Prof. Miguel Alcalde
GROUP LEADER
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…
Dr. David González Pérez
Principal Investigator (CAM Atracción de Talento, approved Staff CSIC Scientist)
david.gonzalez.perez@csic.es
I am a biochemist with a protein engineer heart, fascinated by directed evolution and robotic platforms. High throughput is my fuel and proteins my lifestyle. I am currently working on investigating peroxygenase catalysis and plastic-degrading enzymes. In my free time I love to drive somewhere, traveling, and spending good time with family and friends.
Andrea Menés Rubio
Lab Manager
andrea.menes@csic.es
I’m a biologist with a MSc in biotechnology. I’m in between lab-bench and paperwork while pursuing my PhD with unspecific peroxygenases. Out of the lab, I’m a huge fan of Marvel and Star Wars, but what I like the most is spending time with my dog in the nature, (trying to) play drums and go to every concert I can.
Dr. Miquel Àngel Galmés Ordinas
Postdoc
magalmes@icp.csic.es
I am a computational biochemist focused on the study of enzyme reactivity and protein redesign, somewhere on the frontier between theoretical chemistry and AI. I am a huge fan of Pink Floyd and Roger Penrose, always happy to chat about either. On weekends, you’ll usually find me running in the mountains.
Dr. David Upp
Postdoc (Juan de la Cierva)
david.upp@csic.es
I am an American chemist trained in protein engineering. While my previous research was in the field of artificial metalloenzymes, I’m now working on giving natural metalloenzymes new life. My project is on the evolution of peroxidases for the synthesis of complex organic compounds. Outside of the lab I like to play volleyball, rock climb, or playing bass guitar… although that didn’t fit in the suitcase on the way over to Spain.
Dr. Florian Csarman
Postdoc (FWF fellowship)
florian.csarman@boku.ac.at
I am a biotechnologist educated at BOKU University Vienna with a deep fascination for (heterogeneous) biocatalysis and biopolymer-modifying enzymes, particularly those derived from filamentous fungi. My passion for fungi extends beyond the lab, as I enjoy spending time foraging for wild mushrooms. Furthermore, as a typical Austrian, I have a natural love for hiking, exploring the mountains and enjoying the outdoors.
Dr. Israel Sánchez Moreno
Visitor Scientist (Staff CSIC Scientist)
israel.sanchez@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.
Dianelis Toledo Monterrey
PhD student (FPI)
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
Alejandro Beltrán Nogal
PhD student (FPU)
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.
Julia Murciano Brea
PhD student
julia.murciano@icp.csic.es
I’m a biologist with an Industrial Biotechnology MSc doing my PhD thesis on the enzymatic degradation of plastics. Whenever I have free time I am skating on my roller skates (or getting off the ground with them on). I also enjoy reading old books and watching new (reality) TV shows.
Silvia Gabriela Cantaragiu
PhD student (FPI)
silviagc@icp.csic.es
I am a biologist with a MSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I joined the group to pursue my PhD focused in the Yeast Surface Display. In my spare time, i enjoy meeting my friends, reading novels and traveling as much as I can. I never go anywhere without my headphones. I also like to walk in the countryside and take pictures of all the mushrooms I find. Sad fact about turtles: only one in a thousand reaches adulthood. Be nice to others.
Yahan Wu
PhD student (CSC fellowship)
y.wu@icp.csic.es
I am a chemist who previously studied fluorine chemistry. During my graduate studies, I developed an interest in biocatalysis and I am currently conducting research on peroxygenases. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and watching movies.
Martina Dramis
PhD Research Stay
m.dramis@campus.unimib.it
I’m an Italian PhD student with a background in industrial biotechnology. My research focuses on the enzymatic functionalization of biopolymers, with the goal of making the tyre industry a little bit greener. I’m technically a cat person, but my real passion is horses, whether I’m riding or sketching them.
Jairo Aguirre Bedoya
TFM student
Hi! I’m Jairo. I studied Biology and I am currently completing my Master’s in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics. My Master’s Thesis focuses on the prediction of enzymatic mutants using machine learning, with applications in plastic degradation. In my free time, I enjoy a variety of physical activities and going out to eat.
SOME FORMER LAB MEMBERS
Merve Keser (IFF, Benicarló, Spain)
Pablo Palacios (Universidad de Burgos, Spain)
Alejandra Alfuzzi (Scientist Analist Sopra Steria, Madrid, Spain)
Leire Barandarian Larrea (MSAT Scientist at Viralgen (VCT) Pais Vasco, Spain)
Susana Camarero Fernández (Científico Titular CIB-CSIC, Madrid, Spain)
Katarina Elbl-Müllhofer (GxP-Engineer, Testo industrial services GmbH, Germany)
Layla Fernandez (Group leader Protein Engineering at Evoxx Technologies, Colonia, Germany)
Carlos Garcia Burgos (Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager, Acino Pharma, AG, Zurich, Switzerland)
Iraj Ghazi (Scientist at Homology Medicines, Boston, USA)
Patricia Gomez de Santos (Scientist at EvoEnzyme, S.L., Madrid, Spain)
Bernardo Gomez Fernandez (CTO at EvoEnzyme, S.L., Madrid, Spain)
Manh Dat Hoang (Reseach Assistant, Technical University of Munich, Germany)
Elvin Igarta (Analytical Researcher and Development Scientist, HP, Puerto Rico)
Mehdi Imani (Professor at the Urmia University, Iran);
Gordana Kovacevic (Enzyme Discovery Scientist, Chr Hansen, Denmark)
Christoph Küng (PhD student University of Basel, Switzerland)
Natila Kwiatos (Postdoctoral Researcher at the International Centre for Research on Innovative Biobased materials (ICRI-BioM), Lodz University of Technology, Poland).
Sofia Lazaro (Biotecnologist at Exopol, Zaragoza, Spain)
Macarena Lopez Morales (Project Manager at Clinical Supply Operations, Bristol Myers Squibb, UK)
Juan Mangas (Senior Research Fellow ARAID, Zaragoza, Spain)
Diana Mate Mate (Project Manager, UAM, Madrid, Spain)
Ivan Mateljak (Scientist at EvoEnzyme, S.L., Madrid, Spain)
Daniel Méndez Sánchez (Process development scientist, PharmaMar, Madrid, Spain)
Seyed Mohammad (Professor Yarzd University, Iran)
Patricia Molina Espeja (Project Manager, ICP-CSIC, Madrid, Spain)
Carmen Paret Fernandez (Senior Clinical Research Associate at GSK, Madrid)
Mar Lopez Pelegrin (Lab Manager Institute of Science and Technology, Vienna, Austria)
David Palacios (Associated Professor, Universidad de Burgos)
Pascal Püllmann (Postdoc at the Centre for Synthetic Biology and Department of Bioengineering Imperial College London, UK)
Joaquín Ramírez Ramírez (Assistant Professor at the Monterrey Tecnology Center, Cuernavaca, México).
Valeria Risso (Associated Professor, Universidad de Granada, Spain)
Alina Roman (Lead Technologist at Lonza, London, UK)
Plínio Salmazo Vieira (Associated Researcher, Centro Nacional de Pesca, Energía y Materiales, CNPEM, Brasil).
Pamela Torres Salas (Senior Scientist Repsol, Madrid, Spain)
Morgane Valles (Research Scientist, Multus, UK)
Javier Viña Gonzalez (Science Manager at EvoEnzyme, S.L., Madrid, Spain)
Jia Wei Yang (Professor at Zunyi Medical College, China)
Miren Zumárraga Uribesalgo (Lead Scientist at Guserbiot, Pais Vasco, Spain)


