Santiago Zaragoza Rastoll
|
Present position: |
PhD student |
||
|
Research area: |
|
||
|
Phone: |
+43 512 507-50218 |
Academic History
Ongoing — PhD Student, Research Department for Limnology, Mondsee, Universität Innsbruck, Austria
2024 — MSc in Genetics and Evolution, University of Granada, Spain
2023–2024 — Erasmus Exchange Program, University of Oslo, Norway
2020–2024 — BSc in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, University of Valencia, Spain
Master’s Thesis:
Functional and Coevolutionary Inference of the Subcuticular Microbiome in Echinoderms
Supervisors: Francisco Perfectti and Isabel Reche, University of Granada
Bachelor’s Thesis:
Research Proposal on Thermal Stress Response in Stygobiont Crustaceans from the Valencian Community
Supervisor: Ferran Palero Pastor, University of Valencia
Research Internships:
2023–2024 — Venomics Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), University of Oslo
Supervisor: Eivind Andreas Baste Undheim
2022–2023 — Evolutionary Genetics Group, I2SysBio (UV–CSIC), University of Valencia
Supervisor: Rosario Gil García
top ↑
Research interests
I am deeply fascinated by how evolution unfolds across multiple biological scales, from molecular mechanisms to ecosystems. My research interests focus on understanding how genetic and ecological processes shape biodiversity patterns and evolutionary trajectories, while sharing the wonder of life’s diversity and emphasizing the urgent need to protect it.
Previously, I studied thermal stress responses in subterranean crustaceans and characterized the function of bacterial communities associated with echinoderms to uncover their roles in host resilience and adaptation. Training in Oslo further broadened my perspective, allowing me to explore the evolutionary and ecological significance of phenotypic plasticity in venom systems.
As a PhD researcher in Markus Möst’s group, I investigate how historical eutrophication events have shaped the evolutionary history of the Daphnia longispina species complex. My work focuses on the effects of genetic admixture on eco-evolutionary dynamics and how these processes influence species and ecosystem responses to contemporary environmental stressors such as heat waves.
This journey has fostered in me an enthusiastic, open-minded scientific outlook and a proactive, collaborative approach. I value a broad, multicultural perspective grounded in a strong commitment to scientific integrity and social responsibility. I am passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists to pursue rigorous inquiry and push the frontiers of knowledge.
top ↑