Overview
Research Interest
My research interest is to understand how pathogenic fungi sense the environment and the host, focusing on which genetic regulation mechanisms are responsible for virulent processes and antifungal drug resistance. I started working with the early-diverging fungus Mucor circinelloides as a Biology undergraduate student, and I specialized in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. During my Ph.D. at the University of Murcia, I focused on the identification of new virulence factors in Mucorales and the characterization of the centromeric chromatin regulated by RNAi in these fungi. At the Heitman lab, I will be studying antifungal drug resistances controlled by epigenetic mechanisms, including, epimutation via RNAi, transposable elements, and chromatin remodeling in human fungal pathogens. Our goal is to analyze the impact of epimutation on antimicrobial drug resistance and pathogenicity, focusing on the host-pathogen interaction.
Personal Interest
Outside the lab, I enjoy watching lots of movies and series and cooking. I like spending time with my family and friends on nice dishes and board games. When possible, I love traveling and trying new food.
My research interest is to understand how pathogenic fungi sense the environment and the host, focusing on which genetic regulation mechanisms are responsible for virulent processes and antifungal drug resistance. I started working with the early-diverging fungus Mucor circinelloides as a Biology undergraduate student, and I specialized in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. During my Ph.D. at the University of Murcia, I focused on the identification of new virulence factors in Mucorales and the characterization of the centromeric chromatin regulated by RNAi in these fungi. At the Heitman lab, I will be studying antifungal drug resistances controlled by epigenetic mechanisms, including, epimutation via RNAi, transposable elements, and chromatin remodeling in human fungal pathogens. Our goal is to analyze the impact of epimutation on antimicrobial drug resistance and pathogenicity, focusing on the host-pathogen interaction.
Personal Interest
Outside the lab, I enjoy watching lots of movies and series and cooking. I like spending time with my family and friends on nice dishes and board games. When possible, I love traveling and trying new food.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Postdoctoral Associate
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology,
Basic Science Departments