Our Team
F. David Carmona López, PhD. Principal Investigator.
I am originally from the beautiful city of Granada, in Southern Spain. From a very young age, I was an enthusiastic child, always curious about the adventures that life could offer. That sense of wonder has stayed with me, shaping both my personal and professional journey. My passion for Genetics has guided my career, and I try to bring the same curiosity, enthusiasm, and love of learning to every aspect of my life. I deeply enjoy my research and, above all, my teaching, which allows me to engage with highly motivated students eager to explore and grow in this exciting field.
Professionally, my doctoral thesis focused on the genetic control of gonad development in mammals. During my first three-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Medical Sciences (University of Aberdeen, UK), I studied the molecular mechanisms underlying mammalian visual system development, aiming to deepen our understanding of eye function and evolution, as well as the potential pathogenic mechanisms behind human eye diseases. In 2010, I began a second six-year postdoc at the Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina “López-Neyra” (CSIC, Granada), focusing on the genetic basis of autoimmune diseases. I would like to highlight my leading role in coordinating and publishing the first large-scale genetic analyses of giant cell arteritis (a systemic vasculitis that can lead to blindness and stroke) involving multiple international consortia. In 2016, I was awarded a Ramón y Cajal contract and joined the Department of Genetics at the University of Granada, where I was appointed Associate Professor in 2021. Since then, I have established and consolidated a research line dedicated to uncovering the molecular causes of male infertility, with a particular emphasis on immunogenetic mechanisms.
Personally, I am passionate about photography and travelling, trying to capture the beauty of nature and human culture. I consider myself a “collector of memories,” using photography to preserve moments that make life extraordinary. If you are curious about my pictures, please have a look at my galleries on 500px platform or on Instagram.
Lara Bossini Castillo, PhD. Principal Investigator.
I am an expert in functional genomics and human immunogenetics, with extensive experience in multi-omics analysis and the application of high-throughput sequencing technologies, including NGS and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). My research focuses on identifying individuals with a high genetic predisposition to immune disorders or immune hyperactivation, with the ultimate goal of advancing preventive and precision medicine.
After completing my PhD at the Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina “López-Neyra” (CSIC, Spain), I carried out a postdoctoral stay at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (Cambridge, UK), where I developed integrative approaches for the analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic data, co-authoring publications in high-impact journals such as Nature.
Currently, at the University of Granada, my work focuses on integrating multi-omics data to study the genetic regulation of the immune system and the molecular bases of complex immune-related diseases, including male infertility. I have published over 50 scientific articles and participated in competitive national and European projects, including PRECISESAD (IMI). I am currently the principal investigator of two projects focused on celiac disease and severe male infertility, where I contribute my expertise in modelling complex biological processes, which is essential for improving predictive AI models.
Andrea Guzmán Jiménez, PhD. Postdoctoral Researcher.
I was born in the beautiful city of Granada, Spain, in 1998. From a very young age, I was a curious child, always asking questions about the world around me. That innate curiosity, combined with a deep passion for nature, shaped my dream of becoming a scientist. I can still remember the excitement I felt discovering how life works at its most fundamental level, which ultimately led me to pursue a degree in Biology at the University of Granada, where I graduated with honours in 2020.
My research journey began even before completing my undergraduate studies. In 2017, I joined Dr. Francisco David Carmona and Lara Bossini Castillo’s group at the Department of Genetics as an internal student, and that marked the beginning of what has become my professional passion: understanding the genetic basis of complex diseases, particularly male infertility. What started as an undergraduate curiosity has grown into a comprehensive research career. Through competitive grants, including Research Initiation and Collaboration scholarships, and currently an FPU fellowship, I have been able to contribute to ground-breaking discoveries in the field of idiopathic male infertility.
My work has focused on identifying genetic and cellular alterations associated with severe spermatogenic failure, using cutting-edge genomic and transcriptomic approaches. I have had the privilege of collaborating with prestigious national and international institutions and conducting research stays at the Fondazione Human Technopole in Milan, where I worked with Dr. Domínguez-Conde on single-cell RNA sequencing techniques. These experiences have not only enriched my technical skills but also deepened my appreciation for international scientific collaboration.
So far, I have contributed to 12 scientific publications in high-impact journals, presented at over 40 conferences, and had the honour of being first author on articles published in journals like Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology and Human Reproduction Open. Beyond research, I am passionate about teaching and have been involved in undergraduate education and mentoring programs, because I believe in inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Outside the lab, I remain deeply connected to what first sparked my scientific curiosity: nature. I love hiking, traveling to new places, photography, and reading. These activities remind me why I fell in love with science in the first place, the endless wonder of discovering how the natural world works and our place within it. Every journey, every photograph, and every book is another way of exploring the complexity and beauty of life.
In short, I am a researcher driven by curiosity and passion, always eager to uncover the genetic mysteries that shape human health and reproduction, while never losing sight of the natural world that continues to inspire me every day.
Sara González Muñoz, BSc in Biotechnology. PhD student (FPU).
I am a biotechnologist and am currently pursuing my PhD, focused on the identification of molecular biomarkers of male infertility. I have always been passionate about science, eager to understand how biological processes work and to contribute in some way to improving people’s quality of life. I enjoy feeling part of something bigger, so teamwork and being in sync with my colleagues are key to my professional growth. My daily work revolves around sharing ideas and learning together with my team—it is exciting to see the project grow thanks to everyone’s contributions.
I believe that everything done with care, respect, and enthusiasm leads to good outcomes, so I strive to bring these qualities into my work. I am also a strong advocate for humor and always try to add a fun touch to my routine. Fortunately, research is never truly routine—there is always something new and different each day, and that’s one of the things I love about it. I also believe that life is all about balance: my work is important, but so is having quality free time and sharing it with the people I care about.
As a great lover of music, I enjoy letting hours fly by listening to songs, losing myself in the strings of my guitar, or singing with my choir. In short, I consider myself cheerful, approachable, and a dreamer. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of this research group and to grow both professionally and personally alongside the people in it. I feel that many adventures lie ahead for us, and I am confident that our curiosity will bring great things.
Inmaculada Higueras Serrano, BSc in Biotechnology. PhD student (FPU).
I was born in Torredonjimeno, a small town in the province of Jaén (Spain). From an early age, I showed a strong curiosity and interest in understanding the world around me, an attitude that gradually evolved into a scientific vocation. This interest was firmly consolidated during my secondary education, when I had my first contact with Genetics and Genetic Engineering, a field that deeply impressed me and sparked a lasting motivation to pursue a career in this area. Guided by this interest, I decided to study Biotechnology at the University of Granada, a city that I found particularly attractive for its academic and scientific environment.
During my undergraduate studies in Biotechnology, I took the Genetics course taught by Prof. David Carmona, which allowed me to take my first steps in scientific research as an undergraduate research trainee in the Department of Genetics. Through competitive fellowships, including the Undergraduate Research Initiation Fellowship and the Collaboration Fellowship, I gained early exposure to academic research and scientific methodology. This experience played a key role in shaping my research interests and confirming my commitment to a scientific career. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD under an FPU fellowship in the research group led by Prof. David Carmona and Dr. Lara Bossini at the Department of Genetics of the University of Granada, where my doctoral research focuses on the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying extreme patterns of male infertility.
Outside my academic activity, I maintain an active lifestyle and a strong connection with nature, family, and friends. I particularly enjoy outdoor, adventurous, and challenging activities such as hiking, running, travelling and discovering new places. These experiences allow me to broaden my perspective, challenge myself both mentally and physically, foster personal growth, and strengthen meaningful connections, contributing positively to both my personal development and professional motivation.
Alejandra Robles Fernández, BSc in Biotechnology. PhD student (FPI).
I am a predoctoral FPI researcher in the Department of Genetics at the University of Granada, working within the project “Deciphering the Immunological Component of Extreme Patterns of Male Infertility: a Multi-Omic Approach (IMMFERT)” (ref. PID2023-152215OB-I00). I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology (2023) and a Master’s Degree in Research, Development, Control, and Innovation of Medicines (2024), both from the University of Granada. In addition, I completed a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, Vocational Training, and Language Teaching at Universidad Isabel I. My research focuses on identifying non-invasive biomarkers of extreme male infertility through the integration of different omic approaches, including genome-wide analyses and single-nucleus transcriptomics. I have attended five national and international conferences, contributing oral and poster presentations at four of them. I am certified at the B2 level in both English and Italian, and I have received complementary training in scientific ethics and integrity, as well as in machine learning and big data applied to bioinformatics. I also completed a nine-month Erasmus+ mobility stay at the Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale Amedeo Avogadro, and I actively participate in science outreach activities such as Science Week and Coffe with science. As a student intern, I have collaborated with research groups at the Biomedical Research Center of the University of Granada (CIBM) and at the Fundación MEDINA (Centro de Excelencia en Investigación Innovadora en Andalucía). I am currently a recipient of a 2024 FPI fellowship and have contributed fifteen hours of practical teaching in the Genetic Engineering course of the Biotechnology Degree at the University of Granada. Finally, I am a member of the research group TEC14 – Human Reproduction and Hereditary and Complex Diseases, part of the Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.Granada).
On a personal note, I was born in Baza, a beautiful town that I deeply love and to which I’m always happy to return. Family means everything to me. It has always been the foundation of who I am and will forever be the most important part of my life. From a very young age, I have been fascinated by science, especially by understanding how biological processes occur and how life works at its most fundamental level. This curiosity has always guided me, eventually leading me to study Biotechnology, a path that allowed me to connect my love for knowledge with my wish to contribute to human health. During this journey, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Francisco David Carmona and Dr. Lara Bossini Castillo, who are now mentoring me in my early steps as a researcher in the field of male infertility. Their guidance has helped me realize how exciting scientific discovery can be. Sports have also played an important role in my life. As a child, I practiced swimming, handball, rhythmic gymnastics, athletics, and urban dance. These experiences taught me the value of effort, teamwork, and perseverance. Music, too, has always accompanied me; I especially enjoy listening to beautiful soundtracks that remind me of the power of emotions and creativity. Recently, I’ve also discovered another passion: teaching. I find it incredibly rewarding to share what I’ve learned and to help inspire the next generations of scientists. Seeing curiosity awaken in my students gives me a deep sense of purpose and reminds me why I fell in love with science in the first place.