DISEASE ECOLOGY
Exploring how ecological and evolutionary processes shape the dynamics of host-parasite interactions.
ABOUT ME
I am a quantitative ecologist. I was born and raised in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Currently, I am a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Pinter-Wollman Lab at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
What I do?
My research focuses on how ecological and evolutionary processes shape the dynamics of host-parasite interactions, with particular interest in infectious diseases and host-switching events.
My interests span the causes and implications of these interactions and the impact of host-switching events, particularly in the context of environmental changes. To achieve this, my research integrates elements of ecology, evolutionary history, natural history, network science, mathematical modeling, and empirical data.
Why?
I am fascinated by the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of host-pathogen associations.
I aspire to translate scientific findings into actionable insights for policymakers and to raise awareness among the general public. By bridging the gap between science and society, my goal is to ensure that people are well-informed about the implications of pathogen spread and the critical importance of addressing these issues.
Key areas of research
My research focuses on exploring the following key questions:
How do host movements, along with environmental and climate changes, influence host-switching events? How do these factors 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 wildlife and human health?
WOMEN IN ECOLOGY Project
We exist to give visibility to women ecologists.
Women in ecology is a volunteer project that exists to supports ecological causes based on scientific evidence and advocates for women's causes, aiming to give visibility to women ecologists.
Our project seeks to promote greater female representation in the field of ecology and advocates for more inclusive policies for minorities within the Brazilian scientific community.
LATEST NEWS
Exciting News: ESA Excellence in Ecology (EEE) Scholarship Awarded by the Ecological Society of America (ESA)
I am excited to share that I have been selected as part of the 2025 cohort of ESA Excellence in Ecology (EEE) Scholars by the Ecological Society of America (ESA). This prestigious scholarship recognizes early- to mid-career Ph.D. ecologists from groups traditionally underrepresented in science.
I am deeply grateful to ESA for this scholarship. I look forward to continuing my work in disease ecology and contributing to the ecological community.
Exciting News: Outreach 2024 Grant Awarded by BES!
On November 20, 2024, I had the joy of being selected by the British Ecological Society (BES - @britishecolsoc) to receive an Outreach Grant! 🎉 This funding will be used to develop a new activity within the Mulheres na Ecologia project: “Ecologia por Elas”!
I can’t reveal the details of the new activity just yet, but this recognition is incredibly special. It marks a significant step in increasing the visibility of Brazilian ecologists and strengthening the connection between science and society—not only in Brazil but also on an international level.
I’m bursting with ideas and excited to share everything with you soon! A huge thank you to everyone who believes in and supports my work!
Exciting News: Honorable Mention by ESA Disease ecology section!
In 2024, the Disease Ecology Section of the Ecological Society of America honored me with an Honorable Mention Award for Best Student Paper for my Ph.D. research publication in Systematic Biology. I am deeply grateful to the ESA Disease Ecology Section for this recognition, which provides valuable support for my work. I look forward to continuing my research in disease ecology.
Exciting News: Best Talk Award by ESA!
At the 109th Ecological Society of America Meeting, my presentation, “Host-switching events affect the evolution of the network of interactions” (COS 289-4), was recognized as the Best Talk by the ESA Latin America & the Caribbean Chapter, celebrating my scientific research.
I am deeply grateful to ESA LAC for this award, which provides valuable support for my research. I look forward to continuing my work in ecology.
