My name is Gastón A. Martini, but in confidence they call me Tato. I am an Argentine biologist (graduated from UNRC), doing a PhD in Biological Sciences (at UNC) in my country of origin. My place of work (Centro de Investigación Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagónica (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, CIEMEP-CONICET) is in Patagonia Argentina, in the south of the country. More precisely, in a mountain town, with landscapes out of fairy tales, called Esquel. I am currently studying a group of glyptodonts from Santa Cruz Formation (early Miocene) of Patagonia (Argentina). My research is focused on anatomical, taxonomic, phylogenetic and paleobiological aspects of these glyptodonts, with emphasis on cranial characters. I am a lover of rocks, plants and animals. I am a dog lover, in fact I am the human of two puppies (Franky and Rufi).
Doctor in Palaeontology
Panos Sianis
Panagiotis (Panos) D. Sianis is a Doctor in Palaeontology specializing in Early Pleistocene mammal assemblages. He holds a degree in Geology from the University of Patras, Greece, and has expertise in archaeological palaeoanthropology and science communication. Over the years, he has gained extensive academic, fieldwork, and public outreach experience in Palaeontology. Currently, he is employed by University College Cork in Ireland, where he is a member of the Ireland's Fossil Heritage educational programme.
PhD student in Palaeontology
Aniny Fadwa
My name is Aniny Fadwa, I am a Moroccan paleontologist and science teacher, currently pursuing a PhD in Vertebrate Paleontology at Hassan II University of Casablanca, in my home country. My work takes place at the Faculty of Sciences Aïn Chock, focusing on the rich fossil record of the Moroccan Sahara. Specifically, my research explores the systematics and paleoenvironment of marine vertebrates from the Middle Eocene of Boujdour City. My studies delve into the anatomy, taxonomy, and environmental context of these ancient marine animals. I am passionate about nature and dedicated to inspiring my students to appreciate our planet's history.
PhD student in Palaeontology
Luciana M. Giachetti
Hi! My name is Luciana M. Giachetti, but everyone calls me Luly. I studied Palaeontology at the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). I am currently pursuing my PhD at IPGP-CONICET (Puerto Madryn, Argentina), where I am studying the ichnological content of Quaternary marine deposits from Chubut Province, Argentina. My PhD focuses on bioerosion traces on mollusc shells. The ichnological information from Quaternary marine deposits in Argentina is scarce, so this study will provide new insights into this topic and help us understand how paleocommunities and benthic communities responded to climatic changes throughout the Quaternary. On the other hand, I love books and I am a big fan of cinema. I'm also the human of a dog called Nala, who loves to running in the beach and sleeping.
PhD student in Sedimentology and Palaeontology
Sara Akboub
Heyyy!
I'm Sara, currently in my 4th year of a PhD in Sedimentology and paleontology. My work is all about exploring the ancient world of Late Paleozoic vertebrates and invertebrates, and I’m particularly drawn to fieldwork there’s nothing quite like excavating the secrets of the past. I’ve spent a lot of time in Morocco’s High Atlas mountains, and each trip brings a new layer of understanding (and excitement!) about the environments of millions of years ago.
I’ve been lucky to work alongside some incredible researchers in the field and share my findings at various conferences, which has been both rewarding and a lot of fun. Sharing this passion with others is one of the best parts of what I do.
I am from Morocco, University Chouaib Doukkali; El Jadida City.
Best,
Sara.
PhD student in Palaeontology
Daniel D. Badea
Hi! I am Daniel D. Badea, a PhD student at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Iasi, Romania. I am a geological engineer and I am passionate about vertebrate paleontology. My doctoral studies are focused on fossil microvertebrates from the Upper Miocene of northeastern Romania, eastern Europe. The topic is a very interesting and diverse one considering that I am currently working on the groups Rodentia, Lagomorpha, and Eulipotyphla, together with material belonging to fossil fish and reptiles. By identifying the species of fossil micromammals present in the Upper Miocene deposits of this region, I will complete the list of already known paleontological sites from neighboring countries. The complete interpretation of the identified fossil fauna is of great help in gaining an overview of the paleoenvironment of that time.
PhD in Zoology
Dimila Mothé
My name is Dimila Mothé, and I am a specialist in the evolution, taxonomy, systematics, and paleobiology of Cenozoic mammals, with a focus on Quaternary megafauna and New World proboscideans. I hold a degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro and a specialization in Quaternary Geology from the National Museum of Brazil. I completed my Master’s and Ph.D. in Zoology at the National Museum, with part of my studies conducted at the University of Florida in the United States. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience in teaching, research, lectures, and scientific events, and I am currently a professor in the Department of Zoology at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO). My research with the Megafauna Study Group focuses on the evolution, ecology, and systematics of these ancient mammals, contributing to our understanding of prehistoric life, particularly the Quaternary megafauna.
Data Curation Scientist
Brooke Long-Fox
Dr. Long-Fox is a Data Curation Scientist at Phoenix Bioinformatics (Newark, California) and an ADVANCE Project Coordinator for South Dakota Mines (Rapid City, SD). I received my Ph.D. in Geology and Geological Engineering with a Paleontology emphasis from South Dakota Mines (2022), resulting in a dissertation on the genetic, taxonomic, and functional diversity of lucinid bivalves from anthropogenically-altered coastal ecosystems. My research falls into three broad areas applicable to conservation paleobiology: (1) morphology, (2) environmental interactions, and (3) phylogenetic relationships. I am also dedicated to FAIR and open access biological and paleontological data and advocating for equity and inclusion in STEM.
Undergraduate Student of Earth Sciences
Antonios Isidoros Avrithis
Antonios Isidoros Avrithis is an undergraduate student of Earth Sciences at The Open University, UK. He is interested in Lagerstatte formations and exceptionally preserved fossils as well as the neogene fossils of Kos island (Greece) which is his island of origin. He has spent numerous days since childhood working in the field, collecting rocks and fossils as well as taking part in paleontological digs organised by universities. He has donated fossils to his local Junior High School for the establishment of a small museum that spreads the paleontological and geological knowledge to the local community. He does science communication though social media and became popular with his Greek channel named that numbers thousands of followers.
