Vanessa Novoa Fernández, Ph.D. is a scientific researcher and academic at the Laboratory of Applied and Sustainable Chemistry (LabQAS), Department of Chemistry, Universidad del Bío-Bío (UBB), Chile. Her academic training includes a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology (UCSC), a Master’s degree in Integrated Management, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences (UdeC), with an interdisciplinary approach integrating environmental chemistry, biotechnology, mycology, and environmental management. Her research focuses on the valorization of industrial and natural residues, the development of advanced sustainable biomaterials, and the application of nature-based solutions to address emerging environmental challenges. She has solid expertise in water footprint assessment, water security, and water governance. A distinctive component of her work is the use of native, marine, and extremophilic fungi for environmental and industrial applications, with research lines emphasizing biomaterials, mycoremediation, and the biodegradation of emerging contaminants, microplastics, and persistent organic compounds. She has participated as a researcher in FONDECYT Postdoctoral, FONDECYT Regular, FONDEF IDEA I+D, and FIC-R projects, addressing topics such as urban wetlands, sustainable biomaterials, environmental chemistry, and fungal bioprospecting in extreme environments. In addition, she is actively involved in scientific outreach and illustration, linking frontier research with strong engagement with communities, public institutions, and industry to develop applied scientific solutions oriented toward sustainability.
