Molecular mechanisms of plant defense, focusing on salicylic acid signaling and its modulation by pathogens and environmental stressors, integrating genetic and omics approaches with biotechnological potential.

I have contributed consistently to the training of advanced human capital through the supervision of undergraduate theses and graduate research at the Universidad Andrés Bello, in the programs of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Engineering, MSc in Biotechnology and Life Sciences, and Molecular Biociencies PhD. program.

C0ompleted undergraduate theses

“Participation of the proteasome in the stability of WRKY7/11/17 transcription factors (group IId)”
Student: Javiera Constanza Quilodrán Godoy
Program: Biochemistry
Year: 2022
Institution: Universidad Andrés Bello
“Influence of mucilage on the colonization of Pseudomonas syringae and Azospirillum brasilense in Arabidopsis thaliana”
Student: Paula Javiera Cabrera Paredes
Program: Biotechnology Engineering
Year: 2024
Institution: Universidad Andrés Bello
“Influence of LIFEGUARD genes on the defense response of Arabidopsis thaliana against Pseudomonas syringae infection”
Student: Coral Antonia Silva Febré
Program: Biochemistry
Year: 2024
Institution: Universidad Andrés Bello
“Identification of salicylate hydroxylase activity in products of hypothetical genes from Botrytis cinerea”
Student: Sebastián Andalen Muñoz Sepúlveda
Program: Biochemistry
Year: 2024
Institution: Universidad Andrés Bello
“Evaluation of the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on Arabidopsis thaliana”
Student: Camila Fernanda Cid Oyarzún
Program: Biotechnology Engineering
Year: 2025
Institution: Universidad Andrés Bello
“Identification of genes associated with the response to nanoplastic-induced stress in Arabidopsis thaliana”
Student: Noelia Reyes Machuca
Program: Biotechnology Engineering
Year: 2025
Institution: Universidad Andrés Bello

Ongoing undergraduate theses

“Role of ICS2 in the defense response of Arabidopsis thaliana under sulfate deficiency”
Student: Nicolás Andrés Vivar Acevedo
Program: Biotechnology Engineering
Year: ongoing (2026)
Institution: Universidad Andrés Bello
“Identification of genomic regions associated with growth alterations and stress responses induced by nanoplastics in plants”
Student: Benjamín Ignacio Villalobos Araya
Program: Biotechnology Engineering
Year: ongoing (2026)
Institution: Universidad Andrés Bello
“Role of NAS genes in ethylene accumulation under heat stress”
Student: Kattrina Bauzá
Program: Biochemistry
Year: ongoing (2026)
Institution: Universidad Andrés Bello

Ongoing graduate thesis

“Evaluation of salicylate hydroxylase activity of BcShy70 and its role in modulating SA-dependent defenses during the Botrytis cinerea–Arabidopsis thaliana interaction”
Student: Antonia Donaire Guerra
Program: MSc in Biotechnology and Life Sciences
Year: ongoing (2025–)
Institution: Universidad Andrés Bello