Academic Team
The academic team is composed of researchers and professionals with extensive experience in water resources, aquatic ecosystems, and socio-environmental outreach. They actively engage in scientific research, public outreach, and policy-making through national committees on water governance and public policy. They also have a strong track record in organizing technical and scientific events at national and international levels.
A brief overview of the organizing committee's expertise includes:
Prof. Dr. Luz Chacón Jiménez
Universidad de Costa Rica
Expert in water microbiology and antimicrobial resistance, with a strong background in wastewater surveillance; she has led major scientific events and participates in national water quality monitoring initiatives.
Universidad de Costa Rica
Expert in water microbiology and antimicrobial resistance, with a strong background in wastewater surveillance; she has led major scientific events and participates in national water quality monitoring initiatives.
María Arias Echandi
Universidad de Costa Rica
Specialist in food and waterborne pathogens, with over 30 years of experience in microbiology and leadership in academic research and policy development at the University of Costa Rica.
Universidad de Costa Rica
Specialist in food and waterborne pathogens, with over 30 years of experience in microbiology and leadership in academic research and policy development at the University of Costa Rica.
Prof. M.Sc. ir. Paola Vidal Rivera
Universidad de Costa Rica
Environmental engineer focused on water treatment technologies and sustainability, with extensive experience organizing national and regional events on water governance and sanitation.
Universidad de Costa Rica
Environmental engineer focused on water treatment technologies and sustainability, with extensive experience organizing national and regional events on water governance and sanitation.
Prof. Dr. María Arias Andrés
Universidad Nacional
Researcher in microbial ecology and ecotoxicology in aquatic environments, actively involved in scientific committees and international studies on urban water pollution and microplastics.
Universidad Nacional
Researcher in microbial ecology and ecotoxicology in aquatic environments, actively involved in scientific committees and international studies on urban water pollution and microplastics.
Prof. Dr. Kinndle Blanco Peña
Universidad Nacional
Specialist in One Health and conservation medicine, with research on antimicrobial resistance in natural ecosystems and broad teaching and coordination roles in veterinary and environmental health.
Universidad Nacional
Specialist in One Health and conservation medicine, with research on antimicrobial resistance in natural ecosystems and broad teaching and coordination roles in veterinary and environmental health.
Prof. Dr. ir. Mary Luz Barrios Hernández
Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
Sanitary engineer with expertise in microbial communities and wastewater treatment technologies, contributing to national environmental policy and interdisciplinary research on AMR genes in wastewater.
Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
Sanitary engineer with expertise in microbial communities and wastewater treatment technologies, contributing to national environmental policy and interdisciplinary research on AMR genes in wastewater.
M.Sc. Pablo Rivera Navarro
Microbiologist and expert in water quality and microbial risk assessment, with extensive experience in wastewater and recreational water monitoring. He currently leads the Division of Water, Environment, and Health Research at Costa Rica’s National Water Laboratory.
Microbiologist and expert in water quality and microbial risk assessment, with extensive experience in wastewater and recreational water monitoring. He currently leads the Division of Water, Environment, and Health Research at Costa Rica’s National Water Laboratory.