Javier Villa Lizcano

Alumni

M.Sc. ​Class of Summer 2012​
currently: Groncol Product Researcher

Alumni

Research Interests

​I went to Los Andes University in Bogota, Colombia the same city where I was born and raised. I studied microbiology with emphasis in environmental microbiology and molecular biology. I recently joined professor's Voolstra lab where I’m involved in a project that analyzes the variations on coral reefs microbial diversity due to human impact, specifically, the eff​ects that overfishing and eutrophication have and how those may determine the future of Coral reefs in the world.

Being at KAUST has been one of the most amazing experiences I have had in my life, not only because the university has great research opportunities next to the Red Sea, but also because it gave me the chance to discover middle east culture and learn every day from the multiculturalism that constitutes our university.

I have worked in research projects for cell growth in extreme conditions for industrial purposes; in bioremediation of oil spills and contaminated waters and soils; biogeography of marine bacteria and in evaluating natural compounds for pharmaceutical purposes. In a nutshell I love nature, photography, art and science. I wish some day I can put them all in a blender and get a nice paycheck out of that!