Morales-Nava, Rosmarbel

My research interests focus on the study of the antibiotic activity of Amphotericin B and its synthetic derivatives in biological membrane environments and their electrical activity in single-channel studies. I work on characterizing compounds with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic activity from Moringa oleifera and Punica granatum plants. In materials science, I study nanocrystalline systems doped with rare earth elements to investigate their optical activity. During my undergraduate studies, I synthesized various analogs of Amphotericin B, a potent antifungal agent, with the goal of reducing its cytotoxicity, starting with the development of a new compound with pharmacological activity. For my doctoral research, I conducted studies on chiral molecules in the synthesis of neurotransmitter precursor drugs, along with theoretical studies on conformational stability. After completing my doctoral degree, I continued the synthesis project of Amphotericin B analogs as an Academic Technician at the Institute of Physical Sciences at UNAM. In this project, I obtained results related to spectroscopic and electrophysiological behavior, which contributed to obtaining one national patent and three international patents for a new analog called A21. This analog exhibits the same antifungal effect as Amphotericin B but with reduced collateral toxicity. A21 is currently in the process of technology transfer for commercialization. From 2015 to 2017, I conducted a postdoctoral research stay at BUAP, working on projects related to the synthesis of non-androgenic anabolic steroid compounds and the isolation of steroidal compounds in Moringa oleifera. In 2017, I was awarded the Fulbright-García Robles Scholarship, which allowed me to conduct a postdoctoral research stay at The College of Pharmacy at the University of Iowa in the USA, an internationally recognized institution in the field of Health Sciences. During this stay, I synthesized compounds for the treatment of tuberculosis and protozoan diseases. I was recognized for successfully completing the Fulbright program by The F. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board and The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of The United States Department of State. To date, I have published 7 research articles and 2 book chapters, all in reputable journals and publishing houses. I have contributed to undergraduate education by teaching 55 courses in the fields of chemistry and biotechnology and co-supervising 13 theses at five different universities. I have presented 6 oral presentations and participated in 9 national and 8 international conferences. In 2013, I was granted the distinction of being a Candidate in the National Researchers System (SNI) and later, from 2018 to 2020, I achieved SNI Level I, a recognition valid until 2026. In 2014, I received the Cuexcomate Award for Innovation and Technology Transfer from UAEMor, in recognition of my contribution to the development of a new drug derived from the antibiotic Amphotericin B with reduced side effects. In March 2021, I received the Innovation Award from the Department of Sciences at ITESM for successfully implementing innovative educational strategies in the new Flexible Digital Model for the virtual classroom during the COVID contingency, for the courses Q1028 Fundamentals of the Structure and Transformation of Matter, Q1021 Chemical Experimentation and Fundamental Statistical Thinking, and Q1023 Chemical Experimentation and Intermediate Statistical Thinking. In June 2022, I was honored with the Outstanding ECOA Professor Award by ITESM, an accolade reserved for professors who receive the highest evaluations for their teaching activities and the implementation of didactic strategies to enhance the learning experience.

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