Meet the WISH-ROOTS Consortium
Biome Makers Inc. Spain
Biome Makers integrates soil microbiology into agricultural decision-making to optimize farming practices and reverse the degradation of arable soils. With labs across the globe, customers on 4 continents, and 1M+ acres of land impacted, Biome Makers has revitalized soil functionality and agricultural sustainability worldwide.
BeCrop® Technology provides key insights to improve soil health, increase crop yield and quality, and reduce farm costs. BeCrop® is the missing puzzle piece in agriculture that connects soil needs to inputs and illuminates the path towards regenerating soils.
Current Position: CSO & Co-Founder at Biome Makers
Education: Ph.D. Genetic Medicine and Biomedical Applications - University of Valladolid (Spain)
Bio: Scientific soul of Biome Makers´ technology. Alberto is a genetists with a large number of recognitions such as TR35 España in 2014 by MIT Technology Review, CSIC Investigator and Extraordinary Doctorate Award 2015. Enthusiastic about biotechnology with great experience in this field.
Role: My role in the WISH-ROOTS project is to provide a specialized taxonomical and functional platform for analysis of rhizosphere soil microbiome
Irene Baena
Current Position: Innovation Manager at Biome Makers
Education: PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedicine and Biotechnology (Biosciences). Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM).
Hobbies: Hiking, surfing, puzzles, DIY, cooking, and reading.
Bio: I studied Biology and got more specialized in environmental microbiology during my Master and PhD at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. My thesis project was focused on unraveling a very specific genetic pathway that regulates the production of a Rhizobium exopolysaccharide through the second messenger cyclic-di-GMP. After that stage I left the “wet lab” and since 2016 I dedicated myself more to R&I project management and consultancy activities, both in the academic sector and in private companies.
Role: My role in the WISH-ROOTS project is to monitor and coordinate the activities in which Biome Makers is involved, especially samples handling and soil microbiome analysis, ensuring an effective communication with all partners and a quality delivery of results.