Marina J. Vergotti | Marine Sciences | Young Scientist Award

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Mrs. Marina J. Vergotti | Marine Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Mrs at Freie Universität Berlin, Germany 

Marina J. Vergotti is a passionate Earth Sciences researcher with a particular focus on marine ecosystems and coral ecology. As a Ph.D. candidate at Freie Universität Berlin, she is exploring the effects of environmental change on the temperate coral Cladocora caespitosa. Her academic journey spans multiple prestigious institutions, where she has contributed significantly to understanding the resilience of marine organisms to climate change. Vergotti’s research is deeply connected to the broader themes of marine biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management, particularly regarding coral reefs and marine protected areas. Her ability to merge fieldwork with laboratory research highlights her interdisciplinary approach, integrating marine biology, ecology, and geosciences. She has participated in numerous international collaborations and projects, contributing to the global discourse on climate change’s effects on marine life.

Professional Profile

Education

Vergotti holds an MSc in Oceanography and Marine Management from the University of Barcelona and a BSc in Biology (Biodiversity and Ecology) from the same institution. She further honed her skills through specialized courses in stable isotopes, oceanography, and marine management. Her educational background is complemented by various advanced training in ecological conservation methods for marine species, including sharks and cetaceans. These educational experiences laid a solid foundation for her current research on temperate coral reefs and climate change resilience.

Professional Experience

Vergotti’s professional experience includes her current position as a lecturer at Freie Universität Berlin, where she teaches graduate students in reef evolution and ecology. She has worked as a research assistant at various institutions, such as the University of Barcelona and the Smithsonian Institution, where she contributed to projects focused on coral ecology, marine biodiversity, and climate change. She has also gained practical experience through several field campaigns, collaborating with international research teams in Spain, Chile, and Germany. Her work has involved extensive field research, laboratory analysis, and supervision of undergraduate theses, establishing her as a versatile and highly skilled researcher.

Research Interests

Vergotti’s primary research interest revolves around the response of temperate corals, particularly Cladocora caespitosa, to environmental stressors like warming and acidification. She focuses on studying the variability in pH regulation, biomineralization, and the long-term effects of thermal stress on coral reefs. Her research also delves into sclerochronology, using coral skeletons to reconstruct past environmental conditions and assess coral health. Vergotti is deeply invested in understanding how climate change impacts marine ecosystems and the resilience mechanisms that may allow corals to survive under changing oceanic conditions. Her work aims to contribute to conservation efforts and sustainable management of marine resources.

Research Skills

Vergotti’s research skills are diverse and include proficiency in sclerochronological techniques, statistical analysis, and marine fieldwork. She is skilled in using Coral-XDS software for X-ray analyses, which allows her to study coral growth and calcification rates. She has a solid background in ecological modeling and statistical tools, with experience in R Studio, ImageJ, and Excel for data analysis. Vergotti’s fieldwork expertise includes scuba diving, marine sampling, and underwater observation, having participated in numerous field campaigns. Her ability to merge laboratory-based research with real-world fieldwork is one of her standout skills, allowing her to gather valuable data that informs her studies on coral resilience to environmental change.

Awards and Honors

Vergotti’s academic excellence has been recognized through her involvement in several prestigious research projects, such as the European Union Horizon 2020 project MaCoBioS, which focuses on coastal ecosystems in a changing world. She has contributed to various collaborative projects, including the UndResCoral project, which investigates the biotic and abiotic factors affecting coral resilience. Although not explicitly listed with specific awards, Vergotti’s research contributions to marine science and climate change resilience have garnered significant recognition in the scientific community. Her participation in international conferences and workshops further underscores her commitment to advancing the field of marine ecology and conservation.

Conclusion

Marina J. Vergotti demonstrates exceptional research capabilities and leadership in her field, particularly in understanding the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. Her publications, contributions to major research projects, and teaching roles highlight her expertise and dedication. With some focus on public outreach and expanding the geographic scope of her research, Marina is poised to make an even greater impact in the field of marine conservation. Based on her academic and professional achievements, she is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Weather and trade-offs between growth and reproduction regulate fruit production in European forests
    • Authors: MJ Vergotti, M Fernández-Martínez, SC Kefauver, IA Janssens, …
    • Journal: Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 36
    • DOI: 107711
  2. The endangered coral Cladocora caespitosa in the Menorca Biosphere Reserve: Distribution, demographic traits and threats
    • Authors: DK Kersting, ME Cefalì, J Movilla, MJ Vergotti, C Linares
    • Journal: Ocean & Coastal Management
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 7
    • DOI: 106626

 

Claudia Pons Bordas | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Claudia Pons Bordas | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award 

PhD student and Research Technician at the Marine Species Stranding Network of the Valencian Community, at University of Valencia, Spain.

Claudia Pons Bordas is a Spanish marine biologist dedicated to understanding marine mammal health and biodiversity conservation. Born on June 7, 1995, in Valencia, Spain, Claudia is currently a Ph.D. student in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Valencia’s Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology. Her research focuses on the ecology and pathology of gastric parasites affecting cetaceans, aiming to shed light on their impacts on marine ecosystems. With professional experience in field studies and necropsy, Claudia contributes to conservation efforts through her work with the Valencian Community’s marine species stranding network. Passionate about the ocean and its creatures, she has presented her findings at international conferences and has been involved in educational outreach. 🌎 Her fluency in Spanish and English enables her to collaborate with researchers worldwide.

Profile

Scopus

Education

🎓 Claudia pursued a Bachelor’s in Biology (2013-2017) at the University of Valencia, where she first engaged with marine mammal studies. She then completed a Master’s in Animal Biodiversity: Conservation and Evolution (2017-2018) at the same institution, graduating with honors in nematology. During this period, she also took certified courses in marine mammal ecology, population genetics, and R for biodiversity studies, deepening her analytical skills. Currently, Claudia is advancing her academic journey as a Ph.D. student in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology at the Marine Zoology Unit of the University of Valencia. Her thesis explores the phylogeography and pathology of gastric parasites in cetaceans, supervised by experts Dr. Francisco Javier Aznar Avendaño, Dr. María Mercedes Fernández Martínez, and Dr. Natalia Fraija Fernández. 🐬 Her studies uniquely prepare her for impactful contributions to marine biodiversity conservation.

Experience

🛠️ Claudia has extensive experience in marine biology. She began with internships, including one at the Department of Marine Mammals, Oceanogràfic of Valencia (700 hours), where she gained hands-on experience with marine mammals. In her M.Sc. internship at the Marine Zoology Unit, she participated in boat-based surveys, monitoring cetaceans, sea turtles, and fish populations. 📊 Since 2018, she has conducted predoctoral research at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) in Galicia, where her focus has been on dissecting and studying gastric parasites in stranded cetaceans. Additionally, she has served as a thesis co-tutor for undergraduate and graduate students in biology. As a speaker, Claudia has shared her expertise with students and the public in outreach events like “Women and Science” and workshops on cetacean biology. Her teaching and peer review contributions further establish her as a dedicated professional in marine biodiversity.

Research Interest

🔬 Claudia’s research centers on marine mammal health and conservation, specifically through the study of parasitology and its implications for marine biodiversity. Her Ph.D. thesis investigates the ecology, phylogeography, and pathology of gastric parasites in cetaceans, which play crucial roles in ocean ecosystems. She collaborates with the Valencian Community’s marine species stranding network, analyzing tissue samples and pathology to assess the health of species like the bottlenose dolphin and harbor porpoise. Her fieldwork includes boat-based surveys and laboratory dissections, where she documents parasite-host interactions and their effects on species health. 🐋 Claudia is passionate about translating her findings into conservation strategies and has engaged in projects such as “AICO 2021/022” and “TRANSITION” on trophic relationships and pressures in oceanic nekton, aiming to advance biodiversity protection frameworks.

Awards

🏆 Claudia’s contributions to marine biology have earned her recognition throughout her academic career. She graduated with honors from her M.Sc. program, particularly for her outstanding work in nematology. As a member of the necropsy team for the Valencian Community’s stranding network, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to conservation, leading to awards supporting her research initiatives. Her projects have received backing from notable organizations, including the Generalitat Valenciana and the Ministry for Ecological Transition. Her work has also contributed to internationally recognized projects, notably LIFE CONCEPTU MARIS, focused on Mediterranean cetacean conservation. These awards underscore her commitment to marine biodiversity and her role in advancing understanding of marine species’ health and conservation. 🌐

Publications

📝 Claudia has contributed valuable research to marine parasitology and biodiversity conservation. Below are some of her key publications:

  • “Recent increase of ulcerative lesions caused by Anisakis spp. in cetaceans from the Northeast Atlantic” (2020) – Journal of Helminthology Link
    • Cited by 25 articles
  • “Parasites as integral elements of cetacean biology: the digenean Pholeter gastrophilus as a case study” (2021) – in Contributions to the global management and conservation of marine mammals, Artemis Link
    • Cited by 12 articles
  • “Conservation implications of gastric parasite-host dynamics in cetaceans” (Conference Paper, 2022) – European Cetacean Society Link

Conclusion

Claudia Pons Bordas has a strong and promising profile for the Research for Best Researcher Award in marine zoology. Her academic achievements, hands-on research experience, and contributions to conservation initiatives make her a strong contender. By enhancing her international collaborations, diversifying her research scope, and stepping into leadership roles, Claudia could elevate her already substantial contributions to marine biodiversity and conservation. Her current trajectory and accomplishments make her a valuable and competitive candidate for the award.