I am an ecophysiologist and I am interested in studying the modulation of physiological and behavioural aspects in wildlife, in the context of environmental change.
For my PhD, I worked with guanacos, the largest South-American camelid, studying the factors that influence aggression during the reproductive season and its relationship with reproduction.
I am also very interested in applying new technology to wildlife studies, so currently I am assessing the behavioural and physiological impacts of using drones to study wildlife. That includes using tiny and minimally invasive implants that will allow us to measure physiological variables like heart rate or temperature, and behavioural responses, like warning and flight reactions, when a drone approaches. Ultimately, we will use all the results obtained to develop good practice protocols for the use of drones in wildlife studies and, at the same time, minimize the negative impacts they may cause on the individuals.
Generally, my job involves a lot of fieldwork, which means being outside a lot and enjoy nature, and also some time in the lab analysing samples.