Alba Cuecas Morano

BSc in Biology. University of Seville, 2009.

MSc in Molecular Genetics and Microbial Biotechnology. University of Seville, 2011.

PhD in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine. University of Seville, 2017.

Specialization Diploma in Bioinformatic Analysis. Pablo de Olavide University, 2021.

Postdoctoral Researcher. Örebro University, Sweden, 2019–2020.

Postdoctoral Researcher. IRNAS-CSIC, 2021–2024.

Postdoctoral Researcher. IBVF-CSIC, 2024–2025.

I started my research career working with microorganisms that grow optimally at high temperature, developing my doctoral thesis in the group “Microbial Diversity and Microorganisms of Extreme Environments” (IRNAS-CSIC). I demonstrated the packed distribution of microorganisms upon temperature selection (50ºC gradient), how thermophiles are able to thrive at high temperatures in spite of using thermosensitive biomoleculaes as other living beings, and shown how transposases are a target for the analysis of horizontal gene transfers among different prokaryotic phyla.

During 2019 and 2020, I carried out research through an international postdoctorate at University of Örebro (Sweden) about the influence of the oral microbiome on taste perception, as part of a broad interdisciplinary consortium including microbiologists, sensory perception and machine learning disciplines, as part of the Örebro University’s strategic research initiative on Food and Health.
Subsequently, I have conducted research focusing on the application of omics techniques to evolutionary aspects of microorganisms. Currently, I am investigating the microbiome of agricultural soils as well as the genome of cyanobacteria of agricultural interest within the Plant-Cyanobacteria symbiosis group.

In paralel, I have also participated in research projects in the field of Public Health, as well as carried out activities related to science dissemination, transfer of technology, collaboration with private companies and teaching for university/non-university students. My current interests focus on (i) further developing my knowledge of new technical approaches to solve problems/questions in the field of Microbiology, (ii) working with new microorganisms and environments, and (iii) continuing to strengthen my profile in microbial ecology.