Andrea Catacora Grundy works at the Cell & Plant Physiology Laboratory (LPCV).

Her project: Multiscale study of the host control on its symbiotic microalgae

Hello, I am Andrea Catacora Grundy from La Paz, Bolivia. I am a 1PhD student at LPCV laboratory in the Photosymbiosis team since October 2020, working under the supervision of Johan Decelle and Gilles Curien. I study the photosymbiotic interaction between two unicellular organisms: Paramecium bursaria (heterotrophic host) and Chlorella microalgae (photosynthetic symbiont). Through a multiscale approach combining 3D electron microscopy and molecular biology tools, I am looking for deeper evidence about the metabolic mechanisms that operates between the host and its microalga and the microenvironment where the symbiont is kept.

During my bachelor’s degree in Biology, I study ligninolytic enzymes from Bolivian white-rot fungi, a work that help me discover my passion for science. In the last year of my studies, I had the chance to be part of the Palm-Exchange program at LiU university in Sweden. This last two experiences, on top of others in the research field, marked my life and so I decided to continue my studies pursuing a Master program with an international context. Last year I registered in a Master program at UGA focused on plant biology. Now I am settled in Grenoble: a young active city. I honestly appreciate the simple lifestyle that Grenoble offers in my daily life: biking tours surrounded by mountainous landscapes. In addition, you have access to multiple outdoor activities not far away of the city!