Cristina Barrero-Sicilia is a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science with research expertise in Molecular Biology and Plant Biotechnology at the University of Hertfordshire. She holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Alcalá, Spain. Her research spans genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics across model and crop species, including maize, barley, and Arabidopsis. With a strong background in plant resilience, lipidomics, and gene regulatory networks, her work bridges academia and industry through projects on stress tolerance, yield-enhancement, and phytocannabinoid biosynthesis. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an active mentor of doctoral and MSc researchers.

What are you working on as part of the Hub?

As part of the Biodetection Technologies Hub, I am contributing my expertise in genomics, genetics, and transcriptomics to support the development of innovative tools for the detection and analysis of environmental nucleic acids in Agritech settings. My work focuses on applying next-generation sequencing (NGS) and in vivo analysis of DNA and RNA species to better understand airborne genetic material in diverse environments. I am determining the most effective molecular systems to detect specific bioaerosols in scenarios such as open fields, green spaces, and urban areas, including the development and optimisation of LAMP-based assays and genomic approaches for real-time monitoring and early intervention.

What is exciting you the most about your current research?

What excites me most is the potential to transform environmental monitoring through advanced genomic technologies, enabling the rapid and precise detection of bioaerosols that impact plant health and ecosystem balance. The ability to combine genomic data and novel molecular assays in real-world Agritech applications is particularly inspiring, as it bridges fundamental molecular biology with practical solutions for sustainable management. The interdisciplinary nature of this work, combining genomics, aerosol science, and bioinformatics, presents continual opportunities for innovation.

What difference do you hope your research will make?

I hope my research will contribute to the creation of robust, field-deployable molecular diagnostics that empower early detection of harmful biological aerosols, reducing the reliance on traditional, often slower, monitoring methods. By providing real data on airborne nucleic acids, my work aims to support precision Agritech interventions that minimise environmental impact and improve resilience across agricultural and urban ecosystems. This will facilitate smarter decision-making and help safeguard crop health and environmental quality at scale. 

What are you most proud of in your research career?

I am most proud of my ability to combine cutting-edge molecular biology techniques with real-world applications, translating complex genomic insights into tools and strategies that address urgent challenges in environmental and agricultural science. From pioneering LAMP assay development to advancing next-generation sequencing analyses of environmental samples, my work reflects a commitment to innovation and impact. Additionally, mentoring early-career researchers and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations has been a really rewarding aspect of my career.