The Laboratory of Environmental Sciences (LACA in Spanish acronym) of the UCSC belongs to the Faculty of Sciences and is led by Dr. Sergio Contreras. LACA began in 2014 with the objective of supporting research work, undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in the area of (paleo) biogeochemistry, achieving its consolidation with the assignment of a project (Fondecyt 1160719) in 2016. Currently, it has an MAE (Microwave Assisted Extraction) instrument for the extraction of total lipids in various environmental matrices (e.g. air, water, sediment, plant and animal tissues) and an improved and efficient line of separation and purification of lipids as n-alkanes, sterols, and fatty acids. Currently, the LACA-UCSC keeps in development school internships, research seminars and pre-graduate theses, post-graduate theses and technical assistance. Welcome to contact us for questions and possible joint work.