Peruvian researcher Rosa Vasquez was awarded a grant from the
National Geographic Society to explore the properties of microbiological biodiversity in Peru's Amazon rainforest.
When she was a child, Vasquez played in the garden of her humble house in Sihuas (Ancash region), thinking about the fascinating stories her grandmother told her about natural medicine —the only kind of medicine her family could access due to low economic resources.
This inspiration led her to choose sciences as her major and, thanks to comprehensive scholarships in the United States, she is about to complete her PhD.
It must be noted that —with more than eight years outside Peru— Vasquez refuses to forget her roots.
Why bacteria?
"Very little is known about the microbiome and the microbial populations in the Peruvian Amazon region. Peru has the second-largest portion of the Amazon rainforest after Brazil," the 26-year-old researcher pointed out.
For that reason, she finds it necessary to identify the different types of bacteria and their composition, as well as to find out how they support and protect the ecosystem.
Ongoing research
In a first stage, the research team under her leadership explored the so-called
Boiling River (Shanay Timpishka) in Huanuco region.
The Peruvian highlighted the unique geological features of the jungle, which —she said— will lead them to find life in the surroundings.
She expects to have the first results by the end of 2020.
Recently, she applied her skills in chemistry to study the medicinal properties of
suri, and in her PhD she continues studying natural products. For this, she analyzes how bacteria from different parts of the world biosynthesize certain molecules or harbor specific enzymes and other characteristics that could benefit the ecosystem.
"When I left Peru, I didn't have any role model to follow. I love seeing how science is progressing in the country," Vasquez emphasized.
The scientist also aims at inspiring younger generations to gain interest in the sciences, especially girls. With her work, she is making it happen.
(END) SPV/RMB/MVB
Published: 12/10/2019