Get to know the YAS25 organizing Committee, composed by a team of international young algaeneers and co-organized by the University of Almeria.
International Team
Daniel Figueiredo
PhD student, GreenCoLab
He explores the potential of microalgae for aquaculture. With an MSc in Biotechnology from the University of Lisbon, he is dedicated to enhancing Tisochrysis and Pavlova strains for functional aquafeeds.
His expertise encompasses microalgae physiology, strain optimization, and wastewater treatment processes. 🌿💧
Anna Luque
PhD Student - University of South Brittany
She specializes in extracting valuable compounds from marine sources. During her M1 internship at CNRS, she characterized sulfated oligosaccharides from seaweed, and in her M2 internship, she studied the microbiota on Ulva sp. to explore its biological interactions.
She develops protein-enriched ingredients from algae cultivated in Brittany, specifically for the hospital food service sector.
Serena Fasiello
Researcher - Enereco S.p.A
Her international experiences, coupled with a deep-rooted connection to the sea and agriculture from her family background, guided her to the fascinating world of microalgae, which rapidly became her passion.
Currently, she splits her time between Almería, Spain, and Faro, Italy, working on experimental projects aimed at optimizing the industrial production of microalgae.
She specializes in microalgae production, with the aim of establishing a cutting-edge scientific center focused on agrotechnology.
Sheyma Khemiri
PostDoc Researcher
She holds an MSc in Food Science and Technology and a PhD in Biological Engineering.
Currently, she is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the LEAF-Food and Feed Group, contributing to the 'VIIA FOOD' project, focusing on the development of innovative food products from alternative protein sources and exploring the properties of macromolecules and food matrices using microalgae biomass.
She specializes in the production of high-value biomass from microalgae for applications in food innovation.
Rafael Vitorino
PhD student, GreenCoLab
With a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and microbiology, he researched algae bioactive properties in functional nutrition for fish during his master's thesis.
His PhD will further explore this topic with the support of his colleagues in GreenCoLab and their partners as he continues his academic journey.
His research focuses on the bioactive properties of algae in functional nutrition for fish.
Elisa Werner
PhD student -Turku University
During her studies, she dove into the world of microalgae and biotechnology through internships at the marine research institute AWI and a marine biotechnology group at Hokkaido University. Her work focuses on cyanobacterial bioengineering in Turku, Finland, with the goal of driving innovation in biotechnology. 🌿💧
Arianna Rizzo
PhD - CSO Blue2
Arianna Rizzo has successfully organized previous editions of the conference!
She specializes in marine biology and biotechnology, with a focus on developing innovative methods to study microalgae and benthic organisms.She has played a key role in optimizing the commercial production of carotenoids like astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis.
She specializes in developing innovative methods to study benthic diatoms and in optimizing carotenoid production from microalgae for commercial applications.
Local Team
Sílvia Villaró
PhD student - University of Almería
She holds an MSc in Industrial and Food Biotechnology from the University of Almería and a BSc in Food Science and Technology from the University of Lleida. Her work centers on microalgae-based technologies, nutrient recovery from agri-food waste, and creating high-value biomolecules for nutraceuticals and functional foods.
She specializes in spirulina-based processes for producing functional food ingredients.
Javier Garrido Romero
PhD student – University of Almería
I studied the Biotechnology Bachelor's in Pablo de Olavide University (Seville). After an Erasmus traineeship in the University of Hamburg, I discovered the world of microalgae and decided that I wanted to focus my career on that direction. I studied a Master's degree in Industrial and Agri-food Biotechnology in the University of Almeria, where I started to work with cyanobacteria. Now, I'm doing my PhD about cultivation of cyanobacteria and production of compounds of interest, mainly bioplastics, using industrial effluents.
María Salinas García
PhD student – University of Almería and CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre.
She holds a BSc in Biotechnology and an MSc in Bioinformatics from the University of La Rioja. Her research focuses on optimising the cultivation of Chlorella sorokiniana, a microalga with considerable potential for biotechnological and industrial applications.
Her work contributes to the development of sustainable, microalgae-based solutions, with a focus on improving the efficiency of high-value bioactive compound production.
Florencia Cáceres Ferroni
PhD student - University of Almería and CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Technological University of Argentina and a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. Her doctoral research centres on optimising the cultivation and biotechnological applications of Porphyridium cruentum, a microalga recognised for its potential in different industrial sectors. Her work supports the advancement of sustainable processes, with a primary focus on improving the production efficiency of bioactive compounds derived from microalgae for applications in the food sector.
Gloria Sciuto
PhD student – University of Catania
She holds a BSc and MSc in Food Biotechnology and has obtained the professional qualification as a Food Technologist. Currently pursuing a PhD in Agri-Food Biotechnology, her research focuses on the valorisation of second cheese whey (scotta), a by-product of the dairy industry. By cultivating the marine microalga Tetraselmis chuii on this substrate, her work aims to develop a sustainable and circular bioprocess that integrates waste valorization with the production of high-value algal biomass for potential applications in food, feed, or bioactive compound industries.
