Education: University of Chile, Santiago, Licenciate in Biology, 1994. University of Chile, Santiago, Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutive Biology, 2004.

Present academic positions: Young Scientist, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Associate Investigator, Fundación Senda Darwin, and Fellow, Center for Advanced Studies in Ecology & Biodiversity (CASEB).

Research: I am interested in biogeochemical processes in native forest ecosystems, and their links with soil biology. I will endeavor to incorporate biological soil activity indicators (e.g. N2-fixation, soil respiration, plant detritus decomposition) as response variables in the long term experiments proposed in the IEB research program. I will also focus on the links between above and belowground biodiversity and processes. Regarding this last issue, I am planning to assess the impact of the conversion of native forests to commercial monocultures (Pinus, Eucalypus) on soil biodiversity. Finally, I participate in outreach activities involving local communities, particularly those of the rural landscape of the north of Chiloé Island (neighborhoods of the Senda Darwin Biological Station).

Publications