The Lopez Echartea Research Group
We combine our expertise in microbial ecology, bioremediation, and agricultural microbiomes with a commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
Our lab explores microbial dynamics in soil and plant environments under stress, focusing on applications in bioremediation of contaminated soils—especially those impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), brine spills, and agricultural stressors like salinity and drought. We have an interdisciplinary approach which integrates both laboratory and field-based research with high-throughput culturing, synthetic community assembly, and advanced molecular tools.
Background and Experience
Dr. Lopez Echartea studied a Master’s in environmental engineering and completed her PhD in Microbiology, where she focused on microbial community dynamics in response to bioremediation of contaminants, including chlorinated compounds and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). She pioneered studies in anaerobic-aerobic bioreactor systems and plant-assisted phytoremediation to understand bacterial community changes and gene expression related to contaminant degradation. Building on this foundation, her postdoctoral research pivoted to agricultural microbiomes, addressing how microbiomes in crops, such as peas, respond to environmental stressors, including salinity and disease.
Her lab at North Dakota State University is uniquely positioned to tackle North Dakota’s dual challenges of oil-induced soil contamination and agricultural soils. Collaborating closely with soil scientists, plant scientist and microbial genetists, she leverages her knowledge of microbial community dynamics, microbiome sequencing, and bioinformatics to explore novel remediation strategies. Her focus includes culturing and cataloging local soil-degrading bacteria, examining microbial responses to stress in crops, bacterial genetic and advancing synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) to enhance soil health and plant resilience.
Dr. Lopez Echartea is also passionate about exploring innovative teaching approaches. She recently completed the College Teaching Certificate at NDSU and is currently teaching Microbial Genetics, where she integrates active learning strategies to engage students deeply with microbial science.
Dr. Lopez Echartea is dedicated to advancing the understanding of soil and plant microbiomes, bridging fundamental microbiology with applied environmental solutions. Our lab's work aims to support both local industry needs and broader global efforts to mitigate soil contamination and promote resilient agricultural systems.
In her free time, Dr. Lopez Echartea is an avid traveler, having explored over 50 countries across the globe. Her passion for experiencing new cultures and cuisines fuels her curiosity and appreciation for diversity—values she brings into her work and interactions within the scientific community.
