RESPONSIBLE
RESEARCHER
LORETTO CONTRERAS PORCIA
Degree in biology and academic title in Bioprocess, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
PhD in Biological Sciences, mention Molecular Genetic and Microbiology, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
My lines of research focus on answering ecological questions related to marine algae through the use of molecular tools, including biochemical, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolic methods. Many of my current projects aim to describe the mechanisms of tolerance used by various algae species in different environmental conditions when facing natural and anthropogenic stressors. The ultimate objective of this research is to understand the pattern of distribution of marine algae in an ecological-economic frame and on local-regional scales. Another ongoing line of research under my supervision is the use of compounds and derivatives of marine algae with nutraceutical functions and with environmental applications (e.g., biochar). Besides, over the last few years I have devoted time to work on the classic-molecular taxonomy of red algae, which have a particular economic significance in Chile.
Contact: lorettocontreras@unab.cl
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.
Contact: meynardster@gmail.com
Post Doctoral RESEARCHER FONDECYT
Post DoctoraL researcher CORFO
JORGE RIVAS PÉREZ
Degree in Sciences, mention in Chemistry, University of Chile
PhD in Chemistry, University of Chile
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.
Contact: jrivasperez@gmail.com
lab manager
Algae culture manager
ALEJANDRA NúÑEZ GALLEGO
Degree in Marine Sciences
Marine Biologist and Pedagogy in Biology
Master in Marine Biology, Andres Bello University
My interest in phycology has centered on classic taxonomy, on the cultivation of red macroalgae for the improvement of spore extraction, and on repopulation of species with a commercial interest. Lately I have focused on the cultivation of brown algae to determine the effects that heavy metals and hydrocarbons generate in their early stages, and on the development of sporophytes in vitro to cultivate them on the open sea in long-line type systems.
Contact: gnunez.alejandra@gmail.com
MATíAS ARAYA YáÑEZ
Degree in Biotechnology
Biotechnology Engineer Andres Bello University
Master in Biotechnology, Andres Bello University
Master’s in biotechnology introduced to the academic field in the lab, as an assistant in the FIC-Algas project, related to the use of algae for bioremediation of impacted coastal zones. Afterwards, doors opened to research about the use of macroalgal biomass for biochar production, and its possible applications in heavy metals pollution in soil and water. That research has allowed us to discover the myriad of opportunities for bioproducts on an algal base with environmental purposes, and with the aim of introducing them to supply different needs of the industry in the national market.
Contact: m.arayayez@gmail.com
RESEARCHER
CORFO
Master's degree in biotechnology and life sciences
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.
Contact: m.floresmolina@uandresbello.edu
NICOLáS LATORRE PADILLA
Degree in Marine Science
Marine Biologist
Master in Marine Biology
PhD in Conservation Medicine,
Andres Bello University
I have been interested in phycology since the development of my master’s thesis, which was focused on the tolerance to oxidative stress triggered by abiotic environmental factors. Even though I am still developing this topic, my interests have bent towards ecotoxicology, addressing topics such as bioremediation with photosynthetic organisms, transference of pollutants in the trophic network and its effects on the involved organisms.
Contact: nlatorrepadilla@gmail.com
Post doc secos researcher
CAROLINA OYARZO MIRANDA
Degree in Marine Sciences
Marine Biologist, Andres Bello University
Master in Biotechnology, Andres Bello University
My main interest is in the development of applied research that contributes to optimizing the cultivation of macroalgae on the productive sector and its potential innovative uses focused on reducing the environmental impact caused by anthropogenic activity.
Contact: karo.oyarzo@gmail.com
SECOS RESEARCHER
Researcher CORFO & UNAB Nucleus
FLORENTINA PIÑA ESPINOsA
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.
Contact: florentinapina1996@gmail.com
Marine biology student
Javiera mutizabal aros
Student in Marine Sciences, Andres Bello University
I am interested in the taxonomy of the genus Ulva, which in some cases can generate green tides and affect coastal areas from an environmental and social point of view. The taxonomy of algae is one of my main interests since I consider it important to disseminate and know the different marine species present on our coasts, therefore their correct identification is essential.
Contact: j.mutizabalaros@uandresbello.edu
Constanza Hernández González
Student in Biochemistry , Andres Bello University
I am interested in the chemical and biological area of algae, where it is possible to innovate in solutions for both marine and terrestrial decontamination through research in green algae due to their characterization of being bioindicator organisms, in addition to understanding their behavior in the ecosystem and learning from different areas.
Contact: c.hernndezgonzlez@uandresbello.edu
Biochemical student
sofía caroca
valencia
Student in Marine Biology , Andres Bello University
Me interesa el área de la investigación aplicada y junto con ello el desarrollo de las metodologías de cultivo para producir biomasa de especies algales de importancia comercial y también biológica. Por otro lado, me interesa conocer los parámetros que puedan tener efectos sobre los cultivos y lograr confeccionar protocolos estandarizados para llevarlos a cabo exitosamente.
Contact: sofiandreacv@gmail.com
