Short Biography

Francinie Murillo Vega holds a Bachelor’s and Licentiate degree in Biotechnology Engineering from the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (2014, 2017) and is a Master’s candidate in Food Science and Technology at the National University of Costa Rica. Since 2015, she has served as a Lecturer and Researcher at the School of Biology and the Biotechnology Research Center (CIB) of the Costa Rica Institute of Technology.

Her work integrates teaching, applied research, and outreach, with a strong focus on microalgal biotechnology for the development of biofertilizers, biostimulants, functional foods, aquaculture supplements, and sustainable materials. She has led and participated in more than 20 research and extension projects, four of them as coordinator, addressing topics such as circular economy, aquaculture nutrition, food metabolomics, and renewable energy.

Through her research, she promotes technology transfer and innovation, linking biotechnology with sustainability and community development.

Academic Background

• M.Sc. Candidate in Food Science and Technology, National University of Costa Rica (2018–present).

• Licentiate in Biotechnology Engineering, Costa Rica Institute of Technology (2015–2017).

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology Engineering, Costa Rica Institute of Technology (2010–2014).

• Complementary training in microbial design for industry, bioactive compounds and health, nutritional optimization in aquaculture, and international internships in food extrusion (Tecnológico de Monterrey, 2023).

Professional Experience at TEC

• Costa Rica Institute of Technology (2015–present):

  • Lecturer in General Biology, Biology Laboratory, and Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory.

  • Researcher in over 20 projects, four of them as coordinator, in the fields of microalgal biotechnology, functional foods, agricultural bioinputs, and bioprocesses.

  • Extensionist since 2022 in projects on circular economy and agricultural bioinsumes.

  • Supervisor of undergraduate theses in food biotechnology, microalgal bioprocesses, and sustainable agriculture.

Extension Interests

• Development and transfer of biofertilizers and biostimulants for agricultural producers.

• Application of microalgal supplements in sustainable aquaculture to improve productivity and reduce environmental impact.

• Implementation of circular economy practices in rural communities and agro-industries.

• Science outreach and training in biotechnology applications for productive and educational sectors.

Intellectual Property and Creative Works

• Industrial Secret: Formulation of microalgae-based biofertilizers (registered with the Technology Transfer Office, Costa Rica Institute of Technology; licensed to Algabiotica S.A. in 2022).

• Scientific Publications (2020–2025): Author and co-author of more than 15 indexed articles and book contributions on microalgal biotechnology, aquaculture, functional foods, bioremediation, and circular economy.

• Active member of CYTED–RENUWAL Network, contributing to international manuals and protocols on microalgal biotechnology.

• Entrepreneurship: Co-founder of Algabiotica S.A. (2020), a company specializing in microalgae-based biostimulants for the agricultural sector.