This academic year the Lemann Fellowship has allowed me to complete my dissertation research. In August 2022, I traveled to the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of São Carlos to grow our chosen algal species on hydrothermal liquefaction wastewater, derived as a byproduct from high temperature and pressure conversion of food waste to generate renewable biocrude. Our Brazilian partner institutions are key collaborators in this as they specialize in the biological remediation of agricultural wastewater and algal growth through photosynthetic performance. After processing our algal biomass samples, genomic analyses were prospected to elucidate why cells have a particular biochemical composition and accumulated certain classes of carbohydrates and high-value compounds as a response to organic compounds. Specifically, the species of chlorella, one of the most prevalent and fastest-growing species, showed promise with respect to the accumulation of short-chain acids and complex sugar intermediates. These key findings expand upon how algae photosynthesis responds to alternative nutrient sources like wastewater, both for its remediation and how to activate their valuable metabolic pathways in the derivation of fuels, food, and chemicals like pharmaceuticals, among others. My research will be furthered by the team and funding agencies in the development of scalable systems that continuously generate algal biomass from wastewater and then use it for extraction of biochemicals or recycling into the hydrothermal biocrude production process. The Lemann Fellowship for Brazilian Studies has been fundamental in expanding my doctoral research, interdisciplinary interests, and professional opportunities related to education and international business in Latin America, especially Brazil.