Alba Melissa Flores Castro
LA PAZ
Summary
Dynamic R&D and Biosecurity Manager with proven expertise at Blue Genetics Mexico, leading innovative shrimp genetic research and implementing robust biosecurity measures. Skilled in team leadership and meticulous attention to detail, I successfully coordinated health certifications for international exports, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with stringent sanitary regulations.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
R&D and Biosecurity Manager
Blue Genetics Mexico
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
04.2023 - Current
- Lead the research and development of shrimp genetic lines, employing advanced selection and breeding techniques to create high-performance varieties in terms of growth, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability.
- Coordinate biosecurity management, implementing and supervising advanced diagnostic protocols, including bacteriological testing for monitoring aquatic diseases, in compliance with OIE standards and local regulations.
- Design and optimize sanitary control plans to maintain a pathogen-free environment, managing systematic sampling programs of aquatic organisms and performing risk analysis of health conditions in controlled laboratory settings.
- Oversee compliance with SOPs across all production processes, ensuring the proper handling of genetic material and implementing biosecurity measures in the breeding center.
- Develop, manage, and monitor the R&D budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation for applied research projects and biosecurity operations.
- Coordinate the health and quality certification processes of facilities, obtaining accreditation for shrimp exports to international markets, including SENASICA certifications, and permits for import to the USA, India, and Thailand.
- Ensure compliance with international sanitary regulations for biological material export and facility alignment with FDA, and other health authorities’ standards.
- Implement quarantine protocols and supervise the management of the SENASICA-certified quarantine unit, maintaining biological safety standards for the protection of aquaculture environments.
Biosecurity Manager
Blue Genetics Mexico
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
09.2021 - 04.2023
- Disease management and control through bacteriological diagnostic programs, systematic sampling, and risk analysis for early pathogen detection and prevention of outbreaks in shrimp culture.
- Implementation of preventive measures for disease control through bacteriology techniques and biosecurity protocols tailored to the specific needs of each production stage.
- Coordination of water quality treatments, adjusted to farming needs, optimizing physicochemical and microbiological parameters through specific water treatment methods to ensure a sanitary environment.
- Supervision of compliance with good water management practices and pathogen control, ensuring that sanitary standards are maintained throughout the entire production cycle.
- Continuous training of operational staff on biosecurity protocols related to water management, pathogen treatment, and aquatic disease control.
- Constant monitoring of water quality and its impact on shrimp health, ensuring that implemented treatments are effective in preventing diseases and optimizing shrimp growth.
Biosecurity Supervisor
Blue Genetics Mexico
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
08.2020 - 09.2021
- Collection of water samples at various stages of the farming cycle for bacteriological analysis and microbiological control, ensuring a pathogen-free aquaculture environment.
- Perform bacteriological plating to early detect aquatic pathogens, aiming to prevent disease outbreaks in shrimp farming.
- Supervision and review of water quality parameters, including dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, and temperature, to ensure optimal conditions for shrimp development.
- Quantification of ozone and chlorine in disinfection processes through spectrophotometry, ensuring that disinfectant levels are appropriate and safe for the shrimp.
- Monitor and adjust water treatments according to quality test results, ensuring proper oxygen levels and that water remains free from contaminants.
- Coordinate with the operational team to implement biosecurity protocols during various stages of the production cycle, ensuring compliance with both internal and external regulations.
- Prepare periodic reports on water quality test results, disease control, and disinfection processes, providing key data for decision-making.
- Participate in the management of records for all sanitary and water quality parameters, ensuring compliance with local and international regulations for aquaculture product export.
Education
Bachelor - Biotechnology
Instituto Tecnológico De Sonora
Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico05-2019
Skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Team leadership
- Meticulous attention to specifics
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Decision-making
Languages
English
Upper intermediate (B2)
Portuguese
Intermediate (B1)
Timeline
R&D and Biosecurity Manager
Blue Genetics Mexico
04.2023 - Current
Biosecurity Manager
Blue Genetics Mexico
09.2021 - 04.2023
Biosecurity Supervisor
Blue Genetics Mexico
08.2020 - 09.2021
Bachelor - Biotechnology
Instituto Tecnológico De Sonora