MARIA
CARBU ESPINOSA DE LOS MONTEROS

She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry with a specialization in Industrial Fermentations and Oenology (1997) and a Ph.D. in Science from the University of Cádiz (2006). Since 1998, she has been an active member of the BIO 219 Group (Applied Biology and Biotechnology) within the Andalusian Research and Development Plan, integrated into the CeiA3 Agri-Food Campus of International Excellence. Her main research line focuses on the molecular and genetic analysis of the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea, which causes severe diseases in numerous crops, both in the field and during post-harvest storage. She utilizes genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics studies (in vivo and in vitro) to elucidate its infection mechanisms. Recently, she has expanded this line towards the search for sustainable control alternatives based on biological control (antagonistic microorganisms), aligning with the demand for environmentally friendly methods. In parallel, she possesses a consolidated trajectory in Oenological Microbiology, investigating the evolution of yeasts responsible for alcoholic fermentations during the production processes of various wine typologies (white, red, fino, and manzanilla). In the period between 2017 and 2022, she actively collaborated with the TEP-243 Group (Nanomaterials) on the study of the biocidal capacity and characterization of specialized nanoparticles, resulting in numerous joint publications. Recently (last 5 years), her research has expanded into sustainable food innovation, focusing on the evaluation of product shelf-life and the study of microalgae as a source of bioactive compounds for the development of more functional foods. Her scientific production is notable, including 43 scientific articles, of which 30 have been published in JCR-indexed journals in the Q1 quartile (40 JCR in total). Her impact is complemented by a book, a book chapter, and two scientific dissemination studies published in specialized magazines for the agri-food sector (aimed at professionals, winegrowers, and researchers in oenology and food). She has participated in 30 research projects funded through competitive calls and has led 4 non-competitive R&D&i agreements with wineries belonging to the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda Designations of Origin, demonstrating a strong capacity for technology transfer. She holds 3 awarded research sexenios, the last one granted on 01/01/2025. She has directed 4 doctoral theses, highlighting the quality of her mentorship: one received the highest qualification and was recognized as the Best Doctoral Thesis of the University of Cádiz, and one is currently under development. In the last 5 years, she has served as a reviewer for various international journals such as Industrial Crops and Products, Food Control, and Applied Sciences. Her activity extends to over 70 congress contributions and participation in the organizing committee of 6 scientific activities, including national and international congresses related to microbiology and molecular biology. Her teaching career began in the 2001/2002 academic year, progressing uninterruptedly to her current position as Contracted Professor Doctor. She has taught in a wide variety of degree programs (Oenology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Marine Sciences, and Environmental Sciences) and specialized Master's programs (Biotecnología, Agri-Food, and Chemical Engineering), actively participating in projects for the implementation of the European Higher Education Area.