My scientific path is focused on the study of the ecological processes in coastal systems with a special focused on the evaluation of human impacts on marine biodiversity. My scientific approach follows a strategy from patterns to processes, starting from observational studies to the test of hypotheses through field and mesocosm experiments. During my career I have participated and been involved in several national and international projects, with roles from research assistant to PI. Therefore, I obtained a bigger scope and perspective of the different layers and competences involved in the scientific process.
From the year 2008 to 2011, I was working on the ecology of intertidal macroalgae.
In particular, I was evaluating the impact of Sargassum muticum on the epifauna associated with the native macroalgal habitats.
In addition, I was involved in several experiments and field surveys working as part of the research team lead by Dr. Celia Olabarria at the University of Vigo. A set of different studies were conducted to evaluating the response of macroalgal assemblages to climate change.
From the year 2011, I was developing in my PhD. The main goal of my thesis project was to understand the distribution and mechanisms of invasion of the non-indigenous mussel Xenostrobus securis NW coast of Spain, as well as its impact on the associated fauna.
Moreover, I explored how a future climate change scenario may affect this species through a series of field and mesocosm experiments.
Overall, results showed that the establishment of X. securis aggregations implies a change of biogenic habitat for benthic assemblages that causes a shift in abundance of dominant associated macrofaunal species. In addition, I concluded that a combination of favourably environmental conditions and lower biotic resistance (lower predation pressure) could explain the distribution patterns of X. securis on the NW coast of Spain.
After my PhD thesis defense in September 2014 (University of Vigo), I started my postdoctoral period with a first shorth stay in Montpellier, France working on the ecology of seagrasses with Dr Francesca Rossi.
Since 2015, I am working as a Postdoctoral Researcher at MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre in Madeira. I was awarded a grant by ARDITI, the Madeira Agency for Development and Technology in the framework of the 2015 ARDITI Grant Programme Madeira 14-20 to develop my postdoctoral project in marine ecology. It was specifically designed to develop a pioneer and comprehensive study in the Madeira archipelago investigating the impacts of anthropogenic pressures in marine protected areas (MPAs).
During the year 2018, I did a parenthesis during my Postdoctoral research stay at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), USA, where I was performing a 6-month project to make an insightful contribution to the study of a major concept in biological invasion theory: the Biotic Resistance of resident communities.
In parallel to my postdoctoral project I am involved in the different projects and activities of my research group (Canning-Clode Marine Lab at MARE): monitoring surveys of the marinas of Madeira; monitoring surveys of ship hulls from ships arriving to Madeiran coast; subtidal surveys using SCUBA; assistance on mentoring students in the framework of the GAME project (Geomar) and ERASMUS students; organization of workshops and meetings.
Ignacio Gestoso 
Good luck man!
THANKS!!!! 😃
Love your webpage Nacho!! The best of luck!!! Cheers Mónica
Thanks Mónica! Well I have to update the info 😉 cheers!