Student Catalina Toledo Completes Her Professional Internship in Molecular Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology

The student actively contributed to research projects during her two-month stay in the laboratory, standing out for her commitment and technical learning.

Last Friday, March 28, the Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology (LAMMBA) at the Federico Santa María Technical University (USM in spanish) held a farewell gathering for Catalina Toledo, a Biotechnology Engineering student from Andrés Bello University (UNAB in spanish), who completed her professional internship.

During her two-month period, she actively supported experiments for the doctoral thesis of Lisette Hernández, a researcher associated with the Millennium Nucleus of Bioproducts, Genomics, and Environmental Microbiology (BioGEM), in the Bioremediation line.

Among her main activities were the preparation and cleaning of laboratory materials, inventory management, and specialized techniques such as bacterial cultures in solid and liquid media, where she contributed to biomass generation for assays, as well as evaluations of the effects of UV radiation on avocado leaves.

Toledo reflected positively on her experience, describing it as "a practical learning opportunity that allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in a real research environment".

"I learned that every detail in the laboratory is crucial, from maintaining cleanliness to conducting experiments. I also realized how important teamwork and camaraderie are in science. This experience reaffirmed my interest in biotechnology and taught me its impact on the environment", she added.

For her part, Lisette Hernández, an environmental civil engineer, doctoral candidate, and BioGEM associate researcher, noted that "these types of initiatives are essential for students to gain hands-on experience, allowing them to work in a laboratory team, collaborate with peers, and understand work rhythms, while developing the technical skills required in the field. They also provide support in executing key experiments for research development".

The professional internship program is promoted by the Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology (LAMMBA) at USM, with support from the Millennium Nucleus BioGEM—funded by the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID in spanish)—aimed at strengthening the competencies of future biotechnology professionals by linking academia with globally impactful scientific challenges.