María Fernanda Vasquez Contreras

María Fernanda Vasquez Contreras

María Fernanda Vásquez is an environmental engineer with extensive experience in research for the remediation of contaminated sites using biotechnological methods. Her first research focused on the phytoremediation of mining tailings using Helianthus annuus along with bacterial consortia, successfully stabilizing the metals on-site, preventing the plant from absorbing these contaminants, and preventing their transport in soils, and consequently, into aquifers. This research presents an innovative solution to contamination from mining tailings through a biotechnological approach that minimizes the generation of hazardous waste associated with physicochemical methods and prevents the absorption of contaminants by plants.

Motivated by her fascination with bioremediation, she continued with the incubation of bacteria consortia that degrade textile dyes. These investigations are aligned with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, aiming to contribute to the creation of a more sustainable world. This approach led her to present her project in 2023 at the International Congress of Environmental Sciences (ANCA) in Chetumal, Quintana Roo.

She participated in the NASA Space Apps Challenge Oaxaca in 2024 with the goal of demonstrating sustainability and is currently focused on environmental management, implementing strategies to ensure regulatory and legal compliance in Mexico. Her experience includes developing waste management plans for utilization, as well as the management and proper disposal of hazardous waste. Additionally, she has developed environmental impact statements and policies, with a special focus on monitoring scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions.

 

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  • Organization
    Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
  • Profession
    Student
  • Young AI Leaders Community

    Member
    February 2025 - 2029
    Oaxaca Hub
    The Americas
    Mexico