Researchers
Dr. Edgardo Sepúlveda (Group Leader)
I am a Biologist by the Faculty of Sciences and a Doctor in Biomedical Sciences by the Center for Genomic Sciences, both at the National Autonomous University of México. I held postdoctoral positions at the University of Tübingen, the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, and the Program of Protein Evolution of the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Tübingen. My research interests include the discovery and characterization of transcriptional regulators and their associated signal transduction pathways in bacteria, the isolation, and characterization of plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria, and the structure of the microbial communities associated to agricultural soils in Baja California.
Dr. Ana Laura Ramos (Guest Scientist)
I am a Doctor in Biomedical Sciences by the Center for Genomic Sciences at the National Autonomous University of México. I held research positions at the University of Marburg and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. I have worked with ACPs in Sinorhizobium meliloti and peroxisomes in gammaproteobacteria. Currently, I work on the characterization of two-component systems and their regulatory networks in alphaprotebacteria.
Dr. Carmen Delgado (Collaborator, Ph.D. Student 2024/Master Student 2020)
I work isolating and characterizing Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). Particularly, we seek to identify PGPR adapted to the climatic conditions of Baja California, which has the potential to be used in agriculture and help reduce the use of agrochemicals as fertilizers and fungicides.
Master Thesis successfully defended, August 2020
Paper on Biological Control of Fusarium in Tomato published, January 2021
Paper on Biological Control of Macrophomina published, March 2022
Paper on Biological Control of Botryosphaeria dieback pathogens published, March 2023
Paper on the colonization of Solanaceous crops by bacteria from a native Solanaceae, May 2024
Master Students
Ing. Samantha Cisneros Hernandez (Master Student)
I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in the Department of Microbiology at CICESE. I have prior experience working with pathogens and microbial characterization techniques in microbiology and chemistry laboratories, including Laboratorios Medel, as well as during my academic training. My professional interests focus on biochemical assays and molecular technologies, specifically applying these mechanisms to improve existing methods or develop new processes. I am particularly interested in fields such as enzymology, microbiology, biochemistry, disease control, pandemic prevention, and clinical research.
Biomed. Gema García (Master Student/Undergrad Thesis 2022/Research Internship 2019)
My name is Gema Beatriz García González, I am 19 years old and I am from Culiacán, Sinaloa. I am currently studying biomedicine at the Faculty of Biology at the Autonomous University of Sinaloa. I consider myself a proactive person who likes to socialize and work as a team. My scientific interest is to continue participating in projects related to biological sciences to discover and solve current problems.
Paper on a Novel Two-Component Signal Transduction in Sinorhizobium fredii NGR234, April 2022
Undergrad thesis successfully defended, October 2022
Biomed. Adalberto Eros Félix Leyva (Master Student 2024)
I am a master's student in the Life Sciences program. My research specializes in the generation and validation of single-stranded DNA aptamers using advanced Cell-SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) methodologies. The core of my current project focuses on the development of highly specific recognition tools targeting whole cells of Xanthomonas fragariae, the causal agent of angular leaf spot in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) crops, a quarantine pathogen that compromises national agricultural competitiveness. My work integrates bioinformatic analyses, phylogenetic studies, and counter-selection techniques to ensure molecular specificity. In the long term, my objective is to utilize these aptamers as the technological foundation for designing portable, rapid, and cost-effective aptasensors.
Biol. Yessica Osorio (Master Student/Undergrad Thesis 2022/Research Internship 2019)
My name is Yessica Osorio, I am currently a biology student at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla.
I love biology because you are able to obtain different points of view of life and have a bonus that does not have any other career. In the same way it is exciting because every day you are surprised by and admire more of nature.
Now I am starting a social service in the area of molecular biology, reproduction and toxicology. But later I would like to go into the area of microbiology to perform applied science.
Ing. Mileidys Padilla Cartas (Master Student, MAIA)
I am a metallurgical engineer, graduated from the Higher Polytechnic Institute JoséAntonio Echeverría (CUJAE), in Cuba. I have worked at the Research Center for Mining and Metallurgical Industry, in research projects focused on the study and application of microorganisms for the treatment and use of residuals, metal recovery, and salt industries. I am currently a student in the inter-institutional collaboration program between El Colegiode la Frontera Norte (El Colef) and the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada, Baja California (CICESE), where I am pursuing a Master's degree in Integrated Environmental Management. My main interest is sustainable agriculture, especially the study and application of beneficial microorganisms for the improvement of agricultural soils, with the goal of reducing the use of chemical fertilizers that are harmful to both human health and the environment.
Undergrad Students
Gala Castañeda Ureña (Undergrad Thesis)
Biology student, currently developing a bachelor's thesis at the Agricultural Microbiology and Signal Transduction Laboratory in collaboration with the Ecological Genetics and Evolution Laboratory, Autonomous University of Baja California. Interested in the isolation and purification of natural products with a biomedical approach, the promotion of popular science and the visibility of women in natural sciences.
Research Internships
Natalia San Martin
My name is Natalia San Martin, I am 22 years old, and I'm an enthusiastic undergraduate student in Biology at the University of Sonora. From the beginning of my studies, I have been fascinated by the microscopic world that governs life: microbiology and molecular biology. For me, working in the laboratory is not just an academic task, but an opportunity to figuring out the genetic mechanisms that can transform our reality.