Meet the BLUES researchers: Lara Chrystina Malta Neri

We're putting the spotlight today on Lara Chrystina Malta Neri of Matís. Originally from Brazil, Lara discovered her passion for science in high-school, thanks to a research project on vitamin C quantification in fruits. This initial spark has developed and taken her on quite the academic and professional journey! Lara obtained her BSc in Brazil; during her studies, she co-developed a patented nanosensor for glyphosate detection in food. She went on to pursue another BSc, this time in Hungary, at the University of Debrecen, where she gained experience in human cell culture. Lara continued her studies with an MSc at Lund University, where she worked on enzyme engineering for PET degradation. Her thesis, in collaboration with Matís, focused on the ecretome of Rhodothermus marinus. 

Lara's interests truly reflect her multidisciplinary perspective. At the moment, she is working on enzyme characterisation, seaweed bioprocessing, eDNA analysis, and sea cucumber cell cultures for Frondoside A extraction - and enjoys learning about beekeeping and brewing beer.