Prof Dr Susan González-Morales | Plant Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

Prof Dr Susan González-Morales, CONAHCYT- Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro ,Mexico

Susana González Morales is a prominent Mexican researcher with over 20 years of experience in plant biotechnology and microbiology. Holding a degree in Pharmacobiology with a specialization in Microbiology from Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, a Master’s in Enzymatic Biotechnology, and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Parasitology, Susana’s work primarily focuses on enhancing plant stress tolerance through biotechnological advancements. Her postdoctoral research in Biotechnology at Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila involved studying biotic stress responses in plants. Currently, she serves as a Catedrática CONACYT at Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, where she investigates the effects of nanoelements on plant nutrition and stress tolerance. Her extensive publication record reflects her contributions to advancing agricultural biotechnology and nanoscience applications in plant growth and health.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

1. Diverse and Relevant Research Experience:
   • Broad Expertise: Susana González Morales has a diverse background in various fields such as microbiology, biotechnology, and parasitology. Her research spans from gene detection in food to plant stress responses, showcasing her versatility and ability to tackle complex scientific problems.
   • Innovative Research: Her work on the application of nanomaterials and biostimulants in agriculture is cutting-edge. Publications on topics like the use of iodine for crop biofortification and the impact of nanoparticles on plant growth highlight her role in advancing agricultural biotechnology.
2. Impressive Academic Background:
   • Strong Educational Foundation: With a solid educational background including a Ph.D. in Parasitología Agrícola and postdoctoral research in Biotechnology, she possesses the advanced knowledge necessary for high-impact research.
   • Publications and Contributions: Her extensive publication record in reputable journals, with contributions to research on plant biostimulants and stress tolerance, underscores her active engagement in advancing scientific knowledge.
3. Leadership and Professional Experience:
   • Significant Roles: Her experience in leading research labs and coordinating microbiology departments, as well as her role as a catedrática CONACYT, illustrates her leadership and expertise in both academic and practical research settings.
   • Project Management: Involvement in projects like the development of biofertilizers and bioincubators reflects her ability to manage and contribute to large-scale, impactful research initiatives.

Areas for Improvement

1. Increased Visibility and Outreach:
   • Broader Impact: While her research is highly specialized, there could be more emphasis on how her work influences broader societal and environmental issues. Enhanced visibility through media or public engagement could elevate her contributions beyond academia.
2. Interdisciplinary Collaborations:
   • Expanded Collaborations: Engaging more with researchers from different fields could further enhance the impact of her work. Interdisciplinary projects might provide new perspectives and applications for her research, especially in translating scientific findings into practical solutions.
3. Mentorship and Development:
   • Supporting Emerging Researchers: Increasing involvement in mentoring and guiding younger researchers or students could further bolster her profile. Active participation in educational outreach and training could highlight her commitment to nurturing future scientists.

Education

Susana González Morales earned her Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacobiology with a specialization in Microbiology from Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila in 2004. Her undergraduate thesis focused on the detection of transgenic genes and proteins in processed soy foods. She pursued a Master’s in Enzymatic Biotechnology at the same institution, graduating in 2007 with a thesis on the selection of Mucor griseocyanus strains for penicillin acylase production. In 2011, she completed her Ph.D. in Agricultural Parasitology at Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, with a thesis on the defense response of tomato plants against Fusarium oxysporum using Heliopsis longipes extracts. Her postdoctoral research in Biotechnology at Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila (2012-2014) centered on plant stress tolerance with selenium. This strong educational background underpins her extensive research career in plant biotechnology.

Experience

Susana González Morales boasts a diverse career in research and academia. She started as the Head of Research and Development at BioAgroMex and later coordinated the Microbiology department at Biorganix Mexicana. Her academic roles include teaching at Universidad del Valle de México and serving as an Associate Researcher at Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, where she contributed to the development of biofertilizers and bioincubators. Since September 2014, she has been a Catedrática CONACYT at Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, leading projects on plant stress tolerance and nanoelement applications. Her roles have included managing large-scale research projects and contributing to the scientific community through leadership in biotechnology research.

Research Focus

Susana González Morales’s research focuses on enhancing plant stress tolerance and growth through innovative biotechnological methods. Her work explores the application of nanomaterials and biostimulants to improve plant resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. Key areas of her research include the use of nanoparticles and nanoelements to fortify crops, the development of biofertilizers, and the investigation of plant responses to environmental stressors. Her studies on the impact of nanoelements, such as iodine and copper nanoparticles, on plant health and growth highlight her contributions to advancing agricultural biotechnology. Additionally, she examines the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying plant stress responses, aiming to improve crop productivity and sustainability through cutting-edge biotechnological solutions.

Publication Top Notes 

1. Application of nanoelements in plant nutrition and its impact in ecosystems 🌱🧪
2. Use of iodine to biofortify and promote growth and stress tolerance in crops 🌾🧪
3. Nanoparticles and nanomaterials as plant biostimulants 🌟🔬
4. Effects of chitosan–PVA and Cu nanoparticles on the growth and antioxidant capacity of tomato under saline stress 🍅✨
5. Chitosan-PVA and copper nanoparticles improve growth and overexpress the SOD and JA genes in tomato plants under salt stress 🍅⚛️
6. From elemental sulfur to hydrogen sulfide in agricultural soils and plants 🌱💧
7. The application of copper nanoparticles and potassium silicate stimulate the tolerance to Clavibacter michiganensis in tomato plants 🍅🔬
8. Selenium and Sulfur to Produce Allium Functional Crops 🌾🔬
9. Transcriptomics of biostimulation of plants under abiotic stress 🌿🧬
10. Impact of carbon nanomaterials on the antioxidant system of tomato seedlings 🍅

 

Conclusion

Susana González Morales is a strong candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her extensive research background, including significant contributions to agricultural biotechnology and plant stress responses, demonstrates her expertise and innovative approach. Her leadership roles and impactful projects further underline her qualifications.To enhance her candidacy, focusing on increasing the visibility of her work and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations could provide additional benefits. Emphasizing her mentorship and commitment to developing future researchers would also strengthen her profile.Overall, her impressive academic achievements, research impact, and professional experience make her a deserving nominee for the award.