Interview with Cristina CANTALLOPS VILÀ, doctoral student in biotechnology/applied microbiology

Cristina: Originally from Barcelona, I obtained a bachelor's degree in Biotechnology at the University of Barcelona, followed by a master's degree in Applied Microbiology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. During my bachelor's degree, I had the opportunity to do an internship in Stockholm on antimicrobial proteins, followed by another in Barcelona on microbial biosensors during my master's degree. These experiences confirmed my ambition to devote myself to research, particularly in projects combining biotechnology and microbiology. It was my interest in this research theme that led me to study at the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, on the Cambrai site, as part of a student mobility scheme during my PhD.

Cristina: In the face of growing antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation*, it's crucial to develop new antimicrobial strategies. My research focuses on the development and evaluation of innovative antimicrobial biomaterials using antimicrobial peptides to prevent or treat orthopedic infections. These peptides, produced by humans, insects and microbes, are able to neutralize or inhibit certain pathogen species with a very low rate of bacterial resistance, making them promising candidates for antimicrobial therapies.

In fact, my work aims to develop antimicrobial biomaterials that can be used to prevent or treat bone infections, particularly those associated with orthopedic prostheses. These materials could, for example, be used to coat implants to limit bacterial adhesion, or to deliver antimicrobials locally to the site of infection. The aim is to reduce systemic antibiotic use and the risk of resistance.

Cristina: What motivates me is the desire to develop innovative antimicrobial biomaterials to meet the global challenge of antibiotic resistance. What's more, biotechnology and microbiology are fields I'm deeply passionate about.

Cristina: After my PhD, I would like to pursue an academic career and continue my research in this field, with the hope of contributing to the transition of antimicrobial strategies to clinical applications. In addition to research, I'd like to devote time to mentoring and teaching.

Cristina: A PhD focuses on highly specialized research and requires a major commitment in terms of time and motivation. It's essential to find a subject you're passionate about and a team that supports and encourages you.

Anecdotally, during my thesis, my supervisor and I went through a difficult period when the experimental results contradicted the expectations of the initial plan. It was complicated, for both her and me, to accept that the planned strategy wasn't working as hoped. We were invested in the idea, which made it difficult to adapt. It was through discussions with other colleagues and researchers that new approaches, more in line with the results observed, emerged. These exchanges were decisive in helping us to step back, adjust our objectives and bounce back. This experience has taught me that research requires a great capacity for adaptation, and that dialogue is often the key to breaking a deadlock.