Claudia Etchebehere

Dr. Claudia Etchebehere, a distinguished researcher at the Clemente Estable Biological Research Institute in Montevideo, Uruguay, has significantly advanced the understanding of microbial communities involved in recovering valuable products from wastes. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of the Republic and completed internships at Michigan State University, Ghent University, and the French National Research Institute, gaining expertise in DNA-based microbial analysis. Her research focuses on microbial processes in waste-to-energy systems, including methane, biohydrogen, and microbial fuel cells. She has contributed to elucidating the roles of previously unknown microorganisms in biogas production and has advanced biohydrogen technology, fostering collaborations across Latin America through the Latin American Biohydrogen Network. Utilizing molecular biology tools and high-throughput sequencing, her work enhances understanding of microbial functions, supporting technological applications for environmental challenges. She has trained numerous researchers, many now leading their own groups, and is recognized as a leading expert in Latin America and globally. Committed to collaborative research, she works closely with engineering teams and actively promotes gender equity in science through participation in national and international networks. Her contributions have positioned her at the forefront of environmental biotechnology and renewable energy research in the region.