Lucia Rivera, PhD

Skilled Environmental Scientist with a strong background in environmental modelling, ecosystems management and climate change impact. Contributed to major international initiatives, including Horizon 2020, showcasing leadership in research. Proficient in developing monitoring frameworks, employing R for statistical analysis, and utilizing GIS in biodiversity management. Committed to promoting sustainable practices through impactful environmental research and policy-making.

I am an experienced Environmental Scientist with a strong foundation in environmental modelling, ecosystems management, climate change impact analysis, and biodiversity conservation. My proficiency extends to R, GIS (QGIS and ArcGIS), SPSS, and bioinformatics, coupled with expertise in developing monitoring frameworks and leveraging statistical tools for environmental research.

My career has spanned various significant roles, including serving as an Environmental and Climate Researcher at the Institute of Marine Research and the National Museum of Natural Science in Spain from January 2020 to September 2023. There, I analyzed climate change factors impacting marine biodiversity, assessed ecological impacts on commercial fish stocks, and consulted on sustainable marine resource management. Since April 2022, I have been an Excellence Member at the National Council of the Scientific Society of Astrobiology in Peru, advising on Cyanobacteria adaptation in Mars-like environments and engaging in international scientific symposia.

Previously, from March to December 2019, I was a Teaching Assistant and Researcher at the Natural History Museum ‘Vera Alleman Haeghebaert’ in Peru, where I developed the area of Micropalaeontology, led laboratory projects, and taught courses on Biology and Climate Change. My earlier experiences include roles at the University of Arkansas and the University of Engineering and Technology in Peru, focusing on climatic reconstructions and developing environmental workshops, as well as a stint at Newcastle University, UK, where I researched the Holocene of Peru’s coastal areas.

I just submitted a PhD in Biology at the Autonomous University of Madrid as part of the ITN SeaChanges international training network (Horizon 2020) , and hold a Master's in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management from VUB, UGent, and UAntwerp in Belgium. My educational and professional journeys underscore my dedication to advancing environmental science and my capability to lead and innovate in diverse scientific and educational settings.

• Specializations: Environmental modelling, ecosystems management, climate change impact analysis, and biodiversity conservation.
• Key Skills: Proficient in R, GIS (QGIS and ArcGIS), SPSS, and bioinformatics. Experienced in developing monitoring frameworks and utilizing statistical tools for environmental research.