Driven by a curiosity to understand the origin of life on Earth, Benjy Sedano-Herrera is seeking answers to life’s biggest questions through small organisms known as cyanobacteria. This group of organisms inspired him to become a biologist in the first place.

“Cyanobacteria are one of the coolest bacteria on Earth,” says Sedano-Herrera, a master’s student currently working in Nicole Pietrasiak’s lab in the School of Life Sciences at UNLV. 

While his research is tiny, his reach is worldwide. He completed his undergraduate degree in Peru before coming to UNLV. He has industriously expanded his network with scientists across the globe and landed an internship with a biotechnology company in Amsterdam. 

“Sedano-Herrera is an inquisitive scholar who is unstoppable when it comes to motivation and curiosity,” says Pietrasiak, associate professor of sustainability in arid lands. 

For Sedano-Herrera, this is the beginning of his professional journey. He plans to explore the unique ways cyanobacteria adapt and thrive in extreme environments — making them potential organisms of interest for future space exploration.

“Following graduate school," he says, "I picture myself working in an international environment, such as the European Space Agency, with a focus on understanding the evolution of life on Earth and exploring potential ways to discover life beyond our planet."

Sedano-Herrera received the Forrest Shreve Research Award from the Ecological Society of America for his work investigating cyanobacteria and biological crusts in the Mojave and Chihuahuan deserts. He credits Pietrasiak and other colleagues and collaborators at UNLV for motivating him to pursue his graduate degree here.

“Dr. Pietrasiak is an expert in terrestrial cyanobacteria so I knew I wanted to work with her,” he says. “She has also taught me a lot as a researcher including to follow my passion.”

Sedano-Herrera’s passion for discovery and Pietrasiak’s mentorship and guidance have proven to be a winning combination as the Forrest Shreve Research Award wasn’t his first.

He has received many different scholarships and grants including the Joshua Tree National Park Graduate Student Research Grant and the Phycological Society of America Grant in Aid of Research Graduate Student Award. Recently, he sat down to talk with us further about the important research he's been doing at UNLV and what he wants to do next.

Tell us about your research.

Cyanobacteria provide some of the earliest evidence of life on Earth and are unique among bacteria for their ability to release oxygen during photosynthesis. Additionally, they thrive in extreme environments such as deserts. A key trait that enables them to survive under such harsh conditions is their production and release of sugar-based molecules called exopolysaccharides.

My research at UNLV is divided into two parts: First, I investigate the genes involved in the production of exopolysaccharides in terrestrial cyanobacteria and compare them with those in aquatic cyanobacteria. Second, I focus on the effect of nutrient scarcity, particularly phosphorus, on the production of exopolysaccharides in desert cyanobacteria. 

This research will provide insights into the role of exopolysaccharides in the adaptation of cyanobacteria to terrestrial habitats, from both an evolutionary and physiological perspective.

How does this relate to soil ecology and dryland soil health?

Deserts are among the most vulnerable ecosystems to degradation and yet remain one of the most overlooked in the world. Within these ecosystems, cyanobacteria play a pivotal role. Through the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS), cyanobacteria stabilize soil particles, thereby enhancing soil fertility, water retention, and facilitating the growth of vascular plants. For these reasons, understanding the major environmental stressors affecting soil cyanobacteria and EPS production is very important.

My research will provide valuable insights into how soil cyanobacteria respond to nutrient limitation stress. Such knowledge may aid in developing biology-based solutions to mitigate degraded desert soils and improve dryland soil health. I want to raise awareness about our enigmatic desert cyanobacteria by understanding how these organisms can survive the extreme conditions in our deserts. Lastly, my goal is to educate the public about cyanobacteria that are so important to the ecosystem but not well known in the public realm.

What excites you about this research?

Cyanobacteria hold immense potential both on and beyond Earth. First, they play a key role in desert ecosystems. Studying the mechanisms that enable cyanobacteria to thrive in deserts can enhance our efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems and their valuable resources.

Second, space agencies like NASA are investigating cyanobacteria as potential organisms for future space exploration. This dual perspective, studying how cyanobacteria adapt and thrive in extreme environments on Earth and potentially in space, is my real motivation.

What’s next for you?

Currently, I am working on a research paper based on the first chapter of my master’s thesis. After completing my master’s degree, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. focused on cyanobacteria genomics and astrobiology. Following graduate school, I picture myself working in an international environment, such as the European Space Agency.

I aim to lead a project dedicated to understanding the evolution of life on Earth and exploring potential ways to discover life beyond our planet. This project excites me because we can apply this knowledge to preserve our common home, the Earth, as well.

You have been successful in finding multiple opportunities with other labs/organizations both in person and virtually. What is your advice to other students in finding these sorts of opportunities?

I have been proactive in my efforts to become a better scientist. I reached out to professors, sent emails, made video calls, learned English, and attended conferences. Networking is an important part in finding these opportunities.

Working in different localities has enhanced my teamwork skills and allowed me to lead my own projects. Furthermore, I have improved my interpersonal skills, connecting with more people and expanding my professional network.