# Martha Calderón Ríos

Martha Steffany Calderón Ríos is a Peruvian biologist recognized for her research in the field of genetics and molecular biology aimed at the sustainable use of natural resources. In 2019, she carried out an expedition in Antarctica that led to the discovery of the first bleached crustose coralline algae, an important precedent for the study of environmental impact on the Antarctic continent.

## Biography
### Early years and education

Martha Calderón Ríos felt a deep interest in science at a young age, and at 14, after watching a documentary about the Machu Picchu Base in Antarctica, she decided to study biology, with the dream of one day visiting said continent. She graduated as a biologist with a mention in hydrobiology and fisheries at the National University of San Marcos and later completed her postgraduate studies at the Chungnam National University in Daejeon, South Korea.

## Career

Currently, she is classified in RENACYT at level I. Her research covers the study of species with agricultural and biotechnological potential. In the microbiological field, the discovery of a new species of fungus called (Beauveria peruviensis) has marked an important milestone worldwide, contributing to the control of the coffee berry borer, one of the most important pests of coffee in the world.
In the botanical field, her study of different species of high-altitude papaya (Caricaceae, Vasconcellea) has allowed the identification of five new species with agroeconomic potential, helping to promote their use in local agricultural production.
Likewise, her focus on the production chain through the study of the genetic structure of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) has provided useful information to improve its conservation and carry out a more efficient cultivation of the various native varieties. Also, her research on coffee fermentation has revealed how certain bacteria can improve its flavor and aroma, generating new opportunities to produce high-quality beans in the region.
On the other hand, her expedition to Antarctica in 2019, thanks to funding from the Public Science program of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation of the Government of Chile, allowed her to carry out important work in the identification of algae, testimony compiled in the book Antarctica: stories of explorers in the heart of the planet. Thanks to this research, it was possible to identify the first bleached crustose coralline algae from Antarctica, a microorganism with potential bioindicator in the environmental health of the polar ecosystem.
In addition to her outstanding scientific work, she is also part of the Committee for Women in Science, Technology and Innovation; which seeks to reduce gender gaps by promoting an equitable and inclusive environment that provides women with equal opportunities to participate in science. In line with the committee's objectives, Calderón has formed a commission within the National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza which seeks to promote the visibility of women in science through talks and fairs.

## Investigation areas

Calderón's research focuses on the application of molecular techniques, such as gene sequencing and DNA analysis, to identify species, assess their genetic diversity, and develop strategies for the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.

## Awards and recognitions

In 2019, she received a L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award in recognition of her outstanding research on the development of starter cultures applying metagenomic sequencing to identify microorganisms present in the spontaneous fermentation of high-quality coffees in the Amazon, marking an important milestone in the beginning of a more industrialized and controlled production process through the use of defined microbial strains.