Research Interests: I am interested on statistical phylogeographic methods and coalescent-based methods for species delimitation and phylogenetic inference. My ultimate goal is to combine these molecular approaches with morphological and environmental data to address patterns of speciation in recently diverged lineages. In my dissertation I am working on the Liolaemus darwinii species group from the Patagonia/Monte Desert ecoregions in Argentina. I am using multi-locus sequence data, morphological variation, and niche models to understand how historical processes in the region (e. g., Andean uplift, marine transgressions, Pleistocene glaciations, etc.) have fostered speciation and shaped demographic structures during the recent past. Moreover, I am also interested in the use of comparative phylogenetic methods for reconstructing the evolution of sexual dimorphism and life-history traits associated with speciation.

Research Interests: My primary research interests include the biogeography, conservation, and evolutionary biology of the Neotropical herpetofauna, with special focus on the lizard fauna associated to dry biomes (e. g. Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests/Caatinga, Cerrado, and Chaco). My PhD research focuses on the study of the historical biogeographical relationships between the South American dry biomes, by using distribution modeling and comparative phylogeographic methods, and multiple groups of lizards as focal organisms. Current researches/manuscripts underway include: (1) patterns and perspectives on the zoogeography of South American dry biomes; (2) revisiting the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests historical distribution: new insights based on palaeodistribution modeling and palynological evidence; (3) development of anonymous nuclear markers for the target genera (Phyllopezus, Vanzosaura, and Lygodactylus); 4) Phyllopezus pollicaris palaeodistribution niche modelling and coalescent tests of historical hypotheses; (5) conservation genetics of the dry biomes; and (6) comparative phylogeography of the dry biomes.