Discovery and screening for promiscuous activities in non-heme iron dependent halogenase libraries
University of Groningen
Main Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Sandy Schmidt
Double degree with the University of Crete (Prof. Dr. Ioannis Pavlidis)
Short Bio
I have always had a fascination with the natural world; I wanted to understand it and figure out how things work. This is why I pursued my bachelor’s degree in Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry in Mexico City. Through my university studies and industry experience, I’ve developed an interest in microbiology and natural products.
While working on a short summer research project focused on the synthesis of bioactive cholesterol derivatives, I learned about biocatalysis. I was particularly captivated by its sustainability aspect and its potential as a chemical tool, which led me to pursue an Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Sustainable Drug Discovery.
During my Master’s, I worked with Prof. Sandy Schmidt for my Thesis project on the engineering of Piperazate Synthases. I really enjoyed the project and realized I want to continue exploring the world of biocatalysis, which is why I’m excited to join this doctoral network.
Outside the lab, I enjoy going out with friends, going to the movies, visiting art museums, reading magical-realism novels, and learning new crafts like embroidery, jewelry-making, or candle-making. I can get really enthusiastic about discussing movies and art; if I had not become a scientist, I might have ended up in an art-related field.
Although the PhD journey is filled with uncertainties, I’m learning to manage those challenges and see them as a natural (and oftentimes exciting) part of scientific exploration. My goal after the DN is to continue conducting research, either in academia or industry, in drug discovery and biocatalysis, maintaining an environmentally conscious approach and working towards a more sustainable world.