Biography

My scientific career has focused on understanding the mechanisms that preserve genomic integrity. During my PhD, using yeast as a model organism, I defined the role of DNA:RNA hybrids (R-loops) in promoting genomic instability—work that became a cornerstone linking RNA biology to DNA repair. This connection has since inspired dedicated conferences and research lines. Later, at the University of Cambridge, I uncovered how recombination is regulated during the cell cycle in yeast and humans, contributing to the field’s understanding of DNA double-strand break repair pathway choice.

Since founding my independent lab in 2010, I have continued this research, publishing multiple primary articles and contributing to many more from other groups, along with reviews and book chapters. Our work has opened new avenues in recombination regulation, from local chromatin factors like G4s and R-loops to global determinants such as cell identity and the circadian clock. We’ve identified dozens of key factors, post-translational modifications, and unexpected cellular links. We’ve also developed unique molecular tools now widely used by peers. This impact has earned me distinctions such as the EMBO Young Investigator Program and an ERC grant.

As an Full Professor at the University of Sevilla, I’ve taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses for over 15 years. I’ve served on various boards, including Andalusian-level Ethics Committees, and was Manager of the Cancer area at the Spanish State Research Agency (2020–2024), overseeing the evaluation of over 600 grants and projects. I also act as an ad hoc reviewer for journals and funding agencies across the world. I’ve supervised 13 completed PhDs and currently mentor 6 more. All past and current students have published as first authors and contributed to additional papers. I’ve also supervised over 30 undergraduate and master’s research projects.

I’m a member of several scientific societies, including serving as Junior Consul and now Consul of the Spanish Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and spokesperson for the Spanish Genetics Society.

Since January 2025, I’ve been Deputy Director of the Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER).