Post doc Margarita Salas
I am evolutionary ecologist and my main scientific interest is the modeling and ecology of terrestrial and aquatic food webs, focusing on the ecological and evolutionary consequences of predator-prey interactions under multiple environmental conditions. Mainly, the integration of theoretical and empirical studies (both field and laboratory). In particular, I am interested in obtaining quality data to parameterize and feedback theoretical models. During these years I have gained experience working on research projects based on the study of the eco-evolutionary dynamics of soil food webs through field and laboratory mesocosms in beech forests in Asturias (Spain) and in arid and semi-arid systems in Cabo de Gata Natural Park, Almería, Spain. In addition, I have also collaborated in quantitative genetics experiments (half-sib experiments) to study the quantitative genetic basis and maternal effects of various traits in the wolf spider species, Lycosa fasciiventris. At the same time, I have parameterized complex food webs of arthropods from leaf-litter of beech trees, to better understand, through Individual-Based Models, the effect of the spatial structure of different micro-habitats on the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of multi-trophic meta-communities. Afterwards, as an expert in ecological modeling I am developing a cellular automaton model to study the plant-plant interactions and the effect of desertification in bidirectional facilitation in arid zones.
In addition, I teach specialized courses in graphic design for scientists and design scientific illustrations for other researchers in a Freelance way with the aim of complementing my scientific career with scientific illustration and dissemination. My website is www.musherstudio.com and my nickname in Twitter and Facebook is @MusherStudio.
