Dr. Betina Cecilia Agaras | Agricultural microbiology | Women Researcher Award

Associate researcher | Universidad Nacional de Quilmes – Conicet  | Argentina

Based on the detailed profile of Betina Cecilia Agaras, here’s an assessment for the “Research for Women Researcher Award” considering her strengths, areas for improvement, and conclusion:

Strengths for the Award:

1. Research Excellence and Impact: Betina Agaras has demonstrated a strong commitment to research in microbiology and molecular biology, specifically in understanding the interactions between Pseudomonas species and plants. Her work spans various projects focusing on biocontrol agents and microbial applications in agriculture.
2. Publication Record: She has a robust publication record in reputable journals, demonstrating her contributions to the field. Her research papers often explore novel aspects of plant-microbe interactions, antimicrobial activities of bacterial isolates, and the genetic basis of biocontrol traits.
3. Funding and Project Leadership: Betina has secured multiple research grants as a principal investigator, highlighting her capability to lead projects and manage research teams effectively. Her current projects focus on studying genes and metabolites in Pseudomonas isolates for agricultural applications.
4. Academic Engagement: She is actively involved in academic activities, including teaching, supervising students (PhD and postdoctoral), and conducting workshops on microbiota analysis and soil biology. Her involvement in science communication and extension activities further strengthens her academic profile.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: While Betina excels in her field of microbiology and molecular biology, enhancing collaboration with researchers from complementary disciplines (e.g., agronomy, environmental sciences) could broaden the impact of her research.
2. International Collaboration: While she has participated in some international conferences and collaborations (e.g., Uruguay, Mendoza), further expanding international collaboration could facilitate cross-cultural perspectives and increase the global visibility of her research.

Conclusion:

Betina Cecilia Agaras is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award based on her exceptional research achievements, strong publication record, and leadership in securing research funding. Her dedication to advancing knowledge in plant-microbe interactions and developing sustainable agricultural practices through microbial applications is commendable. To further strengthen her profile, fostering interdisciplinary and international collaborations could amplify the impact of her research findings. Overall, Betina Agaras embodies the qualities of a dedicated researcher contributing significantly to the scientific community, particularly in the field of agricultural microbiology.

Short Biography 🌱

Betina Cecilia Agaras, born on December 15th, 1982, is a prominent researcher specializing in soil microbiology and plant probiotics. She currently serves as an Associate Researcher at CONICET and works at the Laboratory of Physiology and Genetics of Plant Probiotic Bacteria at the National University of Quilmes in Argentina. Her research focuses on understanding the microbial interactions in agricultural systems to develop sustainable bio-inputs for enhanced crop productivity.

Profile

ORCID

Education 📚

Betina Agaras completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology at the National University of Quilmes in 2007. She pursued her doctoral studies in Science and Technology, specializing in soil microbiology, at the same university, earning her PhD in 2014. In 2020, she obtained a Diploma in Science Teaching in Scientific-Technological Careers, further enhancing her educational credentials.

Experience 👩‍🔬

With a career spanning over a decade, Betina Agaras has established herself as a leading expert in her field. Since 2011, she has been an Instructor Professor in the Biochemistry area at the Science and Technology Department of the National University of Quilmes. Her journey as a researcher includes roles such as Assistant Researcher (2016-2019) and her current position as Associate Researcher at CONICET (2019-present).

Research Interest 🔬

Betina Agaras’s research is primarily focused on exploring the interactions between bacteria and plants in agricultural settings. She investigates the mechanisms underlying microbial antagonism against plant pathogens, aiming to identify key metabolites and microbial strains that can enhance plant health and productivity. Her work also extends to understanding microbial dynamics in soil and rhizosphere environments to develop effective bio-inputs for sustainable agriculture.

Awards 🏆

Betina Agaras has received recognition for her contributions to microbiology and agricultural science. Her notable awards include the Best Oral Presentation Award at the XII National Scientific-Technical Meeting on Soil Biology in Argentina (2019) and the Research Incentive Program for Teacher-Researchers (Class V) at the National University of Quilmes (2016-present).

Publications 📝

Betina Agaras has authored numerous impactful publications in renowned scientific journals. Some of her recent contributions include:

Lorch, M.G., Valverde, C., Agaras, B.C. (2024). Variability in Maize Seed Bacterization and Survival Correlating with Root Colonization by Pseudomonas Isolates with Plant-Probiotic Traits. Plants, 13, 2130. doi: 10.3390/plants13152130

Muzlera, A., Sobrero, P., Agaras, B., Valverde C. (2024). Orfamide production in Pseudomonas protegens CHA0T promotes rhizospheric colonization and influences assemblage of the bacterial community of wheat roots in soil. Rhizosphere, 30, 100882. doi: 10.1016/j.rhisph.2024.100882

Agaras, B.C., Grossi, C.E.M., Ulloa, R.M. (2023). Unveiling the Secrets of Calcium-Dependent Proteins in Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria: An Abundance of Discoveries Awaits. Plants, 12, 3398. doi: 10.3390/plants12193398