Meet the Global Ambassadors: Our Q&A with Sergio L Alves jr

The Microbiologist chats with our new Global Ambassador for Brazil, Sergio L Alves jr, Associate Professor at the Federal University of Fronteira Sul (UFFS).

Sérgio holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the University of São Paulo (Brazil, 2006–2010), with a sandwich internship at KU Leuven (Belgium, 2008).

He is an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Fronteira Sul (UFFS, Brazil), head of the Laboratory of Yeast Biochemistry at UFFS, and a Permanent Professor of two postgraduate programs: the Postgraduate Program in Environment and Sustainable Technologies at UFFS and the Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology and Biosciences at the Federal University of Santa Catarina.

He serves as associate editor of the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology (section: Biotechnology and Industry), as review editor of Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, and as ad hoc reviewer of over twenty international journals. His research focuses on improving sustainable biotechnological processes with yeasts as the main object of study. He published two books, 20 chapters, and more than 40 papers in Web of Science-indexed journals.

What first sparked your love of microbiology?

Since childhood, I have been fascinated by things I couldn’t see with my own eyes. I have always wondered how the smallest living beings live around me. And when I started my graduation in Biological Sciences, I figured out that there was no other field for me to pursue but microbiology.

What’s the microbe that most fascinates you and why?

Yeasts. I’ve dedicated the last 21 years to studying them. Yeasts have the most potential to tackle the biggest challenges in the world today, since they have proven to be successfully employed in the most diverse bioprocesses.

What real-world problem would you eventually love to solve with microbiology?

Preserving biodiversity, finding new ways to use residues in bioprocesses, and energy transition (from fossil fuels to biofuels).

What keeps you awake at night?

I can hardly get my mind off work. So, sometimes, I lose sleep trying to figure out how to solve some of my students’ experimental issues in my lab or what new projects I can lead. 

How do you let your hair down/What do you do to relax?

I like reading novels, watching movies, cooking, and enjoying quality time with my daughter and wife.

Why did you apply to become a Global Ambassador and what would you like to do in your new role?

I do believe that applied microbiology can solve many of the world’s problems. I am also convinced that science must spread its word and that some people must take the lead in this role. I want to be one of those people.  

Sérgio Luiz Alves Jr is an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Fronteira Sul (UFFS) -