Dr. Mauricio Hernández | Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Delmer Mauricio Hernández Espinal is an accomplished ecologist and geologist specializing in molecular ecology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, genomics, and bioinformatics. He is passionate about understanding how environmental and anthropogenic factors influence ecosystems. With an interdisciplinary approach, combining biology and geology, Dr. Hernández has conducted extensive research in both laboratory and field settings, focusing on microbial communities and their roles in ecosystem dynamics. His recent doctoral research at the Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala (UATx) and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) involved studying microbial communities in lizard species using molecular and genomic techniques. Dr. Hernández has also been involved in several international research initiatives, contributing to the field of ecological and evolutionary genomics. With a strong academic foundation and a dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, he has significantly contributed to understanding microbial ecosystems and environmental conservation. He is currently a faculty member at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras.

Professional Profile

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Education

Dr. Mauricio Hernández earned his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Molecular Ecology from the Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in 2023. His doctoral thesis explored the ecological and evolutionary factors that influence gut microbiota in different species of lizards. Prior to his Ph.D., Dr. Hernández obtained a Master’s degree in Geology from the University of Zaragoza, Spain, where he investigated soil-vegetation-contamination interactions in areas affected by hexachlorocyclohexane contamination. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, where he focused on aquatic biology. His academic journey reflects a strong integration of biological and geological sciences, equipping him with a unique interdisciplinary perspective.

Professional Experience

Dr. Hernández currently holds a faculty position as a professor and researcher in the Department of Cellular Biology and Genetics at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH). In addition to his teaching duties, he is actively involved in several international research projects. He serves as a manager for the Earth Hologenome Initiative in Central America, collaborating with researchers across Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru. Previously, he worked as a collaborator on the B10K project at the University of Copenhagen, contributing to genomic sequencing of bird species worldwide. Dr. Hernández has also held teaching roles in Earth Sciences and Energy and Climate Change at UNAH and has conducted research internships at prestigious institutions such as CINVESTAV, Mexico, and the University of Copenhagen.

Research Interests

Dr. Hernández’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular ecology, evolutionary biology, and geology. He focuses on how ecological and evolutionary factors shape microbial communities and their interactions with various ecosystems. His work examines the role of extrinsic and intrinsic factors in the ecology of microorganisms, particularly in relation to their evolutionary adaptation. Dr. Hernández is also interested in applying bioinformatics and genomic techniques to study microbial communities in wildlife species, with the ultimate goal of developing conservation strategies. His research spans diverse topics including environmental microbiology, the impact of contamination on ecosystems, and the use of metagenomics to understand microbial biodiversity. Through these interdisciplinary approaches, he aims to further our understanding of ecological dynamics and promote environmental conservation.

Research Skills

Dr. Hernández possesses strong technical and research skills in molecular ecology, genomics, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis. His expertise includes environmental DNA extraction from diverse samples such as soil, water, plants, and animal tissues. He is proficient in DNA amplification techniques, including PCR, and specializes in metagenomic sequencing to investigate microbial diversity. Dr. Hernández also excels in bioinformatics, using computational tools to analyze complex genomic and ecological data. His statistical skills in R and other data analysis software allow him to perform advanced ecological and evolutionary analyses. His fieldwork experience includes extensive ecological sampling and data collection in various ecosystems, contributing to his ability to integrate both laboratory and field research methodologies.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Hernández has received several prestigious scholarships and awards throughout his academic and professional career. These include a doctoral scholarship from the National Council of Humanities, Sciences, and Technologies (CONAHCYT) in Mexico and a master’s scholarship from the Santander Bank for Iberoamerican students. He also received a research fellowship at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, and participated in the Earth Hologenome Initiative, contributing to a global effort in genomics and ecological research. His academic and professional achievements reflect his dedication to advancing knowledge in molecular ecology, genomics, and environmental science.

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