Valentina Hurtado-McCormick

Marine microbial ecologist with a PhD and over 15 years of experience in tropical marine ecosystems, environmental biotechnology, and risk-based research. Proven track record in leading interdisciplinary projects, synthesising complex scientific evidence, and delivering high-impact publications and policy-relevant outputs. Skilled in ecological risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and workshop facilitation, with expertise in seagrass systems, coastal biomes, and innovative intervention strategies. Strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills, ensuring timely delivery of outcomes aligned with strategic objectives.

H-index: 5, 245 citations

Google Scholar | Scopus

• Chaudry S, Hurtado-McCormick V, et al. (2025). Microalgae to bioplastics – routes and challenges. Cleaner Engineering and Technology
• Hurtado-McCormick V, et al. (2022). Generation of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 mutant with enhanced laccase-like activity. Bioresource Technology Reports
• Hurtado-McCormick V, et al. (2022). Pathways for understanding Blue Carbon microbiomes with amplicon sequencing. Microorganisms
• Hurtado-McCormick V, et al. (2021). Shifts in the seagrass leaf microbiome associated with wasting disease. Marine and Freshwater Research
• Trevathan-Tackett SM, Sherman CDH, Hurtado-McCormick V, et al. (2019). A horizon scan of priorities for coastal marine microbiome research. Nature Ecology and Evolution
• Other publications include two scientific manuals and four media articles

Career total: $440,000 AUD (since 2007)

• AJIF Grant Program 2024, $200,000 – Exploring algae-based circular economy for mine water treatment
• ARC Discovery Program PhD Scholarship, UTS, $111,600 – Part of ARC Future Fellowship project on microbial ecology
• Faculty of Science Postgraduate Research Scholarship, UTS, $90,500 – PhD support
• UTS International Research Scholarship, $111,600 – PhD support
• CSIRO Seed Funding 2023, $20,000 – Screening microalgae for designer microbiomes

• 2024: Bioprospecting microalgae and cyanobacteria for sustainable plastics, ICRC 2024, Bielefeld University, Germany (Oral)
• 2017: Regional and microenvironmental patterns in the seagrass microbiome, CERF 2017, Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, Providence, RI, USA (Oral)
• 2012: The importance of cassava protein as putative pathogenicity targets of HpaF from Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis, Global Cassava Partnership Conference 2012, Kampala, Uganda (Oral)

• Journal reviewer (2019 – ongoing), 11 verified peer reviews | Web of Science
• Editor (2023 – ongoing), Bulletin of Marine and Coastal Research
• Mental Health First Aider (2024 – ongoing)
• Remote First Aider, St John Ambulance WA (2023 – ongoing)

• Supervised seven graduate, MSc and PhD students on algal bioprospecting and microbial bioplastics production.
• Led laboratory practicals, tutorials, and workshops in Microbial Ecology, Environmental Biotechnology, and Microbiology.

• Australian
• Colombian