elvira D’Bastiani

What I do?

I study the causes and consequences of relationships between individuals or species at different scales, with a special focus on host-parasite interactions.

My goal is to understand the mechanisms and implications of these interactions, providing insights that can help prevent future pandemics.

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about me

I'm a postdoctoral researcher in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). My research integrates disciplines including ecology, evolutionary history, natural history, network science, mathematical modeling, and empirical data. This interdisciplinary approach allows me to contribute to the understanding of complex ecological phenomena.

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Key Areas of Research

My research focuses on exploring the following key questions:

My research focuses on exploring the following key questions:

My research focuses on exploring the following key questions:

My research focuses on exploring the following key questions:

  • How do host movements and environmental and climate changes influence the spillover events, and how do they affect the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of pathogens?

  • How does spillover shape the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of host-pathogen associations?

  • How can we effectively apply our scientific knowledge to safeguard ecosystems, wildlife, and human health?

  • How do host movements and environmental and climate changes influence the spillover events, and how do they affect the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of pathogens?

  • How does spillover shape the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of host-pathogen associations?

  • How can we effectively apply our scientific knowledge to safeguard ecosystems, wildlife, and human health?

  • How do host movements and environmental and climate changes influence the spillover events, and how do they affect the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of pathogens?

  • How does spillover shape the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of host-pathogen associations?

  • How can we effectively apply our scientific knowledge to safeguard ecosystems, wildlife, and human health?

  • How do host movements and environmental and climate changes influence the spillover events, and how do they affect the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of pathogens?

  • How does spillover shape the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of host-pathogen associations?

  • How can we effectively apply our scientific knowledge to safeguard ecosystems, wildlife, and human health?

Learn More

WOMEN IN ECOLOGY

We exist to give visibility to women ecologists.

A voluntary project driven by science and dedicated to supporting causes related to ecology and gender equity. The project is focused on communication and scientific outreach.

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latest news

  • Sep 17, 2024

    We Are Stronger Together: Building Community to Face Barriers for Latin American and Underrepresented Ecologists

    At the 2023 Ecological Society of America (ESA) Annual Meeting, I presented at the symposium "We are Stronger Together: Building Community to Face Barriers for Latin American and Underrepresented Ecologists." We discussed solutions to challenges like language barriers, fieldwork safety, and access to resources, sharing insights to support a more inclusive, globally representative ecological research community.


    Aug 6, 2024

    Honorable Mention award for best student paper - ESA

    In 2024, the ESA Disease Ecology section honored me with the Honorable Mention Award for Best Student Paper for my publication in Systematic Biology, from my Ph.D. research.


    Aug 6, 2024

    Invited talk - Inspiration session

    Brazil’s history of social inequality, exacerbated by colonialism and monoculture, has impacted Brazilian education and society. The Landless Workers' Movement (MST) has worked for fair land distribution and better living conditions since 1984. Recent affirmative action policies have helped underrepresented groups, including MST members. My journey to earning a Ph.D. in Ecology highlights the benefits of these policies.