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
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
Fis. Eduardo Gauna Gutierrez (Master Student co-directed with Dr. Santiago Camacho López
I hold a degree in Physics from the Faculty of Sciences at the Autonomous University of Baja California. Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Optics at the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education in Ensenada (CICESE), where my research focuses on studying bacterial growth on ceramic surfaces after laser irradiation and the addition of nanoparticles. This work is part of a larger project called "Windows to the Brain." My longstanding interest in Optics and Medical Physics drives my passion for this project, as it allows me to explore both fields simultaneously. Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue a Ph.D. abroad, either in Europe or the USA, with a focus on deepening my expertise in these areas of interest.
Biol. Rosa Estefanía Guerrero Ruíz (Master Student co-directed with Dr. Rafael Bello Bedoy)
Biologist graduated from the Autonomous University of Baja California in 2022 with a deep interest in evolution and microbiology. My current research focuses on the complex interactions between growth-promoting bacteria and plants, especially in the context of plant domestication. Currently, I am studying for a Master's Degree in Life Sciences at CICESE in the Agricultural Microbiology and Signal Transduction Laboratory in collaboration with the Ecological Genetics and Evolution laboratory of the UABC. My goal is to contribute to advancing knowledge in these fields and apply their findings to promote more sustainable agricultural practices and solve challenges in agriculture and the environment.
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.
Biol. Emil Omar Téllez Villagómez (Master Student UABC co-directed with Dr. Rafael Bello Bedoy)
Biologist graduated from UABC; since I was a child, I have had a love for gardening and home gardens instilled by my family, which motivated me to study life and plant research. I love topics related to ecology focused on the interactions that organisms have with their environment and other organisms. But above all I am passionate about evolution and imagining all the processes and changes that have shaped each living being into its shape as we know it. I work in the Laboratory of Ecological Genetics and Evolution at UABC studying the differences in phenotypic plasticity responses between varieties resulting from artificial selection and their wild counterparts.
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
Jezabel Castañeda (Summer Internship)
I am a seventh-semester student in the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemical Biology program at the University of Guadalajara (UDG). My main academic interest lies in microbiology and genetics, fundamental areas for understanding biological processes and their applications in health and agriculture. Through my education, I seek to deepen my knowledge of how microorganisms interact with their environment, especially in the agricultural field, and how this knowledge can contribute to sustainable solutions and the improvement of human health. My goal is to continue developing my skills in these disciplines and make significant contributions to scientific research..
Fernanda Flores (Summer Internship)
My name is Fernanda Flores, I am 20 years old and currently studying the fourth semester of the Degree in Biomedical Sciences at the Autonomous University of the West (UAdeO). Throughout my training, I have strengthened my interest in microbiology and molecular biology, areas that I am passionate about and that I consider essential for scientific advancement. I firmly believe that science and education are fundamental tools to transform society. I consider myself a dedicated, organized person with a high sense of responsibility, committed to my academic growth, and with the aspiration to contribute significantly to the biomedical field.
Brandon Nicolás López Ramón (Summer Internship)
Brandon is a passionate Biology undergraduate student at the Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas (UNICACH), Mexico. He is especially interested in biochemistry, molecular microbiology, and applied biotechnology. His academic background includes voluntary research in plant biochemistry and microbial interactions. Brandon aims to pursue graduate studies at top-tier institutions, developing sustainable, science-based technologies to benefit underserved communities. He is a strong advocate for science as a tool for social change and aspires to inspire others through education, research, and global collaboration. Brandon shares his student experiences under the username @biologiaconbrand0n_