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C&EN's 2024 Trailblazers
Alán Aspuru-Guzik blurs the boundaries between chemistry, AI, and robotics
Varinia Bernales develops safer chemicals while making science more equitable
Sarah Briceño turns Ecuador's natural resources into nanomaterials
Mónica Cala leads the first metabolomics facility in Colombia
Karina Carneiro rebuilds tissue using synthetic DNA
Aline M. Castro writes children's books when she's not capturing carbon
Luis A. Colón has spent decades increasing diversity in the chemical sciences
Rogelio A. Hernández-López reprograms cells to fight cancer
Juan Paulo Hinestroza matches nanotechnology with fashion design
Eusebio Juaristi has spent a career thinking about molecules in 3D
Carlos A. Martinez used nature's catalysts to make Paxlovid a reality
Edna Matta-Camacho fights against educational disparities in rural Colombia
Maria Fernanda Mora looks for life on other planets
Monica Olvera de la Cruz brings chemical simulations into the real world
Pablo Pastén tracks the chemical legacy of Chile's mines
Melissa Ramirez went from first-generation college student to university professor
Martín Salinas coaxes crops to make animal proteins
Anabella Villalobos has redefined how we treat neurological diseases
Joel Yuen-Zhou traps photons and harnesses them to control chemical reactions
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Food Science
Mónica Cala leads the first metabolomics facility in Colombia
Graduate student Kieran Tarazona Carrillo talks with this metabolomics researcher about cofounding the state-of-the-art research facility and promoting Latin American research
by Kieran Tarazona Carrillo, special to C&EN
September 20, 2024
| A version of this story appeared in
Volume 102, Issue 29
At the University of the Andes in Colombia, Mónica Cala analyzes metabolites formed during coffee and cocoa production. She works to refine food processing approaches and uses her data to improve the quality of Colombia’s specialty products. She also helped found and now leads MetCore, the country’s first core research facility devoted to metabolomics, the study of small molecules produced by cells and tissues, expanding the breadth of research possible in Latin America. Kieran Tarazona Carrillo spoke with Cala about her research and the network she created to provide aspiring Latin American researchers an opportunity to conduct metabolomics research close to home.
▸Vitals
Mónica Cala
▸ Hometown: Socorro, Colombia
▸ Education: BS, chemistry, University of the Andes in Colombia, 2008; MSc, chemistry, Industrial University of Santander, 2012; PhD, chemistry, University of the Andes in Colombia, 2017
▸ Current position: Head of Metabolomics Core Facility, University of the Andes in Colombia
▸ Favorite molecule: Neurotransmitters, especially serotonin and dopamine
▸ What Reminds me of home: A cup of specialty coffee
▸ Favorite Music: Tropipop (also known as Colombian pop and Trop-pop)
▸ I am: Latina
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
Mónica Cala
HOMETOWN: Socorro, Colombia
EDUCATION: BS, chemistry, University of the Andes in Colombia, 2008; MSc, chemistry, Industrial University of Santander, 2012; PhD, chemistry, University of the Andes in Colombia, 2017
CURRENT POSITION: Head of Metabolomics Core Facility, University of the Andes in Colombia
FAVORITE MOLECULE: Neurotransmitters, especially serotonin and dopamine
WHAT REMINDS ME OF HOME: A cup of specialty coffee
FAVORITE MUSIC: Tropipop (also known as Colombian pop and Trop-pop)
I AM: Latina
Image Credit: Courtesy of Ana Maria León
Kieran Tarazona Carrillo: I first learned about your work at the Metabolomics 2022 conference and was thrilled to see another Colombian researcher working in the field! What made you want to pursue metabolomics?
Mónica Cala: I did my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in analytical chemistry, but when I started my PhD, I switched to biomedical analysis. I wanted to use analytical chemistry to investigate metabolic alterations in diseases and explore potential therapeutic or diagnostic alternatives. My PhD research focused on the metabolic alterations in breast cancer in Colombian populations.
A year and a half after starting my PhD, I attended the first Latin American Metabolic Profiling Society (LAMPS) meeting, where I met Coral Barbas, the director of the Centre of Metabolomics and Bioanalysis. Her research group was made up of analytical chemists who used mass spectrometry to study metabolomics, so I asked her if I could intern at the center.
This internship was crucial; it provided comprehensive training in all essential aspects of metabolomics and started my love for the field.
KTC: That sounds very similar to my journey! I studied biochemistry and analytical chemistry as an undergraduate and then came to the University of Alberta and fell in love with metabolomics.
At Metabolomics 2022, I learned that your research focuses on Colombian coffee and cacao crops. Can you tell me more about that work and why you chose to look at these crops?
MC: Because Colombia isn’t very big and has a lot of mountains. We can’t produce as much food as some other countries, like Brazil. So there’s a significant focus on improving the quality of specialty products, like coffee and fine-flavor cocoa, to increase their value. Metabolomics enables us to correlate the metabolic changes occurring during the production of these products with different sensory and flavor profiles and select the process that enhances product quality.
For example, with both cocoa and coffee, we’re trying to create tools that farmers can use to better control the first fermentation step by using starter cultures, so that they can produce beans with unique sensory profiles and flavors. We’re also working with Colcafé, a company in Colombia that produces ready-to-drink coffee beverages, such as cold brews, to improve the long-term stability of their existing products and figure out how they can create new goods for consumers using different food processing technologies.
And don’t forget to contribute to your region, whether you’re based here or wherever you work. Each of us can play a role in advancing science in Latin America.
KTC: It’s amazing that all this work is being done as a part of MetCore. What made you want to create a facility like MetCore in the first place?
MC: After I finished my PhD, I initially considered doing a postdoc abroad. But I also felt conflicted that I wouldn’t be continuing metabolomics research in Colombia. At that time, limited metabolomics research was being conducted in the country, and the few studies that were underway often were carried out by international collaborators. I knew that metabolomics research could be conducted locally, which is why I wanted to make it possible.
I shared these feelings with Silvia Restrepo, who was the vice president of research [at the University of the Andes in Colombia] at that time, and told her I wanted to establish a lab facility that allowed me to continue working in metabolomics here. Silvia thought that was an amazing idea and encouraged me to propose the project to the university, which I did with her support. Once the project was approved, I had 6 months to establish the business and financial plans, design the lab, and another 6 months to build the lab and set up the equipment.
KTC: Wow! That sounds stressful! But I bet it’s extremely rewarding to see all your hard work pay off.
▸Vitals
Kieran Tarazona Carrillo
▸ Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia
▸ Education: BSc, biochemistry, University of Waterloo, 2019
▸ Current position: PhD candidate, analytical chemistry, David Wishart’s laboratory, University of Alberta
▸ Mentor, and why: Stacey Lavery, supervisor of my undergrad analytical chemistry lab. She creates a welcoming environment, celebrates people’s successes, and supports them through challenges. She has shown me that hard work, dedication, and perseverance lead to success.
▸ Best professional advice I’ve received: Never take negative criticism from someone you wouldn’t ask for advice.
▸ Favorite molecule, and why: I love heme! It has a cool ring structure, and hemes have so many roles in the body.
▸ I am: Colombian, nonbinary
MC: Yes! It sounds corny, but establishing this facility was a dream for me. As a PhD student, I thought it would be impossible because of the lack of funding for research and limited access to cutting-edge technologies across various disciplines here in Colombia. I’m really grateful the university decided to invest in the facility.
This year marks MetCore’s fifth anniversary, and reflecting on our achievements fills me with immense pride. Last year, for instance, MetCore collaborated in 34 research projects with institutions in Bogotá and other regions in Colombia and provided training for 32 Colombian students. We built a thriving, cutting-edge research environment, and while it comes with many responsibilities, the process has been incredibly fulfilling.
KTC: Earlier, you mentioned that you were first introduced to metabolomics through the connections you made at the LAMPS meeting, and I know you’re one of the founding members of LAMPS. Why did you feel it was important to create the society, and how do you think it has helped other Latin American researchers?
Kieran Tarazona Carrillo
HOMETOWN: Bogotá, Colombia
EDUCATION: BSc, biochemistry, University of Waterloo, 2019
CURRENT POSITION: PhD candidate, analytical chemistry, David Wishart's laboratory, University of Alberta
MENTOR, AND WHY: Stacey Lavery, supervisor of my undergrad analytical chemistry lab. She creates a welcoming environment, celebrates people's successes, and supports them through challenges. She has shown me that hard work, dedication, and perseverance lead to success.
BEST PROFESSIONAL ADVICE I'VE RECEIVED: Never take negative criticism from someone you wouldn't ask for advice.
FAVORITE MOLECULE, AND WHY: I love heme! It has a cool ring structure with iron inside the ring. Hemes have so many roles in the body.
I AM: Colombian, nonbinary
Kieran Tarazona Carrillo’s current work focuses on standardization of fecal sample preparation for metabolomics studies with a focus on metabolite stability and applications to other biological samples. They love going to Elk Island National Park in Alberta with their friends to watch bison.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Kieran Tarazona Carrillo
MC: In Latin America, we encounter significant challenges in conducting research, particularly in fields like metabolomics. While this field is well established internationally, it is still developing in our region due to limited access to advanced technology and specialized knowledge. It is vital to establish networks that enable students and researchers to access technology, optimize research resources, and receive training. This was crucial for me, which is why I am deeply passionate about supporting the LAMPS network.
LAMPS develops, improves, and supports the training of new metabolomic researchers, ensuring open and accessible scientific research in our region. We’re also finding ways to retain talent. For example, we’ve established internships at MetCore that allow students to conduct metabolomics research without having to travel abroad.
Our other focus is to encourage researchers from other parts of the world to come here and spend time working in our labs, which we’re doing in collaboration with the Metabolomics Society, who have been major supporters. Looking forward, we plan to build collaborative projects addressing common issues in Latin America, like tropical diseases and food challenges, and exploring biomarkers for diagnosing diseases across different populations.
KTC: I’m in my final year of my PhD. I’m considering the possibility of continuing my career in Latin America. What advice do you have for young Latine or Hispanic students, like myself?
MC: The future of science lies in interdisciplinary approaches, so dare to explore beyond traditional boundaries. Step outside your comfort zone. Be bold, be curious, and let your unique perspective guide you to create high-value solutions and significant changes in your region—and potentially the world.
And don’t forget to contribute to your region, whether you’re based here or wherever you work. Each of us can play a role in advancing science in Latin America.
More online
Read this article in Español | Português.
Chemical & Engineering News
ISSN 0009-2347
Copyright © 2024 American Chemical Society
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