Dr. Evelyn Faife | Chemical Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Doctorate from Cuban Research Institute of Sugarcane Derivatives Research, Cuba

Dr. Evelyn Faife Pérez is a distinguished Chemical Engineer with a career spanning more than two decades in the fields of biotechnology, microbial fermentation, and the sustainable use of agro-industrial residues. She graduated from the Technologic University José Antonio Echevarría (ISPJAE) in 1995 and has since developed extensive experience in academic, research, and project leadership roles across top Cuban and international institutions. Currently serving as a researcher at the Cuban Research Institute of Sugar Cane Derivatives (ICIDCA), Dr. Faife Pérez’s work has centered on biotechnological innovations aimed at transforming waste into valuable products such as microbial oils, carotenoids, and agricultural bioproducts. She has led numerous national and international projects, including those supported by the United Nations Development Programme and intergovernmental initiatives with countries like China. Her international training across countries such as France, India, Japan, China, and Spain reflects her global engagement and commitment to scientific advancement. Dr. Faife Pérez has authored several peer-reviewed papers and contributed chapters in biotechnology-focused books. She has received multiple awards recognizing the scientific and societal impact of her research. Her multifaceted profile demonstrates a deep commitment to sustainable science, making her a valuable contributor to the global research community.

Professional Profile

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• ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Evelyn Faife Pérez holds a strong academic foundation rooted in chemical engineering and advanced biotechnology. She began her academic journey by obtaining a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Technologic University José Antonio Echevarría (ISPJAE) in 1995. Motivated to specialize further, she earned a Master’s degree in Science and Technology of Biotechnological Processes from Havana University in 2001. Her academic path culminated in a Ph.D. in Technical Sciences from her alma mater, ISPJAE, in 2021. This academic trajectory reflects a consistent dedication to scientific development, emphasizing the practical application of bioprocesses in environmental and industrial contexts. Throughout her academic training, Dr. Faife Pérez has cultivated deep expertise in biochemical engineering, microbial fermentation, and sustainable use of biomass. Her doctoral and master’s research provided the framework for her later professional and investigative pursuits in the valorization of agro-industrial waste, development of microbial strains, and bio-based technologies for energy and agriculture. This solid educational background has not only shaped her research competencies but also positioned her as a leader in her field. Her academic progression showcases her enduring commitment to integrating theory with application in solving real-world challenges through biotechnology.

Professional Experience

Dr. Evelyn Faife Pérez’s professional experience is marked by a rich blend of academic instruction, applied research, and project leadership. She began her career as a professor and researcher at the Biotechnology Department of the Pharmacy and Food Faculty at Havana University, where she served from 1995 to 1999. She then transitioned to the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM) in Havana, contributing a decade (1999–2009) to biotechnological development within the institution’s research division. Since 2009, Dr. Faife Pérez has been a senior researcher in the Biotechnology Directorate at ICIDCA, where she continues to innovate in microbial technology and agro-industrial applications. Her leadership has been pivotal in several prominent projects, including enterprise and intergovernmental collaborations such as those between Cuba and China. Notably, she has directed international projects funded by the UNDP, advancing the use of tolerant yeasts for high-value additives. Dr. Faife Pérez’s professional journey reflects a commitment to converting scientific research into viable industrial and agricultural solutions. Her role at ICIDCA positions her at the intersection of academic rigor and applied science, enabling the transfer of laboratory innovations into scalable technologies. Her experience is further enhanced by international training in countries such as France, India, Japan, and China.

Research Interests

Dr. Evelyn Faife Pérez’s research interests lie at the intersection of biotechnology, sustainable development, and microbial engineering. Her work predominantly focuses on the biotechnological conversion of agro-industrial residues—particularly sugarcane derivatives—into valuable bio-products such as microbial oils, carotenoids, and enzymes. She is highly engaged in developing bioprocesses that utilize efficient microorganisms, especially yeasts like Rhodotorula toruloides, for biofuel production, animal feed, and agricultural applications. Her interest extends to microbial tolerance studies, fermentation technologies, and the use of renewable substrates like vinasse and raw glycerol in industrial bioprocessing. Additionally, she is involved in solvent extraction techniques for natural product isolation, particularly applying group contribution methods and solubility theory. Dr. Faife Pérez is also interested in enhancing sustainable waste management by introducing microbial treatments that reduce environmental impact and add value to waste streams. These research interests reflect a profound commitment to bioeconomic principles and environmental stewardship, reinforcing her contribution to both academic science and real-world sustainability. Her focus on interdisciplinary and applied research ensures that her findings address current industrial and environmental challenges while offering innovative, cost-effective solutions for the future of biotechnology and renewable energy sectors.

Research Skills

Dr. Evelyn Faife Pérez has developed a comprehensive skill set in biotechnological research, underpinned by years of practical and academic experience. Her core competencies include microbial cultivation, fermentation technologies, enzymatic analysis, and biomass valorization. She is adept at isolating and optimizing microbial strains, particularly oleaginous yeasts such as Rhodotorula toruloides, for bio-production processes. Additionally, she has expertise in handling inhibitory compounds during fermentation, selecting tolerant mutants, and improving product yields. Her technical knowledge extends to solvent selection methodologies using Hansen Solubility Parameters and Group Contribution Models, enhancing her capabilities in the extraction and purification of bioactive compounds. Dr. Faife Pérez also demonstrates strong project management skills, having led national and international research initiatives from conception to implementation. She is experienced in cross-cultural collaborations and the integration of renewable energy concepts into biotechnological workflows. Her international training has expanded her methodological toolkit, incorporating technologies and best practices from global centers of excellence. She is proficient in scientific writing and communication, contributing to journals, book chapters, and symposiums. Collectively, her research skills enable her to conduct high-impact studies that integrate innovation, sustainability, and practical application, reinforcing her position as a capable and forward-thinking biotechnologist.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Evelyn Faife Pérez has been the recipient of several awards recognizing her contributions to science, particularly in biotechnology and sustainable bioprocess development. In 2017 and 2019, she received the Award to the Best Scientific Work from AZCUBA, Cuba’s leading sugar industry organization. These awards were granted for her innovative research on the fermentation processes using microbial oils from vinasse and glycerol, as well as for her work on selecting microbial strains tolerant to inhibitors derived from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysis. In 2019, she was also honored with the ICIDCA Scientific Award for her pivotal study on identifying cyclic lipopeptides from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens with antifungal activity. These recognitions underscore the scientific and practical value of her research, particularly its relevance to Cuba’s sugar industry and agricultural sectors. Her achievements highlight her capability to bridge scientific inquiry with industrial application, making her a valuable contributor to national development and international scientific progress. The consistent recognition of her work not only validates the impact of her research but also reflects her leadership in advancing biotechnological innovations that are sustainable, scalable, and economically beneficial.

Conclusion

Dr. Evelyn Faife Pérez embodies a dynamic and impactful profile in the realm of biotechnological research, with notable contributions in microbial fermentation, renewable resource utilization, and sustainable agriculture. Her extensive educational background and multifaceted professional experience allow her to approach scientific problems with both theoretical depth and practical insight. As a leader in research projects and an active contributor to academic literature, she has shown a consistent ability to translate complex scientific ideas into applicable technologies. Her work aligns with global priorities such as sustainability, waste reduction, and green energy, making her research both timely and socially relevant. The international recognition of her work through awards and scholarly collaborations further reinforces her role as a respected and influential scientist. By continuing to innovate in areas like microbial oil production, yeast biotechnology, and agro-industrial waste treatment, Dr. Faife Pérez remains at the forefront of applied biosciences. Her career stands as a testament to the value of science in addressing environmental challenges and improving industrial processes. With her continued dedication, she is well-positioned to contribute to future advancements in sustainable biotechnology on both a national and global scale.

Publications Top Notes

1. Use of wastewaters from ethanol distilleries and raw glycerol for microbial oils production from Rhodsporidium toruloides

   • Authors: Faife E., Ochoa N., Dehua Liu et al.

   • Year: 2025 (Accepted)

2. Current Advances in Carotenoid Production by Rhodotorula sp.

   • Authors: Ochoa N., Alonso D., Pacios S., García A., Ramos R., Faife E., et al.

   • Year: 2024

   • Journal: Fermentation, 10(4), 190

3. Use of Group Contribution Methods, Hansen’s Theory of Solubility and Microsoft Excel in the Selection of Solvents for the Extraction of Natural Products

   • Authors: Días M., Faife E.

   • Year: 2023 (Preprint)

4. Rhodotorula toruloides as a biofactory of carotenoids, lipids and enzymes. Microbial fermentations in nature and as designed processes

   • Authors: Ochoa N., Alonso D., Faife E., et al.

   • Year: 2023

   • Book Chapter: Microbial Fermentations in Nature and as Designed Processes, Chapter 2

   • DOI link

5. Use of efficient microorganisms (ME) as an alternative for the treatment of residuals (Review)

   • Authors: Faife-Pérez E., Roget-Guevara D., Fandiño C.A., et al.

   • Year: 2018

   • Journal: ICIDCA Sobre los derivados de la caña de azúcar, Vol. 52(3)

   • ISSN: 2410-8529

6. Selection and evaluation of Rhodosporidium toruloides mutants tolerant to inhibitors generated from the acid hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse

   • Authors: Ochoa Viñals N., Faife E., Michelena G.

   • Year: 2017

   • Type: Master’s Thesis, University of Havana (U.H.)

7. Use of wastewaters from ethanol distilleries and glycerol mixtures for microbial oils production

   • Authors: Faife E., Martínez A., Martínez Y., et al.

   • Year: 2016

   • Journal: American Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, 4(4): 41-48

   • DOI: 10.11648/j.bio.20160404.11

8. Evaluation of the growth of the oleaginous yeast R. toruloides in the presence of sugarcane bagasse hydrolyzate inhibitors

   • Authors: Ochoa-Viñals N., Faife-Perez E., Du W., Zhao Xuebing, Liu Dehua

   • Year: 2016

   • Journal: ICIDCA Sobre los derivados de la caña de azúcar, Vol. 50(3), pp. 50-53

   • ISSN: 0138-6204