My name is María Ángeles Lezcano Vega, I have a degree in Environmental Sciences and a PhD in Microbiology from the Autonomous University of Madrid. I work as a researcher at IMDEA Water Institute, and I am part of the Aquatic Ecology and Biotechnology group. I study the microbial biodiversity in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, how microorganisms relate to each other and to the surrounding environment, as well as their ability to remove toxic compounds from the environment. I am currently investigating the causes of cyanobacterial blooms in lakes and reservoirs and looking for potential nature-based solutions to remove the cyanotoxins they release into the water. I love playing board games, music, and hiking in the mountains.