My Research
I study deep-time evolutionary biology, exploring the diversification of life on Earth by combining research on genomes and fossils.
My research encompasses phylogenomics, macroevolution, and comparative morphology using cutting-edge computational, sequencing and imaging techniques. Although much of my focus is on sea urchins and other echinoderms, I enjoy working across the invertebrate tree of life.
Scientific Path
Throughout my years as a scientist, I have been part of ecology & evolutionary biology, geology, and ocean science departments, solidifying a interdisciplinary perspective that I strive to maintain as my scientific journey continues. This has also given me the opportunity to teach a wide range of courses on the topics of phylogenetics, evolution, paleobiology, statistics, and computer science.
Licentiate (BS+MS)
Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales
Universidad de Buenos Aires
MPhil & PhD
Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences
Yale University
Postdoctoral Fellow & Lecturer
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
UC San Diego
Future Directions
Reconstructing events that occurred millions of years ago is a daunting task. Echoes of distant pasts can be found today in two main places: the genomes of living organisms, which retain historical signals that can help us assemble the tree of life; and the geological record, a unique window into past states of the biosphere. Accurately reconstructing the past, and the trajectory connecting it to present-day conditions, necessitates the integration of these two distinct sources of information.
I strive to advance the field of phylogenetic paleobiology, developing novel methods and computational tools that help blur the paleontological-neontological divide and showcase the benefits of tackling evolutionary questions using integrative approaches. In the process, I also seek to establish sea urchins as a model clade for macroevolutionary research.
Latest News
02/2024: Response paper on irregular echinoid interrelationships
The phylogeny and classification of sand dollars, sea biscuits, and close relatives has been in a state of flux in recent years. Lee et al. recently published yet another phylogenetic alternative, deviating even further from traditional morphological classifications. I reassessed their data and found no support for this proposal. Advancing the fields of systematics, taxonomy, and macroevolution require that we embrace the stability offered by genome-scale approaches.
02/2024: chronospace R package and preprint are out!
Divergence time estimation is a tricky thing. We have developed tools to help quantify and visualize the sensitivity of the process to methodological decisions, providing novel approaches of exploring uncertainty. The methods are still in the trial period, so we would love to hear from you if you have any feedback. Check the manuscript; download the package.
02/2024: Invited seminar at Cal Poly Humboldt
Few things go as well together as phylogenies, redwoods, and meeting great colleagues
