I am an environmental microbiologist interested in how endophytes - both Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes - interact with their plant hosts and the surrounding environment and how these interactions can contribute to the development of nature-based solutions for sustainable agricultural production. I am based in Colombia, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. I am the co-founder and research director of Endófita Biotechnology a start-up company also based in Colombia, and I am also working in close collaboration with the Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá D.C, the top-ranked university in Colombia. My expertise extends to the fields of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Engineering with a strong focus on plant-microbe interactions.
Agriculture
Bioprocesses and Applied Microbiology
Biotechnology
Crop Production
Ecology
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Plant Biotechnology
Plant Protection
Together with the University of Los Andes, we are looking to integrate a consortium to apply for the Biodiversa+ BiodivNBS Call - #BiodivNBS - and join the effort in developing a research proposal related to sustainable agricultural production through the exploration of the taxonomic and metabolic interactions between plants and their associated microbial communities. More specifically, our research interests are directed towards 1) unraveling the taxonomic and metabolic diversity of plant beneficial microbes - particularly endophytic, but also rhizospheric microbial communities, 2) providing a mechanistic understanding of the beneficial interactions microbes establish with their plant host, and 3) take advantage of this natural and beneficial interactions to develop nature-based solutions for promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing the need for harmful fertilizers and pesticides. Beyond our expertise in the areas mentioned above, we are based in the Colombian Andes and have access to incredible biodiversity, extended and diverse agricultural landscapes, and unique ecosystems (e.g. pre-paramos, paramos). Please do not hesitate to contact me by email to discuss potential collaborations.