My research focuses on conservation physiology and ecotoxicology. I use integrative approaches to understand the effects of anthropogenic activities on wildlife, particularly pollution. I combine field and laboratory-based experiments looking at the effects of stressors at different levels of biological organization applying a diverse array of techniques including molecular tools, behavioral experiments, and modeling. In addition to mechanistic approaches, I am passionate about novel, low-cost, open-source technologies, and their application in conservation.
I have worked with a broad diversity of systems including insects, fish, birds, and bats. I did my PhD at the University of Toronto where I studied the effects of neurotoxic pesticides on bats at different scales, from cells to behavior. Working with threatened species made me aware of the importance of low-invasive methods to monitor wildlife health. Therefore, I have recently become fascinated with developing cost-effective and low-invasive methods to monitor the risk of exposure and effects of pollutants in wildlife. These tools are particularly important in vulnerable regions with high biodiversity and intensive farming practices, like many countries in Latin America where I have conducted most of my field research and where I am originally from. Personally, I am a huge advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM and I am part of multiple organizations working towards increasing representation in science.
My research gate profile has up-to-date links to my publications.