I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (2006), along with a Master’s and PhD in Biological Sciences (Experimental) from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM, 2007, 2015). Since 2016, I have served as a CONACYT Research Fellow at the Natural Products Biotechnology Laboratory within the División de Materiales Avanzados at the Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT). My research focuses on functional foods, particularly the study of cactus fruits and their applications in experimental models related to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and kidney damage caused by obesity and drug use.
I have actively contributed to seven national research projects, serving as Principal Investigator for a project funded by the Secretaría de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural. My scientific contributions include over 26 publications in peer-reviewed journals indexed by the Journal Citation Reports (JCR). I hold an h-index of 16 with 1,032 citations on Scopus and an h-index of 19 with 1,865 citations on Google Scholar. Additionally, I have authored four book chapters.
My research has been presented at 43 national and international meetings. I am also involved in postgraduate education, teaching both theoretical and practical courses. I have mentored and co-mentored numerous students, including 3 PhD candidates, 2 Master’s students, and 5 Bachelor’s students. I have been a National Researcher within Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI) since 2012 and currently hold Level 2 recognition for 2024-2028.
Research Focus
My research centers on enhancing scientific expertise in applying nutrigenomics to human physiology, particularly emphasizing nutrients and bioactive compounds derived from fruits of arid regions. As a CONAHCYT Research Fellow, I am dedicated to developing an academic career encompassing teaching and training the next generation of researchers. My key areas of study include:
- Nutraceutical Properties of Arid Zone Fruits: Investigating the health benefits of fruits such as Stenocereus huastecorum, Myrtillocactus geometrizans, and Escontria chiotilla.
- Adjuvant Therapies for Chronic Diseases: Evaluating the use of natural products from arid regions as complementary treatments for conditions like obesity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.
- Dietary Behavior in Arid Populations: Assessing how populations in arid areas adapt their nutritional habits and the impact of these changes on their health.
