Danae Kala Rodríguez Bardají
Rochester,NY
Summary
Accomplished Ph.D. microbiologist with over 10 years of laboratory experience in pharmaceutical sciences, industrial microbiology, and academic research. Expertise includes microbiological testing, antimicrobial efficacy, environmental monitoring, and quality systems. Background encompasses biologics and small-molecule microbiology, strengthened by training at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, and the Research Institute for the Food Industry.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Associate
Rochester Institute of Technology
01.2024 - Current
- Led antimicrobial efficacy studies including MIC/MBC, time-kill, synergy, antibiofilm, and preservative-relevant assessments to enhance understanding of antimicrobial action.
- Conduct mechanistic microbiology investigations (membrane integrity, oxidative stress, nanoscale imaging).
- Conducted genomic analyses to support resistance surveillance and manage microbial lifecycles, contributing to improved pathogen control strategies.
- Maintain rigorous documentation aligned with GMP, ALCOA, and data-integrity principles.
- Supported laboratory compliance and audits, optimized methods, and trained junior scientists to ensure adherence to regulatory standards.
- Serve as scientific mentor and project lead for undergraduate and graduate researchers.
Research Scientist
University of São Paulo
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Designed and executed antimicrobial performance studies including biofilm eradication and kill-curve kinetics.
- Conducted root-cause investigations for assay deviations, implementing corrective actions to ensure assay reliability.
- Supported development of regulatory-aligned protocols and scientific reports, facilitating compliance with industry standards.
Research Microbiologist
Research Institute for the Food Industry
Havana
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Led microbial risk assessments and bioburden analysis, investigating contamination sources and documenting corrective actions.
- Designed and executed antibacterial studies of plant essential oils and bacteriocins to evaluate efficacy against foodborne pathogens.
- Conducted environmental monitoring programs, including water, air, and surface sampling, to assess microbial presence and trends.
- Performed routine and investigational microbiological testing under EPA/FDA-aligned quality frameworks.
- Authored SOPs, inspection documentation, and regulatory compliance reports.
Education
Ph.D. - Microbiology
University of São Paulo
BrazilM.Sc. - Microbiology
University of Franca
BrazilB.Sc. - Microbiology
University of Havana
CubaSkills
- QC Microbiology
- Aseptic Processing
- Antimicrobial testing
- Method validation
- Microbial assessment
- Environmental monitoring
- Data integrity
- Experimental design
- Root cause analysis
- LIMS Documentation
- Technical writing
- Team Leadership & Training
Leadership And People Development
- Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate researchers in microbiological methods, experimental design, and data interpretation.
- Lead laboratory projects while ensuring reproducibility, documentation integrity, and adherence to structured workflows.
- Foster collaborative, accountable research environments focused on technical excellence and continuous improvement.
Selected Publications
- Rodríguez Bardají DK, Kumar G, McFadden KJ, et al., 2025, Tracking antibiotic resistance in the environment: Whole-genome sequencing of seven bacteria from soil and water., Microbiology Resource Announcements
- Rodríguez Bardají DK, Sousa Silva NB, Miranda RR, et al., 2025, Unlocking the potential of Brazilian plant terpenes to combat antimicrobial resistance., ACS Bio & Medical Chemistry Au
- Rodríguez Bardají DK, Kumar G, Tran S, et al., 2025, Whole genome sequencing data of greater burdock (Arctium lappa) naturalized in the United States of America., Data in Brief
- Olatunji I, Rodríguez Bardají DK, Miranda RR, et al., 2024, Artificial intelligence tools for the identification of antibiotic resistance genes., Frontiers in Microbiology
- Rodríguez Bardají DK, Moretto JAS, Furlan JPR, Stehling EG., 2020, A mini-review: Current advances in polyethylene biodegradation., World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
- Rodríguez Bardají DK, Furlan JPR, Stehling EG., 2019, Isolation of a polyethylene-degrading Paenibacillus sp. from a landfill in Brazil., Archives of Microbiology
- Rodríguez Bardají DK, Silva J, Bianchi TC, et al., 2016, Copaifera reticulata oleoresin: Chemical characterization and antibacterial properties against oral pathogens., Anaerobe
- Rodríguez Bardají DK, Reis EB, Medeiros TCT, et al., 2015, Antibacterial activity of commercially available plant-derived essential oils against oral pathogenic bacteria., Natural Product Research
Graduate Research Experience
- Ph.D. Researcher — Environmental Microbiology & Biodegradation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Isolated environmental bacteria capable of polyethylene biodegradation from landfill ecosystems., Identified degradation genes (alkB), performed FT-IR, SEM, biofilm analysis, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing., Produced peer-reviewed publications on polymer biodegradation and environmental microbiology.
- M.Sc. Researcher — Oral Microbiology & Antimicrobial Discovery, University of Franca, Brazil, Investigated antimicrobials against oral pathogens associated with caries, periodontitis, and endodontic infections., Evaluated antimicrobial compounds, resistance profiles, and oral biofilm interactions., Co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Portuguese
Full Professional
Accomplishments
PEC-PG / CNPq Master’s Scholarship (Brazil) – Competitive international graduate funding awarded by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development.
Timeline
Postdoctoral Associate
Rochester Institute of Technology
01.2024 - Current
Research Scientist
University of São Paulo
01.2020 - 01.2021
Research Microbiologist
Research Institute for the Food Industry
01.2010 - 01.2013
Ph.D. - Microbiology
University of São Paulo
M.Sc. - Microbiology
University of Franca
B.Sc. - Microbiology
University of Havana