Our Founder
Dr. Dolores Reyes (née Reyes Barreto) is a distinguished scientist whose career spans microbiology, biotechnology, renal medicine, and the advancement of STEAM education. Building on her strong track record in cutting-edge molecular and cellular research, Dr. Reyes now focuses on bridging the gap between complex scientific innovation and real-world applications for the next generation of thinkers.
Dr. Reyes’s research career is defined by her work across three distinct areas:
Renal Medicine and Immunology: Since joining the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2001, Dr. Reyes has specialized in the cellular mechanisms of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Her NIH-funded research led to the discovery of resident lymphocyte populations in kidneys and explored how cellular "cross-talk" between organs occurs after injury. Her work has been instrumental in designing new therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for organ transplants and acute kidney failure.
Biotechnology and Food Science: She has conducted extensive studies on the metabolism of mixed cultures of commercial lactic acid bacteria to achieve superior aroma, flavor, and texture. She also investigated probiotic bacteria that can be co-cultured with conventional yogurt bacteria and utilized in superfoods.
Environmental Bioremediation: She has contributed significantly to environmental science as a co-author developing indirect conductance techniques. This work allowed the detection of molecular degradation in both free-floating and biofilm-forming bacterial populations, providing tools to better understand how bacteria can clean contaminated environments.
Microbiology: She had conducted research and development of rapid diagnostic tests targeting pathogens in healthcare and the food industry.
Dr. Reyes earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the University of Technology of Compiègne, France. Complementing her scientific rigor with an entrepreneurial mindset, she was also an alumna of the ACTiVATE® program at UMBC, which focused on technology commercialization and leadership. She was previously the co-founder of BriJen Biotech, a research and consulting company that provided services to start-ups.
Currently, Dr. Reyes is dedicated to shaping the scientists and young entrepreneurs of tomorrow. She leverages her extensive background in medicine and biotechnology to lead hands-on STEAM learning projects. By connecting high-level innovations to real-world challenges, she fosters the critical thinking and creativity necessary for students to navigate a tech-driven future.
Dolores Reyes-Ascon, Ph.D.
