I was born in Cordoba, Argentina. In 2002, after obtaining a MSc degree in Biology, at the National University of Cordoba (Cordoba, Argentina), I moved to The Netherlands where I worked as a researcher for bio-based world leader in food preservation, Corbion (Gorinchem, The Netherlands). After five years investigating the antimicrobial properties of natural bioactive compounds, I decided to change the focus of my scientific career by engaging on a MSc program in Plant Biotechnology. The MSc program culminated with a thesis, which was carried out at the Laboratory of Plant Physiology of the same university (Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands), and that had for aim the characterization of bio-repellent and bio-insecticidal volatile blends being emitted by potato plants exposed to herbivore attack. This experience gave me the opportunity to continue expanding my knowledge through a PhD thesis that became available at the same laboratory in 2009. The main objective of my thesis was to unveil the metabolic pathways leading to natural pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones, potent natural biopesticides being produced in the trichomes of pyrethrum flowers.

In 2014, after my PhD graduation, I moved to Amsterdam to do a postdoc at the SILS institute of Amsterdam University (Amsterdam, The Netherlands). My research had for objective to do an in-depth characterization of the metabolic pathways leading to precursors (IPP/DMAPP) of tomato and tobacco trichome derived metabolites, known to have insecticidal properties. The involvement of trichomes in the production numerous ecologically, medically and industrially relevant compounds drove my interest to continue their exploration. In 2017, granting of a project proposal (FSR-personal grant) brought me to the LIBST institute of UCLouvain (Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium), where during three years I investigated the molecular basis of tobacco trichome development.

Finally and very recently, from May 2020, I have been engaged by UGhent to carry on part of two multidisciplinary projects: BIO2BIO and BioSUNmulant. Both projects have as overall goal, the valorisation of agricultural biomass and by-products, by searching for bioactive compounds that can potentially be developed into new agricultural products (bio-pesticides and bio-stimulants). Hence, matching with the current trends aiming for a sustainable bio-economy and a lower environmental footprint.

Affiliation

Department of Plants and Crops
Faculty of Bioscience Engineering 
Ghent University 
Block A, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium 

Emails: Aldana.Ramirez@UGent.be 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aldana-ramirez-5ba17215