Prof. Dr. Mónica Sánchez Román | Microbe–Mineral Interactions and Biomineralization | Research Excellence Award

University of Granada | Spain

Dr. Monica Sanchez Roman focuses on microbial biomineralization and cell–mineral interactions, integrating microbiology, geochemistry, and mineralogy to understand how cellular processes regulate mineral formation and preserve biosignatures. It explores mechanisms such as metal incorporation into carbonates, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)–mediated mineral nucleation, and low-temperature carbonate formation. Using advanced analytical and synchrotron-based techniques, the work investigates biosignatures relevant to early Earth and planetary environments, including Mars. It also incorporates artificial intelligence to identify signatures linked to the origin of life. These studies contribute to geobiology, astrobiology, and environmental science, advancing knowledge of microbe-driven mineral processes and their applications in planetary exploration.

Featured Publications