ABOUT ME
I am a botanist from Puerto Rico studying plant taxonomy, phylogenetics, ecology, and genomic evolution
My botanical expertise is mainly focused on neotropical plants, in particular from the Caribbean region
I am currently studying molecular phylogenetics and systematics of tropical mistletoes (Loranthaceae, Santalaceae, Viscaceae) and birdcatcher trees (Nyctaginaceae: Pisonieae)
Research Experience
Phylogenetic and bioinformatic analyses
Genome assembly and annotation, transcriptome processing for gene discovery and phylogenetics
Herbarium management and databasing
Field work to collect specimens, samples, living tissue, and seeds of plants
Laboratory work processing samples for genomics (DNA, PCR, library building) and transcriptomics (RNA) studies
Ecological studies on pollination, seed dispersal, and forest dynamics
Taxonomic treatments and building interactive digital keys to recognize species
Collaborations with scientists from other fields by providing samples or expertise
Academic Degrees
Doctorate in Biology, The Pennsylvania State University
Masters in Biology, University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras
Bachelor in Biology, University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras
Associate Degree in Science, University of Puerto Rico Bayamón
Academic Distinctions
Alfred P. Sloan Scholar
Smithsonian Institution Peter Buck Postdoctoral Fellow (Botany Department, 2018-2020)
Academic Service
Subject editor for the scientific journals Phytokeys, Biodiversity Data Journal, and the Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography (Webbia)
Expertise on the taxonomy of parasitic plants, birdcatcher trees, and the flora of the West Indies
Reviewer of research articles for several scientific journals
My scientific publications are listed in Google Scholar and Research Gate
Visit the Projects section for more details on my research activities
Send me an email using this contact form
