Luis Leyva and Claudia Rojas are constructing an anti-herbivorous metal fence in a field experiment using native desert trees to protect the newly planted seedlings (2004).

Name: Luis A. Leyva Degree: M.Sc. in: Use,management and conservation of natural resources Years: 2003-2006 Graduate school: The Center for Biological Research of the Northwest, La Paz, Mexico Location of thesis’ work: The Center for Biological Research of the Northwest, La Paz, Mexico Thesis: Effect of gluconic acid on its metabolic enzymes in the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense Cd associated with mesquite trees. . Type of support: Financial and scientific advising

Luis Leyva is helping to eradicate an invasive grass in CIBNOR field preserve to make room for re-vegetation with native plants (2003).

Name: Adan Trejo Degree: Diploma in Biology Years: 2005-2006 Graduate school: The Autonomus Metropolitan University (UAM), Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico Location of thesis’ work: The Center for Biological Research of the Northwest, La Paz, Mexico Thesis: Characterization of Chlorella sorokiniana LAP1, a heat and solar-radiation tolerant microalgae, for wastewater treatment under extreme desert conditions. Type of support: Financial and scientific advising. Publication from thesis: de-Bashan, L.E., Trejo, A., Huss, V.A.R., Hernandez, J.-P. Bashan, Y. 2008. Chlorella sorokiniana UTEX 2805, a heat and intense, sunlight-tolerant microalga with potential for removing ammonium from wastewater. Bioresource Technology 99: 4980-4989

Juan–Pablo Hernandez (left) and Adan Trejo (right) evaluating a high light intensity- high temperature photobioreactor for wastewater treatment with microalgae.