Get to know the YAS25 organizing Committee, composed by a team of international young algaeneers and co-organized by the University of Almeria.
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.
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.
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.
