Career

• Since 2023: Auxiliary Researcher (career), SusTEC - Associated Laboratory for Sustainability and Technology in Mountain Regions, CIMO - Mountain Research Center, IPB - Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Portugal
• 2020 - 2023: Professorship positions in Biology and Environmental Sciences, Area of Physical Geography (Geomorphology and Biogeography), Department of Geography, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Spain
• 2018 - 2019: Visiting Researcher, in Campus of International Excellence (CEI), Tricontinental Atlantic Campus of the University of La Laguna (ULL), Spain
• 2015 - 2018: Associate Professor- interim tenured in Biology and Environmental Sciences, Area of Soil Science of Dpt. Geology and Geochemistry, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Spain
• 2014 - 2015: Postdoctoral Researcher, Dpt. Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology, Laboratory of Humus Chemistry, National Museum of Natural History (MNCN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) State Agency, Madrid, Spain
• 2011 - 2014: Postdoctoral Researcher, Postdoctoral contract with companies of the agri-food sector, University-business agreement, Area of Food and Agricultural Chemistry, Dpt. Chemistry, University of La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, Spain
• 2009 - 2011: Postdoctoral Researcher at the Laboratory of Humus Chemistry of the Centre of Environmental Sciences (CCMA) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spain

Roles

• Since 2023: “Honorary professor”, Dept. of Geography, Area of Physical Geography, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Spain
• 2019 - 2023: Technical-Scientific Director of Mountain Environment and Ecosystem Management Area, Colaborative Laboratory MORE (Colab MORE), Portugal
• Since 2018: Academic management of the European Copernicus Academy Network for the dissemination and promotion of activities of the European Space Agency (ESA) at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Spain

Qualifications

• 2014 - Graduation in Chemistry Degree, University of La Laguna, Spain
• 2009 - PhD. in Biologic Sciences. Doctorate program in Global Change and Sustainable Development, Dpt. Ecology at the University of Alcala (UAH); carried out between 2007-2009 in the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
• 2007 - MSc. in Global Change and Sustainable Development (Diploma of Advanced Studies), Dpt. Ecology at the University of Alcala (UAH), Madrid
• 2004 - MSc. in Tropical Ecology, Institute of Environment Sciences at the University of Los Andes (ULA), Mérida, Venezuela
• 2000 - Bachelor degree in Biology, University of La Laguna, S/C Tenerife, Spain

Awards and Honors

• 2007 - MSc thesis qualified as the best dissertation thesis from this doctorate program, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid
• 2004 - MSc thesis nominated to Ramsar awards, Mérida, Venezuela

Interests

• Products and processes based on Circular Economy principles: Optimizing the composting process of agro-industrial residues, production of organic fertilizers, soil conditioners or biostimulants, and the elaboration of biochar/activated carbon for agricultural use.
• Functional Soils to decarbonize Europe: In-depth analysis of C stock in major mountain ecosystems, focusing on soil C fraction, assessment of fluxes and storage, and C stabilization processes based on molecular analysis of soil organic matter (humic acids)
• European Green Deal: the “Farm to Fork” strategy: Develop field trial efficacy experimental in order to test their potential as soil conditioners or biostimulants in providing ecosystem services: C sequestration and climate action.
• Combating desertification and drought: a Soil Deal for Europe: Determine which management measures to implement in the territory to monitor and reduce soil losses, ecology restauration and soil regenerate, using remote sensing (Copernicus program)
• Soil Literacy in the UE Soil Mission: urban agriculture