Gonzalo Fuenzalida | Earth | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida | Earth | Best Researcher Award

Investigator Semi Senior at IFOP-UST, Chile.

Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida, a marine biologist with a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution, has made significant contributions to understanding marine biodiversity. He has conducted research on molecular ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics, shedding light on genetic diversity and ecological adaptations in marine species. With professional experience in research, teaching, and postdoctoral positions, Dr. Fuenzalida has actively participated in various scientific projects, conferences, and oceanographic expeditions. His work has earned him recognition through awards and honors, reflecting his dedication to advancing marine science.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida completed his undergraduate studies in Marine Biology at the Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, from 2004 to 2010. Following this, he pursued a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution at the Station Biologique Roscoff, France, from 2012 to 2016. His doctoral research was conducted under the supervision of Team ABICE, UMR7144- Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI). Additionally, he engaged in a Postdoctoral Fellowship as part of the FONDEF ID-18-I -10228 project, focusing on the development of a molecular tool for the identification and quantification of toxic microalgae. This postdoctoral position took place between 2019 and 2021 in Concepción and Puerto Montt, Chile, under the auspices of UDECIFOP.

Professional Experience

Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida possesses a rich tapestry of professional experiences spanning research, teaching, and project management. As a Semi-Senior Researcher at the Instituto de Fomento Pesquero (IFOP), specifically at the Centro de Estudios de Algas Nocivas (CREAN), he has contributed significantly to the understanding of harmful algal blooms and their impact on marine ecosystems since 2017. Additionally, Dr. Fuenzalida served as a Postdoctoral Researcher on the FONDEF ID-18-I -10228 project, focusing on developing molecular tools for the identification and quantification of toxic microalgae, a role he held from 2019 to 2021. In the realm of education, he has shared his expertise as a teacher at the Universidad Santo Tomas (UST) and the Centro de Formación Técnica Santo Tomas (CFT-UST) since 2022. These multifaceted roles underscore his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, fostering learning, and addressing critical environmental challenges in the field of marine biology.

Research Interest

Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida’s research interests encompass various facets of marine biology and ecology, with a particular focus on harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their ecological impact. His work delves into understanding the dynamics, distribution, and drivers of HABs along the Chilean coast, employing molecular tools and omics technologies for effective monitoring and management strategies. Additionally, Dr. Fuenzalida explores the genetic diversity and adaptation mechanisms of phytoplankton communities in contrasting marine environments, shedding light on their resilience to environmental changes. Through his research, he aims to contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems and the sustainable management of coastal resources, addressing pressing environmental challenges in the context of climate change and anthropogenic activities.

Award and Honors

Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors for his remarkable contributions to the field of marine biology and ecology. Among these accolades is the Outstanding Research Contribution Award, which celebrates his significant achievements in studying harmful algal blooms and marine ecology. Additionally, he has received the Young Scientist Award, acknowledging his outstanding research work and promising potential in advancing marine science. Dr. Fuenzalida has also been honored with the Best Paper Award for a groundbreaking research paper that has greatly enhanced our understanding of marine ecosystems and their dynamics. Furthermore, he has been the recipient of a Research Fellowship, underscoring his excellence in research and providing support for further exploration and innovation in marine biology. These awards and honors underscore Dr. Fuenzalida’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and his profound impact on the field of marine biology and ecology.

Research Skills

Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida possesses a diverse range of research skills that have been honed through his extensive academic and professional experience in marine biology and ecology. His expertise includes molecular analysis techniques, such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction), which he utilizes for the identification and quantification of microalgae and other marine organisms. Dr. Fuenzalida is also proficient in bioinformatics, employing advanced computational methods for the analysis of high-throughput sequencing data, including metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. Additionally, he has a strong background in phylogenetics and genomics, allowing him to elucidate the evolutionary relationships and genomic characteristics of marine species. Moreover, Dr. Fuenzalida is skilled in fieldwork and oceanographic expeditions, having participated in various scientific cruises and research expeditions to study marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Overall, his comprehensive research skills enable him to address complex questions in marine science and contribute significantly to the understanding and conservation of marine environments.

Publications

  1. The holobiome of marine harmful algal blooms (HABs): A novel ecosystem-based approach for implementing predictive capabilities and managing decisions
    • Authors: Gajardo, G.; Morón-López, J.; Vergara, K.; Acuña, J.J.; Jorquera, M.A.
    • Journal: Environmental Science and Policy
    • Year: 2023
  2. Monitoring bacterial composition and assemblage in the Gulf of Corcovado, southern Chile: Bacteria associated with harmful algae
    • Authors: Fujiyoshi, S.; Yarimizu, K.; Fuenzalida, G.; Jorquera, M.A.; Maruyama, F.
    • Journal: Current Research in Microbial Sciences
    • Year: 2023
  3. Toxic Dinophysis acuminata in southern Chile: A comparative approach based on its first local in vitro culture and offshore-estuarine bloom dynamics
    • Authors: Paredes-Mella, J.; Mardones, J.I.; Norambuena, L.; Labra, G.; Nagai, S.
    • Journal: Progress in Oceanography
    • Year: 2022
  4. Heterosigma akashiwo in Patagonian Fjords: Genetics, Growth, Pigment Signature and Role of PUFA and ROS in Ichthyotoxicity
    • Authors: Flores-Leñero, A.; Vargas-Torres, V.; Paredes-Mella, J.; Lee-Chang, K.; Mardones, J.I.
    • Journal: Toxins
    • Year: 2022
  5. Toxic Alexandrium catenella expanding northward along the Chilean coast: New risk of paralytic shellfish poisoning off the Bío-Bío region (36° S)
    • Authors: Paredes-Mella, J.; Mardones, J.I.; Norambuena, L.; Espinoza-González, O.; Guzmán, L.
    • Journal: Marine Pollution Bulletin
    • Year: 2021
  6. Disentangling the environmental processes responsible for the world’s largest farmed fish-killing harmful algal bloom: Chile, 2016
    • Authors: Mardones, J.I.; Paredes, J.; Godoy, M.; Anderson, D.M.; Hallegraeff, G.M.
    • Journal: Science of the Total Environment
    • Year: 2021
  7. Unraveling the Karenia selliformis complex with the description of a non-gymnodimine producing Patagonian phylotype
    • Authors: Mardones, J.I.; Norambuena, L.; Paredes, J.; Krock, B.; Hallegraeff, G.
    • Journal: Harmful Algae
    • Year: 2020
  8. Salinity-growth response and ichthyotoxic potency of the Chilean Pseudochattonella verruculosa
    • Authors: Mardones, J.I.; Fuenzalida, G.; Zenteno, K.; Astuya, A.; Dorantes-Aranda, J.J.
    • Journal: Frontiers in Marine Science
    • Year: 2019