Dr. Natalia Montellano Duran

Early Life and Education
Natalia Montellano Duran was born in Camiri, Bolivia.
She earned her bachelor’s (licenciatura) degree in Biotechnology from the Universidad Nacional de Rosario (Argentina).
She pursued doctoral studies in Biological Sciences at the Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina, focusing on the physico‑chemical and functional properties of food proteins, including quinoa proteins.
In her doctoral work, she investigated protein–polysaccharide interactions, gelation behavior, aggregation, and structure-function relationships. For example, she published work on acid‑induced gels of quinoa proteins and carrageenan, and how carrageenan influences aggregation and functional properties of quinoa proteins.

Career and Professional Positions
Natalia Montellano is Director of Biotechnology Engineering (or Director of Biotechnology) at the Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo” in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
She has also held roles in academic administration and leadership, including being part of the Research Ethics Committee and Coordinator of the Center for Biotechnology Research (BIOCEN) of the university.
She is the founder of the Bolivia chapter of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD).
She is a member of the Global Young Academy (GYA) since 2025.
She is a affiliate member of the The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) since 2025.

Research and Scholarly Contributions
Her research focuses on bioactive compounds, protein structure-function relationships, enzyme applications, and biotechnological processes in health, food, and industry contexts.
She has published work on the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and nutritional characterization of under‑studied tropical fruits (e.g., Allagoptera leucocalyx), seeking to valorize native biodiversity through biochemistry and biotechnology.
She co‑authored studies on remote and internet‑enabled science education, such as the use of lab‑on‑a‑chip and cloud‑controlled microscopy to broaden access to hands‑on biology learning in underserved Latinx communities.
Her work also includes advancing participatory, project‑based science curricula in Latin America, contributing to pedagogical innovation in life sciences education.
In protein science, she has studied how interactions of quinoa proteins with carrageenan (a polysaccharide) affect aggregation, gelation, microstructure, and functional properties such as solubility and thermal stability.

Awards, Recognition & Service
In 2019, Natalia Montellano was awarded the Early Career Fellowship from OWSD / UNESCO for young women scientists in developing countries.
She has been recognized in Bolivia as one of the women leaders in science and technology by the Premio Joven, Juventud Empresa, TOYP Santa Cruz and TOYP Bolivia.
Her service extends to national science bodies: she has been a member of the Scientific Research Council of Bolivia’s National Academy of Sciences (Santa Cruz department).
She has received various honors such as the Plurinational Science and Technology Award (Bolivia) and recognition by the Bolivian Chamber of Deputies, among others.
She has participated actively in science outreach and volunteer efforts, promoting STEM careers, science clubs, and mentoring young scientists in Bolivia and Latin America.

Impact, Vision & Legacy
Natalia Montellano Duran is a prominent figure in Bolivian and Latin American biotechnology and science education. Her work bridges fundamental research (on proteins, bioactive compounds, soft matter) with applied, socially relevant goals: enhancing regional biodiversity utilization, democratizing science education, and supporting women in STEM. Through her leadership in OWSD and her roles in institutional governance, she contributes to policies, networks, and capacity-building that strengthen scientific infrastructure in Bolivia.

Her career exemplifies how a scientist can combine deep technical expertise with educational innovation and advocacy. As a role model and change agent, she is helping to shape a generation of Latin American researchers who are scientifically rigorous, socially conscious, and globally connected.