The Mlab members
Mireia Mestre (Ramon y Cajal Researcher)
Mireia Mestre is
the founder and supervisor of Mlab. She holds a B.S. in Biology and a B.S. in
Oceanography, as well as an M.S. in Environmental Sciences and a Ph.D.
in Marine Microbial Ecology. She is currently a researcher at the
National Museum of Natural Sciences, working within the Department of
Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology.
Her
research focuses on microbial ecology, particularly the study of
microbial communities and their role in natural ecosystems and animal
hosts. She explores the diversity, biogeography, interactions, and
functions of marine microbiomes, with an emphasis on how these
microscopic organisms influence overall global health, including the
health of the hosts. She has extensive experience in marine and polar
ecosystem research, and is now embarking on an exciting new line of
research focused on animal microbiomes.
Alicia Prior (PhD student, FPU grant)
Alicia Prior is a PhD student at the National Museum of Natural Sciences in the Department of Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology. She holds a degree in Biology and a Master's in Environmental Microbiology. Her doctoral research focuses on the microbiome of Antarctic zooplankton, investigating the interactions between the microbial communities and their zooplankton hosts. Understanding these microbiomes is crucial, as they play a key role in the health, nutrition, and resilience of the host organisms in extreme environments like the Antarctic. By studying these relationships, she aims to uncover how microbial communities influence the biology and ecology of zooplankton, contributing to broader ecological and climate-related research.
Marc Gost (PhD student, Comunidad de Madrid grant)
Marc Gost is a dedicated PhD student in microbiology, with a passion for exploring the intricate world of marine microorganisms. His research delves into the spatial and metabolic interactions of these microorganisms in three unique and distant regions: the Mediterranean Sea, the Antarctic waters, and the vast global ocean. By examining these distinct ecosystems, Marc aims to uncover how microbial communities interact and adapt to varying environmental conditions. His ultimate goal is to deepen our understanding of the complex dynamics that drive microbial processes in these marine ecosystems, particularly their vital role in regulating the global nutrient cycle. Through his work, Marc hopes to contribute valuable insights into how these microorganisms sustain ocean health and, ultimately, the health of our planet.
Sergio Poyatos (JAE-Intro student)
Sergio is a biologist currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biodiversity in Tropical Areas and Conservation. He has earned a prestigious JAE-Intro scholarship, which has granted him the opportunity to join the Mlab. During this time, his research will focus on studying the microbiome of Salpa thompsoni, a species of salp native to the Antarctic waters. Sergio's work aims to uncover the complex relationships between these gelatinous organisms and their associated microbial communities. The microbiome of salps plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and overall ocean health. By exploring these interactions, Sergio hopes to contribute to a deeper understanding of the ecological importance of Salpa thompsoni and the broader role of microbial life in Antarctic ecosystems.
Camila Marín-Arias (Research assistant)
Camila Marín is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Oceanography at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV). As part of the Mlab, her research focuses on the distribution patterns of microorganisms in the Antarctic during key seasonal transitions, such as from spring to summer. These periods of change are critical, as they influence the dynamics of microbial communities, which in turn affect nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning. Camila's work aims to uncover how environmental shifts, like temperature and light variations, drive the distribution and behavior of microorganisms in these extreme environments. By understanding these patterns, her research can shed light on the broader impact of climate change on polar ecosystems, revealing how small yet vital microbial processes help maintain the delicate balance of life in one of the planet's most vulnerable regions.
MLabers Alumni, now dispersing around!