Prof. Dr. Maria Isabel Estrada Alvarado | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award
Professor at Sonora Technological Institute, Mexico
Maria Isabel Estrada Alvarado is an accomplished biotechnologist and microbiologist, recognized for her pioneering research in microbial biotransformation, industrial biotechnology, and environmental sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology from Université de Provence, France, along with a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from UAM, Mexico. As a Full-Time Professor-Researcher at Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON) since 2004, she has led numerous research projects, collaborating with CONACYT and international institutions such as INRA (France) and Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina (Colombia). Her contributions extend beyond academia, as she has developed biotechnological solutions for agricultural sustainability and environmental conservation. She holds prestigious recognitions, including SNI Level 2 Membership, a PRODEP Profile, and leadership in the consolidated Biotechnology and Agro-Food Sciences Research Group. Additionally, she is an active member of professional organizations, such as the Mexican Society of Biotechnology and Bioengineering and the Mexican Network of Extremophiles.
Professional Profile
Academic Background 🎓
Maria Isabel Estrada Alvarado holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology from the Université de Provence (Aix-Marseille I), France, completed in 2003. Her doctoral research focused on the fungal biotransformation of phenolic compounds into natural antioxidants and aromas, including the characterization of a novel cinnamoyl esterase enzyme. Before her Ph.D., she earned a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico, where she conducted research on microkinetic aspects of sulfur compound removal, using carbon disulfide (CS₂) as a model. She also holds a degree in Industrial Biochemical Engineering from the same university, providing her with a strong foundation in biochemical processes and industrial applications. Her academic excellence has been recognized through multiple scholarships, including a prestigious joint fellowship from the French Society for the Export of Educational Resources (SFERE) and Mexico’s National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT). She was also a CONACYT scholarship recipient during her doctoral studies and received an Honorable Mention from Université de Provence for the quality of her research. Her expertise in microbiology, biotechnology, and environmental sciences has positioned her as a leading researcher in her field.
Research Contributions 🔬
Maria Isabel Estrada Alvarado has made significant contributions to biotechnology and environmental sciences, particularly in biotransformation processes, biotechnological applications in agriculture, and microbial biotechnology. She has led over a dozen research projects, securing funding from major national and international organizations, including CONACYT. Her work focuses on developing sustainable biotechnological solutions, such as the application of microbial processes for agricultural and environmental improvement. As a leader in biotechnology research, she has established strong collaborations with national and international institutions, such as CINVESTAV, UAM, CIATEJ, UNAM, UNISON, and the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA). She has also partnered with the Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina in Colombia, further expanding her global research network. In addition to laboratory research, she has actively engaged with agricultural producers in the Yaqui and Mayo Valleys, contributing to real-world applications of her findings. Her research has influenced environmental sustainability practices, biotechnological innovations, and microbial enzyme characterization, making her a highly respected expert in industrial and applied biotechnology.
Awards and Recognitions 🏆
Maria Isabel Estrada Alvarado has received numerous awards and distinctions throughout her career, highlighting her excellence in research and academic leadership. She is a Level 2 Member of the National System of Researchers (SNI) in Mexico, a prestigious distinction awarded to outstanding scientists. Additionally, she holds a PRODEP Profile, which recognizes her commitment to high-quality research and teaching. In recognition of her contributions to biotechnology, she has been named Leader of the Biotechnology and Agro-Food Sciences Research Group, which has achieved a “Consolidated” status, demonstrating its sustained impact in the field. She is an active member of the Mexican Society of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, further solidifying her influence in the scientific community. She is also a member of the Mexican Network of Extremophiles, where she contributes to the study of microorganisms adapted to extreme environments and their potential applications in biotechnology. Her research excellence, national recognition, and leadership in academic research groups position her as a key figure in biotechnology and environmental research in Mexico.
Professional Experience 🏢
Maria Isabel Estrada Alvarado has been a Full-Time Professor-Researcher at the Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON) since 2004, where she plays a crucial role in mentoring students, leading research projects, and advancing biotechnological innovations. Before this, she served as the Head of the Special Analysis Laboratory at ITSON in 2003, overseeing research in environmental biotechnology, microbial applications, and industrial bioprocesses. Throughout her career, she has worked on multiple public and private sector-funded research projects, including collaborations with agricultural producers in Mexico’s Yaqui and Mayo Valleys. These projects focus on biotechnological advancements in sustainable agriculture, industrial microbiology, and microbial enzyme applications. Beyond her research activities, she has actively built scientific networks with national and international institutions, allowing for collaborative research and innovation exchange. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans biotechnology, microbiology, agricultural sciences, and environmental sustainability. Her role as a research leader, professor, and mentor has significantly contributed to the growth of biotechnology research in Mexico, making her one of the most influential figures in the field.
Conclusion 🏆
Maria Isabel Estrada Alvarado is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her strong academic background, impactful research contributions, and leadership in biotechnology. Her work in biotransformation, microbial enzymes, and sustainable agriculture has significantly advanced scientific knowledge and real-world applications. Her collaborations with national and international research networks further demonstrate her influence in biotechnology and environmental sciences. While she has achieved remarkable success, increased global dissemination of her research through international publications, patents, and industry collaborations could further enhance her impact. Overall, her dedication, scientific excellence, and leadership make her a standout researcher, well-qualified for this prestigious award. 🏅👏
Publication Top Notes
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Biomass production and urban centrate nutrient removal using native microalgae tolerant to high nitrogen concentration and temperature
- Authors: Romero-Villegas, G.I.; Burboa-Charis, V.A.; Navarro-López, E.; Cerón-García, M.C.; Acién-Fernandez, F.G.; Estrada-Alvarado, M.I.; Rout, N.P.; Cira-Chávez, L.A.
- Year: 2021
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Morphological, Thermal, and Rheological Properties of Starch from Potatoes Grown in Mexico
- Authors: Cira-Chávez, L.A.; Gassós-Ortega, L.E.; García-Encinas, N.L.; Castillo-Zamora, M.; Ruíz-Cruz, S.; Bello-Pérez, L.A.; Estrada-Alvarado, M.I.
- Year: 2021
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Reduction in concentration of chromium (VI) by lysinibacillus macroides isolated from sediments of the Chapala lake, Mexico
- Authors: Hernández-Peña, C.C.; Lares-Villa, F.; De Los Santos-Villalobos, S.; Estrada-Alvarado, M.I.; Cruz-Soto, A.; Flores-Tavizón, E.; Soto-Padilla, M.Y.
- Year: 2021
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Exoenzyme-producing halophilic bacteria from the former Lake Texcoco: identification and production of n-butyl oleate and bioactive peptides
- Authors: Martínez-Pérez, R.B.; Rodríguez, J.A.; Cira-Chávez, L.A.; Dendooven, L.; Viniegra-González, G.; Estrada-Alvarado, I.
- Year: 2020
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Time-efficient pH-based method to quantify the activity of alkaline and halo-alkaline proteases
- Authors: Martínez-Pérez, R.B.; Camacho-Ruiz, M.A.; Estrada-Alvarado, I.; Armenta-Pérez, V.; Camacho-Ruiz, R.M.
- Year: 2019
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Biochemical and molecular characterization of a native haloalkalophilic tolerant strain from the Texcoco lake
- Authors: Soto-Padilla, M.Y.; Gortáres-Moroyoqui, P.; Cira-Chávez, L.A.; Estrada-Alvarado, M.I.
- Year: 2018
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Type C feruloyl esterase from Aspergillus ochraceus: A butanol specific biocatalyst for the synthesis of hydroxycinnamates in a ternary solvent system
- Authors: Romero-Borbón, E.; Grajales-Hernández, D.; Armendáriz-Ruiz, M.; Ramírez-Velasco, L.; Rodríguez-González, J.A.; Cira-Chávez, L.A.; Estrada-Alvarado, M.I.; Mateos-Díaz, J.C.
- Year: 2018
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Characterization of extracellular amylase produced by haloalkalophilic strain Kocuria sp. HJ014
- Authors: Soto-Padilla, M.Y.; Gortáres-Moroyoqui, P.; Cira-Chávez, L.A.; Levasseur, A.; Dendooven, L.; Estrada-Alvarado, M.I.
- Year: 2016
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Chemical constitution and effect of extracts of tomato plants byproducts on the enteric viral surrogates
- Authors: Silva-Beltrán, N.P.; Ruiz-Cruz, S.; Chaidez, C.; Ornelas-Paz, J.D.J.; López-Mata, M.A.; Márquez-Ríos, E.; Estrada, M.I.
- Year: 2015
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Effect of the perforation level of recycled-LDPE bags on the modification of the atmosphere development, bioactive compounds content, and other qualities of Jalapeño peppers during storage
- Authors: de Jesús Ornelas-Paz, J.; Castañeda-Jiménez, A.C.; Estrada-Alvarado, M.I.; Ramos-Aguilar, O.P.; Ibarra-Junquera, V.; Pérez-Martínez, J.D.; Escalante-Minakata, P.; Guevara-Arauza, J.C.; Ruiz-Cruz, S.
- Year: 2015