A postdoctoral researcher in Professor Patrick Cai's group, having joined in October 2024 after completing his PhD at KAUST. His research focuses on expanding the genetic code for non-canonical amino acid biosynthesis and developing customized yeast strains for protein production. Sergio specializes in algae genetic engineering, designing synthetic chromosomes for photosynthetic organisms to enhance native product yields and enable complex biochemical pathways using sustainable inputs. During his PhD, he successfully engineered Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to produce specialty terpenes, demonstrating microalgae's potential as sustainable cell factories. His scientific journey began in Colombia with a bachelor's in microbiology, followed by a master's in environmental science and engineering from KAUST, where he studied interactions between metals and antibiotic resistance in water systems. This diverse background enables him to approach synthetic biology challenges from multiple perspectives. Sergio's work combines genome engineering approaches with analytical chemistry techniques, focusing on three model organisms: C. reinhardtii for chloroplast engineering and terpenoid biosynthesis, Cyanidioschyzon merolae for its minimal genome characteristics, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae for non-canonical amino acid incorporation. Outside the lab, Sergio enjoys traveling, photography, weightlifting, and volunteering with street animals.