Members

My work focuses on the study of echinoderms (Echinodermata), with a particular interest in their morphological, reproductive, and feeding adaptations across different habitat types. I investigate how these adaptations relate to species diversity and distribution, especially in extreme environments such as the deep sea and in areas impacted by human activities.

I use an integrated approach that combines taxonomic, morphological, and reproductive studies with technological tools applied to scientific research. In recent years, I have incorporated non-invasive methodologies, including drones, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), sensors, and 3D modeling, to survey marine biodiversity, particularly in hard-to-reach environments.

• Analyze the diversity and biogeography of echinoderms in the South Atlantic and their connectivity with Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions.

• Study biological adaptations in deep-sea echinoderm species.

• Improve the classification of Ophiuroidea through morphological and molecular studies.

• Examine the functional morphology of jaws and feeding ecology in brittle stars.

• Apply non-invasive technologies (drones, ROVs, 3D models) to study marine organisms and their habitats.

I investigate the impact of human activities on coastal echinoderms in Argentina, evaluating species diversity, distribution, and latitudinal patterns. I also study reproductive strategies of deep-sea species, comparing them with shallow-water counterparts to identify bathymetric trends.

My research includes the morphology and classification of Ophiuroidea, integrating morphological and genetic data. I analyze the structure and function of brittle star jaws in relation to feeding and their ecological roles in benthic communities.

In parallel, I develop and apply technological tools for marine research, including drone-based orthomosaics, high-resolution imaging, and 3D models for morphological and habitat analyses.

I serve as Associate Curator of the Echinoderm Section of the CENPAT Invertebrate Collection, which is part of Argentina’s National Biological Data System (SNDB) and a node of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). I also engage in science outreach through ProyectoSub and co-authored the book Biología marina (Eudeba), aimed at students and the general public.