In this interview, IWA had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Claudia Etchebehere, a distinguished researcher and director of the Microbial Ecology Lab at the Clemente Estable Biological Research Institute in Montevideo, Uruguay. Dr. Etchebehere’s work in Environmental Biotechnology, particularly in the microbiology of wastewater treatment systems, plays a critical role in addressing environmental challenges in Latin America. Her passion for water sustainability and her experiences as a woman in STEM provide invaluable insights into the intersection of gender, science, and the environment.
Can you share a bit about your educational background and what led you to pursue a career in the water sector?
I hold a Master’s and Ph.D. in the Chemistry program, from University of the Republic in Uruguay. I gained international experience through internships in France, USA, and Belgium, learning advanced methodologies and collaborating with leading researchers. In my academic career, I began as a university lecturer, advanced through higher academic roles, and now serve as the director of the Microbial Ecology Lab at the Clemente Estable Biological Research Institute in Montevideo, Uruguay. My research focuses on Environmental Biotechnology, particularly in the microbiology of wastewater treatment systems, addressing key environmental challenges in Latin America.
As a woman in science, what challenges have you encountered, and how have you navigated them?
As a woman and mother, balancing an academic career with caregiving responsibilities has been challenging. Short-term international internships, the support of my family and peers were crucial for my progress. Although my career has been relatively slow due to these limitations, I have reached advanced research positions later in life, which I view as the result of collective support rather than personal success. Over time, I became aware of gender inequities in science, which I initially normalised. After studying Gender and Public Policies, I became committed to actively addressing these issues at my research Institute, contributing to the institution’s achievement of a Gender Equality Quality Certification. I am proud to be part of the collective effort to create a more equitable scientific system.
Can you describe your current role in the water sector and the impact you hope your work will have?
My expertise is in Environmental Biotechnology, combines microbiology, biochemistry, and engineering to create biological solutions for environmental issues like global warming, water pollution, fossil fuel depletion, and waste accumulation. In Latin America, where large quantities of food are produced, sustainable production methods are crucial. My research group focuses on wastewater valorisation, developing methods to recover value-added products such as methane, hydrogen, and organic acids. We also study the microbiology of full-scale wastewater treatment systems to improve their operation and resolve issues, collaborating with companies to apply microbiology knowledge to real-world problems.
How has your relationship with water influenced your career and research focus?
Since the beginning of my career as a researcher, I have worked on various issues related to wastewater treatment and recognised the critical importance of water in our lives. As a researcher from a small country in Latin America, I focus on studying problems that affect our region and seeking sustainable solutions. Specifically, I study microbial processes that help decontaminate water and generate value-added products from wastewater. One of the current challenges in our research is applying circular economy concepts to water treatment. Our main objective is to understand how these processes work, optimise them, scale them up, and adapt them to the realities of Latin America. As a woman and scientist dedicated to solving environmental problems related to water use, I believe it is crucial for more women to engage in these topics, as we have much to contribute. Additionally, it is essential to make our work as female scientists visible and valued. Sustainable water management is one of humanity’s greatest challenges.
Dr. Claudia Etchebehere’s work stands as a beacon of innovation and dedication to solving some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Her commitment to improving water sustainability, especially through the lens of microbiology and environmental biotechnology, demonstrates the power of science in addressing complex global issues. As a woman in science, Dr. Etchebehere’s experiences highlight both the obstacles and opportunities that come with pursuing a career in this field, as well as the profound impact women can have in shaping a more sustainable and equitable world.
The post Women in Science: Dr. Claudia Etchebehere on Water Sustainability, Innovation, and Gender Equity appeared first on IWA Network.