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H. Saul Pérez Montaño
Chemist & Soil Researcher
NASA Ames
Who I am, and What I do
My name is H. Saul Perez Montaño. I received my degree in chemistry.
Since 2004, I have been working to research hyper-arid soils in the
desert of Joya in Arequipa, and in the Atacama desert of Chile, as a
NASA Ames Research Center invited researcher. I am working with Dr Chris
Mckay in the Atacama project. My studies involve determining thre presence
of organic matter, DNA extraction, and quantification using real time
PCR. Currently, I conduct measurements of the geochemical properties
of the soils and the measurement of the environmental parameters, for
example UV radiation. I am working with the DAPI method of bacterial
quantification.
How I first became interested in this profession
I was interested in this profession since my childhood, because I wanted
to know more about of the nature of chemistry, math, physics, bioinorganic
chemistry, microbiology, as well as reading for understanding. For me
it is important to receive knowledge in high school and the university.
What helped prepare me for this job
The courses in the university, like organic chemistry, physical-chemistry
and analytical chemistry. When I finished my studies, I started to work
in the laboratory as a researcher. I helped advise in investigation
projects.
My education and training
I attended elementary education in two schools: first at A 28 Peru BIRF
in Azángaro, and then at Jorge Basadre Grohmman Arequipa. I studied
chemistry and finished my studies at the National University San Agustín
of Arequipa. I began working on investigations in the biotechnology
areas and now I work as invited researcher in the biotechnology research
center. At the moment I have an administrative job. I am manager of
operations in a private company.
What I like about my job
I like working in a team, learning new things, and I want to know "What
is life?" I am fascinated by microorganisms in extreme places,
from the chemical point of view. This kind of life is very impressive
for me, as perfect as the creation of the world.
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