I am a Chilean marine biologist, the type that travels always with ziploc plastic bags and tweezers. Already early in my studies I focused my attention in the algae, a group of amazing organisms, because I understood how important they are for the marine ecosystem. Almost all animals depend either directly or indirectly on marine algae for they food supply. And their key role as microhabitat forming organisms is indisputable; not only the gigantic kelps, but also turf and subdosel macroalgae contain a rich biodiversity of organisms associated. No matter if diving underwater or looking under the microscope, the study of algae offer a fascinating pool of forms and interactions converting them into interesting evolutionary and ecological living laboratories. The development of defences and specific associations result of particular interest, because chemistry has been found to play the crucial role for those interactions with the surrounding biota. If you are interested in my research, you need some help, or you are looking for research interactions, please contact me.
