Montellano Duran Natalia

Natalia Montellano Duran is the director of the Biotechnology Department at the Bolivian Catholic University San Pablo in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where she teaches solutions chemistry, and industrial biotechnology. She holds a degree in biotechnology and earned her PhD in biological sciences from the National University of Rosario, Argentina, with a focus on the structural and functional properties of quinoa proteins. Her research interests include bioactive compounds from plant-based sources, protein structure-function relationships, enzyme applications, STEM education, and science communication. She is actively involved in the promotion of women in STEM and has led national initiatives to strengthen scientific networks and outreach in Bolivia. In recognition of her contributions, Montellano Duran received the Plurinational Prize for Science and Technology, in 2023, and was selected as a member of the Global Young Academy, in 2025. She is also a founding member and leader of the Bolivian chapter of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, making significant strides in education and research capacity-building across Latin America.