Could you provide some information about yourself and your scientific background, including previous studies and degrees you have obtained?

I studied Biotechnology at the University of Extremadura. After completing my BSc, I pursued an MSc in Microbiology and Health at the University of the Basque Country. While finishing my MSc, I started working as a Molecular Biology Scientist in the Quality Control department of a gene therapy company.

Could you describe your scientific research and previous projects, listing your key expertise and skills?

During my degree, I worked on constructing S. cerevisiae mutants that produce mannoproteins with altered structures. The results from this research contributed to my first scientific publication. For my master’s thesis, titled “Retrospective study and molecular re-identification of clinical isolates of Candida species with reduced sensitivity to antifungal drugs”, I strengthened my knowledge of microbiology and learned new techniques such as sequencing. While working at a gene therapy company, I gained valuable experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, ddPCR), joint project development, validation of analytical methods and technical report writing.

What was the motivation for joining the Eco2Wine project?

The motivation for joining the Eco2Wine project was the idea of actively participating in a project to promote more sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. Additionally, the opportunity to pursue a PhD within an international network was highly motivating. Collaborating with other laboratories, meeting new people, and sharing knowledge were also appealing aspects.

What is the motivation and aim of your PhD project?

Addressing one of viticulture’s most significant challenges—managing fungal diseases like bunch rot caused by Botrytis cinerea—requires an alternative approach. My project aims to identify and characterise new grapevine-associated microorganisms as biocontrol agents (BCAs).

Could you write a few sentences about yourself, your hobbies, and your interests? 

I love discovering new cultures, especially their gastronomy, so I travel whenever possible. Music and friends fill me with energy, and I also enjoy disconnecting from the world for a few days in my hometown with my family. After a day in the lab, I enjoy cooking, reading a book or meeting with friends.