Hey! It’s Beatriz Gallego Fernández, a research support technician at IMDEA Water. I hold a degree in Biology from the University of Salamanca, a Master's in Environmental Microbiology from Radboud University (Netherlands), and a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology focused on extremophile cyanobacteria from the University of Rome Tor Vergata (Italy).
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in fields I’m passionate about: climate change, sustainable biotechnology, and especially astrobiology. In my doctoral research, I explored the use of cyanobacteria from extreme environments for space exploration, specifically as life support systems in future human missions to the Moon and Mars. I have had the opportunity to undertake research visits at various institutions and to participate in multiple international conferences, which has significantly enriched my academic training and professional experience. Currently, I’m involved in projects focused on the conservation of aquatic ecosystems, studying cyanobacterial blooms, toxin production, microbial adaptation to environmental change, and the impact of pollutants on ecosystems and pollinators. At the same time, I am pursuing a Master’s in Education with the goal of combining university-level teaching with my research career.
Outside of work, I dedicate much of my time to competitive cycling, as I race at national elite level. In my free time, I enjoy nature, travel, and gastronomic experiences.