Meet Laura Porras Tejado

Laura Porras Tejado

In my project, we aim to develop a system that generates rearrangements within genome-encoded modules in E. coli. Inspired by the SCRaMbLE system used in synthetic yeast, we’ll use this recombination-based strategy to create a wide variety of genomic variants.

Hi! I’m Laura Porras Tejado, and I’ve just joined the EVOLF project as a PhD student. Before starting my PhD, I completed both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in microbiology, where I developed a strong interest in molecular microbiology and how microbes work at the genetic level.

I’ve now started my PhD in the laboratory of Nico Claassens at Wageningen University & Research. In my project, we aim to develop a system that generates rearrangements within genome-encoded modules in E. coli. Inspired by the SCRaMbLE system used in synthetic yeast, we’ll use this recombination-based strategy to create a wide variety of genomic variants. By exploring this diversity, we hope to identify minimal versions of essential modules and then further refine and optimize them. Ultimately, the goal is to iteratively reduce, reorganize, and improve these gene networks, helping us understand how minimal they can be while still maintaining their essential functions.

Outside the lab, I really enjoy sewing clothes, spending time in nature, meeting friends and playing board games.