Name and Surname: Elia Tomás Pejó
Organization: IMDEA Energy (Spain)
Major Fields of Research/Activity: yeast fermentation, biotechnology, biofuels and bioproducts, waste valorization
- What is your role in the YAF project? What are you currently working on within the scope of YAF?
I am Project Coordinator and main supervisor of DC1 (Tomás Zubak). Research wise, we work on waste conversion into short-chain fatty acids and microbial oils production with Yarrowia lipolytica. I also work together with our grant manager Gloria Soriano to organize training activities, courses, meetings etc. to achieve a big success in this network.
- Why do you think the YAF research is important for your career development and how it will impact the society?
As coordinator of this amazing doctoral network that includes 12 different research projects, YAF is an important milestone in my career. YAF impacts on society will be significant not only because it addresses the production of sustainable fuels but it also trains a future generation of well-prepared researchers.
- What or who inspired you to go into academia/research?
I have been always very curious and I considered being a researcher during my biology studies. My mum was the one that really encouraged me to jump into research! (she is not a researcher by the way). Furthermore, I have been always inspired by very creative women researchers like my PhD and Postdoc supervisors and some colleagues at IMDEA Energy.
- For you, what is most challenging and/or exciting about your work in YAF?
On of the most challenging is to efficiently supervise Tomás giving him the right tools to become a good researcher. Furthermore, it will be great if he can get a nice cell factory to accumulate high amounts of lipids from challenging feedstock. It is really exciting to see the fantastic network we have created both considering PI and DC!
- Write an inspiring quote for the DC you are going to supervise in YAF.
Yeast are incredible cell factories able to convert residual carbon sources into fuels: let´s make it a reality!
- Where can we find you after work? Doing what?
I love making plans with friends and family and spending quality-time with my kids (not only parenting). I enjoy training boxing that really helps me to maintain my mental health!
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