Abraham D. Guerra Ospino

Microbiologist | Bioinformatician

My research focuses on Comparative genomics and Metagenomics, with particular emphasis on Pangenomics, Phylogenomics, Extremophiles, Archaea, and Plant-Associated Microbiomes.

About Me

I am a Microbiologist with a B.Sc. from Simón Bolívar University. Currently, I am a CAPES scholar pursuing a Master's degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding at São Paulo State University (UNESP). I am also an active researcher at CBioClima - Center for Research in Biodiversity and Climate Change. My work integrates genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular biology to explore microbial communities, with the goal of developing innovative and sustainable biotechnological solutions.

Science in Action

"As we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. There are also known unknowns: things we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns — the ones we don't know we don't know."

Precision in the Lab

Every drop counts. Handling reagents for molecular analysis, the foundation of modern genomics.

Finding Utricularia foliosa in the field

The Thrill of Discovery

After hours of searching, the reward: finding *Utricularia foliosa* in its natural habitat. Field science at its best.

Presenting at the Caribbean Microbial Meeting 2024

Sharing the Science

Presenting our findings on *Methanobrevibacter smithii*. Connecting genomics with the scientific community.

The Digital Challenge

The face of victory after days installing Anvi'o. Every headache was worth it to visualize pangenomics in a new way.

Experience & Education

Erasmus+ KA171 Grantee

Metainfomics Laboratory (University of Padova), Italy
Participating in the EU co-funded CRONUS project (Capture and Reuse Of biogenic gases for Negative-emission - sustainable biofUelS) to conduct metagenomic & metatranscriptomic analyses

Mar 2026 – Present

Associate Researcher

Center for Research in Biodiversity and Climate Change (CBioClima), Brazil

Mar 2024 – Present

M.Sc. in Genetics and Plant Breeding

São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil

Mar 2024 – Ongoing

Junior Researcher (Professional Contract)

Center for Research in Biodiversity and Climate Change - ADAPTIA, Colombia

Jun 2023 – Nov 2023

Laboratory Assistant

Center for Research in Biodiversity and Climate Change - ADAPTIA, Colombia

Jan 2022 – Jan 2023

B.Sc. in Microbiology

Simón Bolivar University (USB), Colombia

Feb 2018 – Mar 2023

Research Projects

Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus: A large-scale comparative genomic analysis Exploring the pangenome of Candidatus Atelocyanobacterium thalassa (UCYN-A) Complete Mitochondrial genome of the fungus-growing ant Cyphomyrmex costatus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) Beyond the classic 16S rRNA classification: revealing two species within Methanobrevibacter smithii Comprehensive Analysis of the Halobacterium Genus through Phylo-pangenomic Approaches Genomic characterization of Vreelandella venusta isolated from the Galerazamba Solar Saltern The Pangenome: A Statistical Model The genus Utricularia in a neotropical biodiversity hotspot: an updated checklist for Colombia Genomic and phylogenetic characterization of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HCA1 Isolation and Characterization of Halophilic Archaea from the Galerazamba Solar Saltern Environmental potential and health risks of mineral water wells in Usiacurí Population genetics and conservation dynamics of aquatic carnivorous plants Bacterial and fungal diversity in a montane cloud forest in Oaxaca (Mexico) Propagation of ornamental and succulent plants

Field Expeditions

Hunting for Utricularia foliosa in Mogi daz Cruzes (SP), Brazil

A multi-day expedition to locate and collect samples of the aquatic carnivorous plant, *Utricularia foliosa*. This fieldwork was crucial for our population genetics studies and involved navigating challenging wetland environments to find these elusive specimens.

Publications

Aquifers and Groundwater: Challenges and Opportunities in Water Resource Management in Colombia.

MDPI Water (2024)

Human associated Archaea: a neglected microbiome worth investigating.

World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (2024)

Soil culturable microbial diversity in an undisturbed montane cloud forest of Oaxaca, Mexico.

REVISTA MEXICANA DE BIODIVERSIDAD (2023)

Microalgae: Potential for Bioeconomy in Food Systems.

MDPI Applied Sciences (2021)

Awards & Honors

Recognition for Scientific Research Impact

Simón Bolívar University, Colombia (Nov 2024)

Best Oral Presentation Award

Caribbean Microbial Meeting 2023 (Nov 2023)

Recognition for High Performance in Research

Simón Bolívar University, Colombia (Nov 2023)

Investigative Merit Award

Simón Bolívar University (Mar 2023)

Member of Research and Innovation Hotbed, Elite Category

Simón Bolívar University (May 2021)

Technical Skills

GenomicsMetagenomicsPangenomicsBioinformaticsPythonRLinuxComparative GenomicsPhylogeneticsMicrobial CulturePCR & SequencingBioprospecting