Laura Del Valle Villalonga | Planetary Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Shen Awards

Assist. Prof. Dr. Laura Del Valle Villalonga | Planetary Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Assistant Professor Doctorate from University of the Balearic Islands, Spain

Laura Del Valle Villalonga is an accomplished researcher and academic in the field of Geography and Earth Sciences, currently serving as a Substitute Lecturer at the Universitat de les Illes Balears in Spain. With a career built on a foundation of scientific rigor and environmental advocacy, Laura has contributed significantly to coastal geomorphology, luminescence dating, and Pleistocene paleoclimatic research. Her work is deeply rooted in understanding environmental processes through sediment analysis and chronostratigraphy, with a focus on the Balearic Islands and the Mediterranean region. She has held roles across academic institutions and environmental agencies, contributing to both theoretical research and applied ecological strategies, such as species protection and strategic planning. With dual PhDs and a consistent track record of field research and international collaboration, Laura demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach that merges geology, geography, hydrology, and environmental policy. Her ability to engage in public education, participate in regional planning, and publish across multiple platforms reflects her commitment to societal impact and scientific excellence. Fluent in several languages and with a strong foundation in academic teaching, she exemplifies the qualities of a modern researcher—technically proficient, globally connected, and environmentally conscious.

Professional Profile

Education

Laura Del Valle Villalonga has pursued an extensive and multidisciplinary academic journey. She earned a PhD in Geography with European Mention from the Universitat de les Illes Balears in 2016, receiving the highest qualification, “Excellent cum laude.” Additionally, she obtained a second PhD in Earth Sciences from the University of Babes-Bolyai in Romania in 2021, also conferred with “Excellent cum laude.” Her doctoral research focused on Pleistocene deposits, luminescence chronology, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the Pityusic Islands. Prior to her doctoral degrees, she completed multiple university-level diplomas and degrees from the Universitat de les Illes Balears. These include a Licenciatura in Geography, diplomas in Physical Geography, Regional Geography, Human Geography, and Geology, all awarded in 2008–2009. Laura also holds postgraduate qualifications such as a Master’s in Coastal Area Management and another in Teacher Education, both completed with honors. She complemented her formal education with professional courses in advanced geoscientific techniques such as ICP-MS, X-ray diffraction, and hydrology from institutions like the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and Institut de Ciències de la Terra Jaume Almera. This rich educational background has equipped her with both theoretical insight and applied scientific techniques.

Professional Experience

Laura’s professional trajectory spans academic, research, environmental consultancy, and public service roles. She is currently engaged as a Substitute Lecturer at the Universitat de les Illes Balears, where she also supervises students in practical geographic applications. Her postdoctoral work at Babes-Bolyai University in Romania focused on optically stimulated luminescence and dating methods, reflecting her strong geochronological specialization. Earlier, she worked at the Laboratory of Luminescence Dating and Dosimetry in Cluj-Napoca, contributing to thermoluminescence and ESR-based dating techniques. She also served as an environmental educator at Estudi 6 and developed strategic ecological control plans for the Government of the Balearic Islands. Her roles include work as a scholarship researcher at CAIB-FPI, university assistant, and research analyst for sedimentary studies related to the Menorca Channel and Arena Don Pedro. Beyond research, she has also transcribed academic theses and cataloged historical documents. Across her roles, Laura has continuously merged technical skill with real-world applications, showcasing adaptability and a multidisciplinary approach. Her responsibilities have spanned teaching, fieldwork, laboratory analysis, strategic planning, and public outreach—making her a well-rounded professional with comprehensive experience in academic and applied geography.

Research Interests

Laura Del Valle Villalonga’s research interests lie at the intersection of physical geography, geochronology, and environmental change. She specializes in coastal geomorphology, sedimentary analysis, and Pleistocene-Holocene stratigraphy. A central focus of her research has been the use of luminescence dating (OSL and TL) and ESR techniques to understand sediment deposition, sea-level fluctuations, and paleoenvironmental conditions in the Balearic Islands. Her work aims to reconstruct past climates and coastal dynamics through the analysis of aeolian and marine sediment archives. Additionally, she investigates the morphogenesis of endokarst landscapes and the correlation of speleothem records with shoreline sedimentation. Her studies are not only geologically significant but also vital for contemporary understanding of climate change impacts on coastal systems. Laura’s academic output supports conservation and sustainable planning, aligning with broader ecological and societal goals. She also contributes to interdisciplinary projects related to tourism pressure, shoreline transformation, and habitat protection. By collaborating with geologists, ecologists, and hydrologists, her research transcends disciplinary boundaries. Ultimately, Laura’s scientific inquiries serve both to advance academic understanding and inform practical environmental policy in sensitive island environments.

Research Skills

Laura possesses a versatile array of research skills across field, laboratory, and academic contexts. In sedimentology and geomorphology, she is skilled in stratigraphic profiling, sediment sampling, and coastal landform analysis. Her technical expertise includes optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), thermoluminescence (TL), and electron spin resonance (ESR) dating, acquired through hands-on experience in Romania and Spain. Laura is proficient in hydrological modeling, aquifer analysis, and geochemical sample preparation, with formal training in ICP-MS and X-ray diffraction techniques. She has experience working with GIS tools and cartographic representation for geographical studies. Her academic writing and communication skills are evidenced by her teaching roles and participation in national and international seminars. Laura is also adept at mentoring undergraduate students during field training and thesis preparation. Additionally, her command over multiple languages (Spanish, Catalan, English, French, and Romanian) supports her participation in international collaborations and literature reviews. Her comprehensive knowledge base and skill set enable her to contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary research initiatives in geography, earth sciences, and climate change studies.

Awards and Honors

Laura Del Valle Villalonga has earned several academic distinctions throughout her career. Most notably, she has received the distinction of “Excellent cum laude” for both her PhD degrees—one from the Universitat de les Illes Balears and another from Babes-Bolyai University. These dual doctoral achievements underline her exceptional academic dedication and research rigor. Her master’s thesis on sediment contamination in the Bay of Palma also received an “Excellent” rating, highlighting her early contribution to applied coastal research. Additionally, she was awarded research scholarships (CAIB FPI) by the Government of the Balearic Islands for multiple years, allowing her to undertake dedicated geographic and geoscientific research. Her work has also been recognized through active participation in competitive, government-funded research projects such as EMCROTUR and GEOLICA, which support innovative research on climate change and coastal transformation. These recognitions reflect her status as an emerging leader in environmental geosciences. Moreover, her role as a speaker and course leader in university seminars adds to her academic credibility and acknowledgment within the teaching community. Laura’s consistent record of excellence affirms her qualifications for prestigious awards in scientific research.

Conclusion

Laura Del Valle Villalonga exemplifies a model scholar and professional in environmental geography and earth sciences. Her dual doctoral qualifications, extensive academic training, and hands-on field and lab experience position her as an expert in sedimentology, coastal geomorphology, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Through her work on luminescence dating, climate archives, and shoreline processes, she contributes significantly to our understanding of long-term environmental changes in sensitive coastal systems. Laura’s commitment to teaching, mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration enhances the impact of her research within and beyond the academic community. She effectively bridges theory and practice—linking scientific inquiry with ecological management and educational outreach. Her participation in major R&D projects, her multilingual proficiency, and her experience across European institutions reflect both depth and breadth in her career. Although she could further amplify her scientific impact through lead authorship in international journals and PI roles, her trajectory is already distinguished and impactful. In sum, Laura Del Valle Villalonga is a compelling candidate for recognition in women’s scientific achievement, and her profile meets and exceeds the expectations of a Women Researcher Award nominee.

Publications Top Notes

  • Middle to Late Pleistocene dunefields in rocky coast settings at Cala Xuclar (Eivissa, Western Mediterranean): Recognition, architecture and luminescence chronology
    Authors: L. del Valle, L. Gómez-Pujol, J.J. Fornós, A. Timar-Gabor, …
    Journal: Quaternary International, 407, pp. 4–13, 2016
    Citations: 39

  • OSL-dating of the Pleistocene-Holocene climatic transition in loess from China, Europe and North America, and evidence for accretionary pedogenesis
    Authors: D. Constantin, J.A. Mason, D. Veres, U. Hambach, C. Panaiotu, C. Zeeden, A. Timar-Gabor, …
    Journal: Earth-Science Reviews, 221, Article 103769, 2021
    Citations: 29

  • Assessing the maximum limit of SAR-OSL dating using quartz of different grain sizes
    Authors: V. Anechitei-Deacu, A. Timar-Gabor, D. Constantin, O. Trandafir-Antohi, …
    Journal: Geochronometria, 45(1), pp. 146–159, 2018
    Citations: 28

  • Late Pleistocene dune–sourced alluvial fans in coastal settings: Sedimentary facies and related processes (Mallorca, Western Mediterranean)
    Authors: F. Pomar, L. del Valle, J.J. Fornós, L. Gómez-Pujol
    Journal: Sedimentary Geology, 367, pp. 48–68, 2018
    Citations: 22

  • El registre sedimentari eòlic del Plistocè litoral d’Eivissa
    Author: L. del Valle
    Thesis: Doctoral thesis, Universitat de les Illes Balears, 2016
    Citations: 16

  • Registro sedimentario litoral del Pleistoceno en las Islas Baleares (Mediterráneo occidental): implicaciones paleoclimáticas
    Authors: F. Pomar, L. del Valle, J.J. Fornós, L. Gómez-Pujol
    Journal: VIII Jornadas de Geomorfología Litoral, Geotemas 15, pp. 65–68, 2015
    Citations: 14

  • Cartografía de los hábitats marinos de las Islas Baleares: compilación de capas y comunidades bentónicas
    Authors: M. Julià, L. del Valle, M. Bagur, E. Marsinyach, G.X. Pons, D. Carreras
    Publisher: Observatorio Socioambiental de Menorca (Institut Menorquí d’Estudis), 2019
    Citations: 13

  • Millennial-scale climate variability recorded in Late Pleistocene coastal deposits of Formentera Island (Balearic Archipelago, Western Mediterranean)
    Authors: L. del Valle, A. Timar-Gabor, F. Pomar, G.X. Pons, J.J. Fornós
    Journal: Quaternary International, 617, pp. 112–128, 2022
    Citations: 11

  • Aeolian-alluvial interactions at Formentera (Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean): The Late Pleistocene evolution of a coastal system
    Authors: L. del Valle, J.J. Fornós, F. Pomar, G.X. Pons, A. Timar-Gabor
    Journal: Quaternary International, 566, pp. 271–283, 2020
    Citations: 10

  • El Pleistoceno superior de la zona de Tirant-Fornells (norte de Menorca, Illes Balears): un modelo de interacción eólica y aluvial
    Authors: F. Pomar, J.J. Fornós, L. Gómez-Pujol, L. del Valle
    Journal: Geo-Temas, VII Jornadas de Geomorfología Litoral 14, pp. 123–126, 2013
    Citations: 10

 

Gabriel Andrés Casal | Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Shen Awards

Dr. Gabriel Andrés Casal | Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor from National University of Patagonia San Juan Bosco, Argentina

Gabriel Andrés Casal is a highly respected geologist and paleontologist with a specialized focus on vertebrate paleontology, particularly the study of Cretaceous vertebrates in the Golfo San Jorge Basin, Argentina. Born in Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina, Dr. Casal has dedicated his career to advancing scientific knowledge of paleoenvironments, taphonomy, and dinosaur-bearing deposits in Patagonia. He currently holds multiple leadership positions, including Secretary of Research and Graduate Studies at the National University of Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB) and Director of the “Dr. Rubén Martínez” Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory. Dr. Casal has led and contributed to over 22 significant research projects and has made remarkable contributions in the fields of paleontology and stratigraphy. His career combines scientific research, university-level teaching, and active administrative service, demonstrating his commitment to the advancement of geology and paleontology. Additionally, Dr. Casal has worked in collaboration with various national and international researchers, contributing to the growth of his academic community. His dedication to the study of ancient life and environments has helped shape the scientific understanding of Patagonia’s rich fossil record, and his leadership continues to support the training and development of future geologists and paleontologists.

Professional Profile

Education

Gabriel Andrés Casal’s educational journey is deeply rooted in the geological sciences. He completed his secondary education at Colegio Salesiano Dean Funes in Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina, where he earned a degree as a Mechanical Technician. Pursuing his passion for earth sciences, he obtained his undergraduate degree in Geology from the National University of Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB), where his academic and fieldwork excellence began to emerge. His dedication to paleontology led him to pursue a doctoral degree in Geology at the same institution. His Ph.D. research focused on the paleontology, taphonomy, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of Upper Cretaceous dinosaur-bearing deposits in central Patagonia. Under the guidance of Dr. Nicolás Foix and Dr. Bernardo González Riga, his dissertation received the highest possible evaluation (10/10) and was recommended for publication. Dr. Casal’s academic progression reflects a focused and methodical approach to his specialization, providing him with a solid foundation in both theoretical geology and applied paleontological research. His education not only equipped him with scientific rigor but also prepared him for his dual roles as a researcher and educator, where he continues to influence the next generation of scientists.

Professional Experience

Gabriel Andrés Casal has accumulated an impressive professional portfolio that spans teaching, research, leadership, and industry consultancy. He began his career as a Scientific Drawing Instructor and worked as a tour guide at the ASTRA Paleontological Museum, providing early community education in paleontology. His expertise expanded into geological and paleontological studies for the oil industry, where he contributed to environmental and stratigraphic analyses in the Golfo San Jorge Basin. Within academia, Dr. Casal has held progressive teaching positions at UNPSJB, including tenured roles in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. He has served as a Teaching Assistant, Course Coordinator, and now holds the title of Tenured Associate Professor in Paleontology. In administrative leadership, he is the current Secretary of Research and Graduate Studies at his faculty and has previously served as Director of the Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory. Additionally, he is an active board member of the Professional Association of Geologists of Chubut. His professional experience demonstrates a comprehensive balance of academic excellence, scientific leadership, and applied geological research, making him an influential figure in both educational and paleontological communities in Argentina.

Research Interest

Dr. Gabriel Andrés Casal’s research interests are primarily centered on vertebrate paleontology, stratigraphy, taphonomy, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction, particularly within the Cretaceous formations of the Golfo San Jorge Basin in Patagonia. His work focuses on studying the fossilized remains of dinosaurs and other vertebrates to understand their evolution, ecological dynamics, and the sedimentary contexts in which they were preserved. He is particularly interested in the relationships between fossilization processes, depositional environments, and the broader paleoecological patterns that can be deduced from the fossil record. Dr. Casal’s research aims to uncover how ancient life forms interacted with their environments, how taphonomic processes affected fossil preservation, and how these insights can reconstruct past ecosystems. His studies often integrate fieldwork with laboratory analyses, emphasizing stratigraphic correlations and sedimentary facies interpretation. He has led multiple projects that address vertebrate diversity, microfossil studies, paleoflora, and the taphonomic characteristics of fossil deposits. Through his research, Dr. Casal has made significant contributions to understanding regional paleobiodiversity and has helped to position the Golfo San Jorge Basin as a critical site for paleontological studies in South America.

Research Skills

Gabriel Andrés Casal possesses a wide array of advanced research skills that support his extensive work in paleontology and geology. He is proficient in stratigraphic profiling, sedimentary facies analysis, and taphonomic interpretation, allowing him to meticulously document and analyze fossil-bearing deposits. Dr. Casal’s expertise extends to vertebrate fossil identification, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and geological mapping, all of which are critical for understanding ancient ecosystems and evolutionary trends. He has developed strong project management capabilities through his leadership of complex, multi-year research initiatives. His ability to coordinate field expeditions, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and secure research funding showcases his organizational and leadership skills. In addition, Dr. Casal has considerable teaching and mentoring experience, designing both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in paleontology and taphonomy. His practical skills are complemented by experience in museum curation, public science communication, and industry-based geological assessments. Dr. Casal’s integration of academic research with applied geological services has allowed him to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and real-world applications, enhancing both his academic and professional impact.

Awards and Honors

Although the provided information does not explicitly list formal awards or international honors, Gabriel Andrés Casal’s career is marked by significant academic achievements and leadership appointments that demonstrate peer recognition and professional respect. His doctoral dissertation was awarded the highest academic score, a 10/10, and recommended for publication—a clear acknowledgment of the quality and relevance of his research. His progression to tenured academic positions, his role as Secretary of Research and Graduate Studies, and his directorship of the Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory are institutional validations of his contributions and leadership. Additionally, his continued selection as principal investigator and co-director of nationally funded research projects speaks to his recognized expertise within the scientific community. His service on the Advisory Committees of university laboratories and as a board member of the Professional Association of Geologists of Chubut further demonstrate his standing among colleagues and within professional organizations. These positions reflect sustained trust in his scientific judgment, educational influence, and administrative leadership, underscoring his professional excellence even in the absence of explicitly named awards.

Conclusion

Gabriel Andrés Casal is an exemplary researcher whose work has significantly enriched the fields of geology and vertebrate paleontology, particularly within the Patagonia region. His dedication to uncovering the ancient life and environments of the Golfo San Jorge Basin has provided valuable insights into Cretaceous ecosystems, with his research contributing to both national and international understanding of paleontological processes. Dr. Casal’s career stands out for its balance between active research, impactful teaching, and effective administrative leadership. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead large-scale research projects while fostering the academic growth of his students and colleagues. His strengths lie in his deep field expertise, his commitment to educational excellence, and his substantial contributions to the geological and paleontological community in Argentina. With further expansion into international publication and collaboration networks, Dr. Casal’s work has the potential to achieve even broader recognition. Overall, his profile aligns well with the expectations of a Best Researcher Award candidate, as he embodies the qualities of academic rigor, research leadership, and sustained contribution to his discipline.

Publications Top Notes

1. BASAL ORNITHOPODS FROM THE SOUTH-CENTRAL CHUBUT, CENTRAL PATAGONIA: EVOLUTIONARY, PALEOHISTOLOGICAL, AND PALEOENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: Publicacion Electronica De La Asociacion Paleontologica Argentina

2. BIOEROSION TRACE FOSSILS ON DINOSAUR BONES FROM THE LAGO COLHUÉ HUAPI FORMATION, UPPER CRETACEOUS OF CENTRAL PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA

  • Year: 2024

  • Journal: Revista Brasileira De Paleontologia

  • Citations: 1

3. BIOSTRATINOMIC PROCESSES ACTING ON KATEPENSAURUS GOICOECHEAI: INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC FACTORS ANALYSIS. BAJO BARREAL FORMATION (UPPER CRETACEOUS), PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA

  • Year: 2023

  • Journal: Publicacion Electronica De La Asociacion Paleontologica Argentina

  • Citations: 3