Wendy Xolalpa-Villanueva is an associated researcher working at the Biotechnology Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Dr Xolalpa graduated as a biologist in 2003 (UNAM). She obtained an MS degree in Biochemical Sciences (UNAM) and a PhD in Biochemical Sciences, awarded in 2010 (UNAM). She has performed postdoctoral studies in two research centres in Spain (CICbioGUNE and Inbiomed) and is an expert in biochemistry and molecular biology, proteomics and techniques for studying protein–protein interactions. Her current research interests are in protein engineering, enzyme evolution and deubiquitinases. Dr Xolalpa is member of the Mexican National System of Researchers (SNI), level 1.