José Alhama Carmona

I graduated in Biological Sciences (1987) and obtained a PhD in Science (1992) from the University of Córdoba (UCO). Since March 2023, I have been Full Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (UCO), where I carry out my teaching and research work. I currently teach classes in Biochemistry and Biotechnology degree programs and in the master’s degree in biotechnology. I was member of the BIO151 group (Andalusia, Spain), which since 1989 had studied biomarkers sensitive to pollutants in different organisms. Since July 2016, I have been responsible for the BIO187 group, which merged with the previous one. In 2003, we began the search for new biomarkers using proteomic approaches, which were applied to the study of the effects of the Aznalcóllar spill, as well as the environmental status of Doñana National Park and its surroundings. Our current research projects focus on the evaluation of the impact of emerging pollutants (nanoparticles, drugs, microplastics and E-wastes) in complex systems (multispecies experimental set-ups and field sampling in coastal areas). For that, we are now applying massive analysis methodologies, different Metaomics, and image analysis by mass spectrometry (MALDI-Imaging). In collaboration with Professor M. Ángeles Martín-Santos (Chemical Engineering Area, UCO), we opened a new line of research trying to assess the role of microorganisms present in biofilters used in urban waste treatment plants. Finally, the incorporation of Professor Antonio Romero-Ruiz to the group allowed us to join his line and group (GE09; IMIBIC), which is focused on the molecular study of peudomyxoma peritonei (PMP; a rare type of cancer) to characterize and validate new diagnostic/prognostic and therapeutic targets. I was coordinator of the bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and secretary of the academic council of the master’s degree in biotechnology. I have recognized five periods of six years for research (CNEAI).