechanisms employed by various species of algae under varied environmental conditions when faced with natural or anthropogenic stressors. The ultimate goal of this research is to understand the distribution pattern of marine algae within an ecological-economic framework and at local-regional scales. Another ongoing line of research under my direction is the use of marine algae compounds and derivatives (eg biochar) with nutraceutical functions and environmental applications. Furthermore, in recent years I have dedicated time to working on the classical-molecular taxonomy of red and green algae, of ecological and economic importance.
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Contact:lorettocontreras@unab.cl
RESPONSIBLE
RESEARCHER
ANDRÉs p. MEYNARD
Degree in Biogical Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
Master 2 , Sciences de l’Univers, Ecologie, Environnement, spécialité Ecologie, Biodiversité et Evolution, Université Paris VI, Paris y Station Biologique de Roscoff, France
PhD in Biological Sciences, mention Ecology, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
​My main interest lies in understanding some ecological factors (for example, the ecophysiological differences, the distribution by genetic diversity, niche partitioning) that determine the distribution on a small scale of species of marine algae of the rocky coastline. In addition, I am interested in the study of the phylogeographic structure and the distribution of species of marine algae closely related, and in the inference of their possible mechanisms of speciation.
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Contact: meynardster@gmail.com
RESEARCHER
Researcher
JORGE RIVAS PÉREZ
Degree in Sciences, mention in Chemistry, University of Chile
PhD in Chemistry, University of Chile
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My line of research is centered in studying the behavior of organic substances in water and solid environments (PAHs, OCPs, OPPs, PBDEs, etc.), as well as on biological systems through the development and application of exact, representative, robust and precise analytical methods, using different extraction tools and systems of chromatographic determination (GC-ECD, GC-MS, LC-DAD, LC-MS, LC-FLU) as well as spectroscopic determination (FAAS, GF-AAS). The algae have become an important commodity, not only as a source of food but also because they present different industrial, environmental and medical applications. In this sense, learning about their metabolism and the associated compounds will allow us to understand the behavior they present in their habitats. Thus, my goal here in LEBMA is to work on algae to understand the metabolomic behavior and its relation to the rest of the omics. Finally, with the use of chemical tools, my goal is to obtain and identify compounds with novel pharmacological and/or industrial uses.
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Contact: jrivasperez@gmail.com
Researcher
secos
BENJAMIN
RED PINILLA
Bachelor of Marine Sciences
Biologist in Marine Biology, Andrés Bello University
I am interested in the area of ​​applied phycology, and looking for new ways to use algal biomass, in order to bioremediate fresh water or soils contaminated with metals, so that they can be reused. Merging Marine Biology with biotechnology, and thus developing compounds from biomass that is not normally used and could be used to advantage. On the other hand, I also find it interesting to carry out different molecular techniques to differentiate species that are present in the intertidal using methods that consider their phylogeny and that in this way can, in a certain way, discover the history and the way in which it varies. the diversity of species in a specific place.
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Contact: benjamin.pinilla.rojas11@gmail.com
FLORENTINE PINEAPPLE PRICKLY
Bachelor of Marine Sciences
Graduated in Marine Biology, Andres Bello University
PhD student in Biotechnology, Andrés Bello University
I am mainly interested in the line of applied research, focused on the production of bioactive molecules from cultivated algal biomass. This line of research enables the production of goods with commercial significance and for different applications (pharmacological, nutritional, cosmetic, etc.), which offer innovative solutions to current and future problems.
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Contact: florentinapina1996@gmail.com
BIOTECHNOLOGY UNAB Phd CANDIDATE
PhD Student in Biotechnology
Fernanda Toro Mellado
PhD Student in Biotechnology
Faculty of Life Sciences
Andres Bello University
I have a great interest in the search and application of biotechnological methodologies that help to solve the main needs that society faces in Chile and the world. I am currently developing my research in the area of ​​aquaculture biotechnology focused on macroalgae, where I seek to optimize and enhance the use of these resources through biorefinery processes in which added value is given to the biomass and thus contribute in a sustainable economy and development of the country.
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Contact: f.toromellado@uandresbello.edu
maría rosa flores
Degree in Biology and Academic Title in Bioprocess,
Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
Master student in Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Andres Bello University
My main research interest is focused on answering ecophysiological questions related to macroalgae through the application of biochemical and molecular tools, with focus on tolerance to oxidative stress given by environmental factors such as variations in temperature levels and UV radiation.
As an undergraduate I investigated macroalgae facing desiccation, later as a postgraduate I investigated Antarctic macroalgae and their response to different levels of temperature and UV radiation.
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Contact: m.floresmolina@uandresbello.edu
Master in biotechnology and life sciences student
geraldine veliz
Student in Biology Marine , Andres Bello University
My interest is focused on the services that can be obtained from algae, discovering through Applied Phycology new uses of these or enhancing those already described, thus increasing awareness of the contribution that algae make to marine ecosystems. For this, it is necessary to know its different characteristics and with this information to be able to generate restorations of damages caused by anthropogenic activities, optimizing, for example, the bioremediation capacity.
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Contact: g.vlizpino@uandresbello.edu