Fernando Geu-Flores

Fernando Geu-Flores serves as an Associate Professor and Research Group Leader at the University of Copenhagen's Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, specifically within the Section for Plant Biochemistry and Copenhagen Plant Science Centre. His work focuses on elucidating complex plant biosynthetic pathways and engineering them into sustainable production systems, operating at the intersection of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and synthetic biology.

Education:

• PhD in Plant Biotechnology, University of Copenhagen, Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology (2008)
• Licenciatura in Chemistry, PUCP University, Chemistry Department (Lima, Peru, 2004)
• Bachelor in Science, PUCP University, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering (Lima, Peru, 2003)

Dr. Geu-Flores specializes in plant biochemistry and chemical ecology, with particular expertise in alkaloid biosynthesis, metabolic engineering, and sustainable production systems. His research bridges fundamental understanding of plant specialized metabolism with practical applications in agriculture and biotechnology. He has made significant contributions to understanding quinolizidine alkaloid biosynthesis in lupins, ginkgolide biosynthesis in Ginkgo biloba, and the engineering of plant metabolic pathways in heterologous systems like Nicotiana benthamiana.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on plant specialized metabolism, particularly alkaloid biosynthesis in various plant species. His work combines genetic, biochemical, and synthetic biology approaches to elucidate complex biosynthetic pathways and engineer them for sustainable production. Key research themes include lupin alkaloids, ginkgolide biosynthesis, and metabolic engineering of plant pathways for improved crop traits.

Professional Experience:

• Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen (2018-present)
• Assistant Professor, University of Copenhagen (2014-2018)
• Post-doctoral researcher, John Innes Centre (2011-2014)
• Post-doctoral fellow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2010-2011)
• Post-doctoral researcher, University of Copenhagen (2008-2010)

Dr. Geu-Flores leads a research group focused on alkaloids and chemical ecology, with projects that investigate the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites in plants and their potential applications. His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining biochemistry, molecular biology, and synthetic biology to address fundamental questions in plant metabolism and develop sustainable bioproduction systems.