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 spent time working on the classical-molecular taxonomy of red algae, algae of particular economic importance for Chile.
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.
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
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
lab manager
Algae culture manager
SECOS RESEARCHER
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
Master's degree in biotechnology and life sciences
NICOLAS 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
Researcher CORFO & UNAB Nucleus
FONDEF 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
BIOTECHNOLOGY UNAB Phd student
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.
Contact: florentinapina1996@gmail.com
Marine biology student
Javiera mutizabal earrings
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
Constance Hernandez Gonzalez
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
BENJAMIN
RED PINILLA
Student in Marine Biology , Andres 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.
Contact: benjamin.pinilla.rojas11@gmail.com
Marine Biology student
PAULINA VARGAS GUTIERREZ
Student in Biology , Andres Bello University
Currently, my line of interest is Ecotoxicology, specifically, the study and analysis of the concentration of pollutants in the environment and marine organisms. Also, how at the molecular level they can impact antioxidant activity, mainly, oxidative damage due to environmental stress produced by these pollutants in marine organisms such as Lessonia spicata and Tetrapygus niger.
Contact: paulinasniffles@gmail.com
Biology 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.
Contact: g.vlizpino@uandresbello.edu