Ms .Natalia Garcia Gonzalez |inflammation | Best Researcher Award
Ms. Natalia Garcia Gonzalez ,VIB – Ugent, Belgium
Natalia Garcia Gonzalez is a researcher at the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research in Belgium. Her work focuses on advancing our understanding of immunology and inflammation processes, contributing to the development of innovative treatments for various diseases. With a strong academic background and numerous publications in her field, Natalia plays a key role in her research community. She is dedicated to leveraging her expertise to impact global health through cutting-edge scientific discoveries.
Summary:
Ms. Natalia Garcia Gonzalezās qualifications, experience, and international collaborations make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her expertise spans microbiology, biotechnology, and inflammation research, areas that are both timely and important. Her work within the prestigious Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher Program and her current role at the VIB Center for Inflammation Research are clear indicators of her high research potential.
Professional Profiles:
š Education :
I hold a PhD in Science (2017-2020) from the University of Teramo, Italy, funded by the European Commission’s Marie Curie Early Stage Program. My thesis, titled Evaluation of the Health Promoting Activities of Food-borne Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains, was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Aldo Corsetti and Dr. Cormac Gahan. Additionally, I completed a postgraduate course in Medical Genetics (2014-2015) at the University of Valencia, Spain, which deepened my understanding of the genetic factors influencing health and disease. I also earned a Masterās Degree in Molecular Biology Applied to Biotechnology Enterprises (2012-2013) from the University of Granada, Spain, where I conducted research on the strain-specific identification of Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 by PCR. My academic journey began with a Bachelorās Degree in Biotechnology (2007-2012) from the University of Salamanca, Spain, which provided a solid foundation in biotechnology, equivalent to an MSc.
š¢Ā Experience:
I am currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in Mouse Genetics and Inflammation (May 2021 ā Present) at the VIB Center for Inflammation Research, University of Gent, Belgium, where I investigate the genetic influences on inflammation-related diseases. Previously, I was a Marie Curie Early Career Stage Researcher (April 2017 ā November 2020) at the University of Teramo, where I focused on food microbiology and biotechnology, particularly the health-promoting properties of food-borne lactic acid bacteria. Prior to that, I worked as a PhD Researcher (January 2015 ā February 2017) at the Agro-technological Institute of Castilla y LeĆ³n, Spain, where my research centered on dairy product innovations and nutritional evaluation. Earlier in my career, I contributed to microbiology and biotechnology research at Biosearch Life s.l., Granada, Spain (May 2013 ā September 2013) and engaged in pharmacological research at the University of Granada, Spain (November 2012 ā June 2013). I also gained laboratory experience as an assistant at Aquimisa Laboratorios, Salamanca, Spain (July 2012 ā September 2012), where I assisted in analytical testing and food safety operations.
š ļøSkills:
I possess a wide array of skills in microbiology and food biotechnology, as well as expertise in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, DNA extraction, and strain identification. My work in mouse genetics and inflammation research has further honed my abilities in laboratory techniques such as culturing, analytical testing, and bioactive compound analysis. In addition, I have extensive experience in managing research projects and collaborating in international environments, alongside strong data analysis and scientific writing skills.
Research Focus :
My research is primarily focused on the intersection of microbiology, food biotechnology, and genetics. I have extensively studied the health-promoting activities of lactic acid bacteria, particularly Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains, within food systems. In addition, my work on mouse genetics and inflammation explores the genetic predispositions to inflammatory diseases. Through a combination of applied and fundamental research, I aim to contribute to the development of probiotic food products and to enhance our understanding of genetic factors that influence health and disease.
š¬Awards:
I was honored with the prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship (2017-2020), a grant awarded by the European Commission to support my PhD studies in food biotechnology.
Conclusion:
Ms. Garcia Gonzalez is a well-rounded and accomplished researcher. While her profile could benefit from more visibility in terms of independent research leadership and publications, her contributions to science, particularly in the fields of food microbiology and mouse genetics, make her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. With more evidence of her impact through publications and leadership, she would be an ideal candidate for such recognition.
Publications :
- Prete, R., Merola, C., Garcia-Gonzalez, N., Perugini, M., Corsetti, A. (2024). Investigating the modulation of the endocannabinoid system by probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC513 in a zebrafish model of di-n-hexyl phthalate exposure. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 19328.
- Cufaro, M. C., Prete, R., Di Marco, F., Del Boccio, P., Battista, N. (2023). A proteomic insight reveals the role of food-associated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum C9O4 in reverting intestinal inflammation. iScience, 26(12), 108481.
- Wallaeys, C., Garcia-Gonzalez, N., Libert, C. (2023). Paneth cells as the cornerstones of intestinal and organismal health: a primer. EMBO Molecular Medicine, 15(2), e16427.
- Goossens, E., Li, J., Callens, C., Ducatelle, R., Van Immerseel, F. (2022). Acute Endotoxemia-Induced Respiratory and Intestinal Dysbiosis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(19), 11602.
- Garcia-Gonzalez, N., Bottacini, F., van Sinderen, D., Gahan, C. G. M., Corsetti, A. (2022). Comparative Genomics of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: Insights Into Probiotic Markers in Strains Isolated From the Human Gastrointestinal Tract and Fermented Foods. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, 854266.
- Garcia-Gonzalez, N., Comas, J. C., Harris, H. M. B., Corsetti, A., Gahan, C. G. M. (2022). Impact of Food Origin Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains on the Human Intestinal Microbiota in an in vitro System. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, 832513.
- Timmermans, S., Verhoog, N. J. D., Van Looveren, K., Louw, A., Libert, C. (2022). Point mutation I634A in the glucocorticoid receptor causes embryonic lethality by reduced ligand binding. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 298(2), 101574.
- NĆŗƱez-SĆ”nchez, M. A., Herisson, F. M., Keane, J. M., Caplice, N. M., Gahan, C. G. M. (2022). Microbial bile salt hydrolase activity influences gene expression profiles and gastrointestinal maturation in infant mice. Gut Microbes, 14(1), 2149023.
- Garcia-Gonzalez, N., Battista, N., Prete, R., Corsetti, A. (2021). Health-promoting role of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolated from fermented foods. Microorganisms, 9(2), 349.
- Garcia-Gonzalez, N., NuƱez-Sanchez, M. A., Villoria Recio, M., Gahan, C. G. M., Corsetti, A. (2021). Immunomodulation of J774A.1 Murine Macrophages by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains Isolated From the Human Gastroi