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Dr. Leslie K. Daille is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Genomics, Ecology and Environment Center of Universidad Mayor in Santiago, Chile. Her research explores how microorganisms and their interactions shape ecological processes across diverse environments, with a particular focus on microbial symbiosis and surface-associated microbial communities such as biofilms.
She holds an Engineering and a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from Andrés Bello University, and a PhD in Biological Sciences – Molecular Genetics and Microbiology from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. During her doctoral studies, she participated in transformative international programs, including the GeoBiology Course and the ECODIM (Ecology and Diversity of Marine Microorganisms) course. These experiences solidified her passion for microbial ecology and reinforced her commitment to collaborative research.
Her current postdoctoral project focuses on unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved in microbial symbiosis, aiming to characterize the transcriptomic landscape of Antarctic sponge holobionts and shed light on the regulation of their microbial partnerships. Throughout her career, she has applied a range of molecular and ecological techniques to investigate microbial interactions with clinical, industrial, and environmental relevance.
Deeply committed to education and outreach, Dr. Daille has contributed to science communication efforts for schoolchildren, including students with hearing impairments, highlighting the importance of holobionts, science, and critical thinking in society. Her long-standing involvement with ECODIM, as a student, teaching assistant, and instructor, has shaped her collaborative spirit and dedication to supporting peers and students alike.
Motivated by these values, she currently serves as Media Manager for the ISME Early Career Scientist Committee, where she helps foster global and regional connections among young microbial ecologists, especially through initiatives like the ISME-Lat conferences.
Outside the lab, she enjoys time with her family, reading, crafting, birdwatching, and playing video and board games. Nature remains a constant source of joy and inspiration in both her personal and professional life.
Personal website: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Leslie-Daille
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-daille-enriquez/
Twitter: @keiclyn