Current research

Who I am and what do I do?

I am an evolutionary biologist in the field of macro-genetics with experience in phylogenetics, phylogenomics, and bioinformatics. I am interested in understanding the mechanisms leading to speciation and the impact that environmental changes have on the outcome of this process. My research uses plants, insects, and their interactions as model systems to explore sources of intra- and inter-specific genetic variation and its patterns through time and space.

My previous work includes the study of Neotropical ant-plant mutualisms and their diversification using comparative phylogenetics and population genomics, and within the context of the geological history of the Andes cordillera. I have also estimated the time of divergence in plants like orchids and palms using calibrated phylogenies based on fossil data. Currently, I am exploring the genetic basis of phenotypic traits related to environmental adaptation in Amazonian palms and Arctic herbs.

During my career, I have been part of every aspect of doing modern science. From planning experiments and carrying out expeditions, to obtaining the sequence data, analysing it, visualizing and writing up the results. I particularly enjoy doing fieldwork and analysing data, and I have extensive experience in molecular biology. As a bioinformatician, I have assembled and analysed referenced and de novo draft genomes from whole genome and target-capture data generated with short- and long-read technologies.

Besides research, I actively participate in science communication and community engagement activities, raising awareness about environmental and social issues in Colombia and around the world. I enjoy cooperative work where interactions are horizontal and everyone contributes equitably. I am also an independent researcher capable of leading projects under minimum supervision and I have a strong disposition to learn new methods.