Our research integrates genomic data, particularly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), with principles of population genetics, environmental information, and geographic information systems (GIS) to address ecological and evolutionary questions in natural populations.
We apply this framework to both fundamental and applied research questions.
Research Focus
Our work is organized around four main lines of research:
1. Drivers of Genetic Diversity
Genomic information allows inference of past and contemporary drivers responsible for the origin and maintenance of genetic diversity, which can be natural (climate, landscape, habitat, life-history) or anthropogenic in nature (overexploitation, habitat fragmentation, artificial propagation). Collectively, they will affect a population’s genetic properties – namely size, gene flow, and inbreeding – and thus its persistence and ability to adapt. Assessing and understanding these drivers can be useful from the perspective of native populations, by means of aiding conservation biologists and resource managers ensure long-term sustainability of ecologically and economically important wild populations. Also, knowing the genetic properties of non-native populations can be useful to understand patterns and processes of establishment and invasion, thus aiding management of alien taxa and measures of mitigation.
2. Molecular and Population Ecology of Salmonids in South America
Salmonids were repeatedly introduced to South America over the past two centuries to promote recreational fisheries and aquaculture of these highly valued species. Our research explores the ecological, genetic, and evolutionary consequences of these introductions—addressing questions of adaptation, gene flow, hybridization, and ecosystem impacts.
3. Genomic Applications in Pacific Salmon
Salmonids are non-native species in South America. We use genomic approaches to investigate their population structure, local adaptation, and colonization success across diverse environments.
By integrating genomic, environmental, and geographic data, we aim to identify the mechanisms that have enabled these species to establish, expand, and persist in novel ecosystems.
This research also contributes to understanding the broader processes that shape the evolutionary dynamics of biological invasions.
4. Molecular Ecology of Aquatic Organisms and Conservation Genetics of Wild Populations
Beyond salmonids, our group investigates patterns of genetic variation, connectivity, and adaptation across a range of aquatic organisms. These studies aim to inform biodiversity conservation, guide resource management, and predict responses to environmental change.