Prof. Miguel Alcalde
Principal investigator
malcalde@icp.csic.es
I am the boss who still believes that the dark side of the force is not stronger…only quicker, easier, more seductive…
Andrea Menés Rubio
Lab Manager
andrea.menes@csic.es
I’m a biologist with a MSc in biotech. I’m in between lab-bench and paperwork. Out of lab, I enjoy spending time with my dog, (trying to) play drums and go to every concert I can.
Dr. Eva García Ruiz
Senior Postdoc (PI programa CAM atracción de talento)
eva.garcia.ruiz@csic.es
I recently joined the lab as post-doc researcher. I am currently working on enzyme engineering for high-value chemicals production in microbes. During my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, painting, hanging out with friends and travelling.
Dr. Israel Sánchez Moreno
Senior Postdoc
isra.sanchez@iqog.csic.es
I have been working in the field of the biocatalysis for years, always in the limit between chemistry and biology (bringing balance). My research is focused on protein engineering of peroxidases. Outside of lab, I love listening to reaggeton music, watching the Tele5 TV shows, and lying miserably about my hobbies in my internet profiles.
Dr. Daniel Méndez Sánchez
Senior Postdoc
daniel.mendez.sanchez@csic.es
I’m an organic chemist from Asturias who moved to biocatalysis over the years. My ongoing research is focused on protein engineering of peroxygenases. In my spare time, I enjoy cycling, watching tv shows and playing videogames.
Dr. Patricia Gómez de Santos
Postdoc
p.gomez@csic.es
I studied Biology at the Complutense University of Madrid. My research is focused on protein engineering of peroxygenases and design of fusion proteins for in situ H2O2 generation. I love traveling and playing board games.
Alejandro Beltrán Nogal
PhD Student
alejandro.beltran@csic.es
I studied Biochemistry and Industrial Biotechnology at the University Complutense of Madrid. My research interests come into characterizing and engineering short peroxygenases. I am obsessed with figure skating, cats, and I like dancing too.
Dianelis Toledo Monterrey
PhD Student
d.monterrey@csic.es
I am a Cuban, Spain-based biologist who fell in love with Madrid 20 years ago. My research interest focuses on the discovery and engineering of new peroxygenases employed in biosynthesis. I am a bookworm, love my cats and, I have a passion for cooking
Mikel Dolz Ruiz
PhD Student
mikel.dolz@csic.es
I am a biotechnologist from Zaragoza who is taking his first steps in Directed evolution of enzymes. I settle for the little things in life like a good chat, a good beer or getting my PCRs right. Fun fact about evolution: It is said that Darwin’s tortoise outlasted him more than 100 years. Will our enzymes do the same?
Merve Keser
PhD student
mkeser@eyown.com
I have been told that I am a world citizen; I am Turkish-born, raised in the US, and spent another chunk of my life in The Netherlands where I received my BSc and MSc in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology. I have moved to Spain for my Ph.D.studies involving directed evolution of galactose oxidase for further advancement of green chemistry and pharmaceutical industry. I’m a fairly good baker, a coffee snob, and have a love for gin (the good kind).
Jesús Laborda Mansilla
PhD Student
j.laborda@csic.es
After studying Pharmacy and a master in Biotech I joined the lab as an enthusiastic PhD student. My project is focused on PET biodegradation and its conversion to high-value chemicals. I love doing homemade things like cheese or jam… but my flagship product is homebrewed beer.
Thomas Reichhart
ITN internship
Educated as a Structural Biochemist in Frankfurt, I am now pursuing my Ph.D. in Biomolecular Technology in Vienna – admittedly, the most beautiful city in the world (next to Madrid, of course) – where I am hosted by the Biotech company DirectSens. As a visiting scientist at the Alcalde lab, I set out to engineer long-term stable biocatalysts for implantable glucose sensors using chimeragenesis and directed evolution. I have a soft spot for specialty coffee and recreational chess, so if you are interested: let’s play a game! (preferably, in a charming Café in Madrid’s old town; coffee’s on me!)
