My research aims at exploring the ecology and evolution of marine nitrogen-fixing bacteria (i.e., those capable of converting dinitrogen gas into ammonium), which are responsible of supporting primary production in a large fraction of the ocean. Within this topic I am particularly intrigued by some nitrogen-fixing symbionts that are on the verge of becoming organelles, as they are useful models to understand the evolution of the eukaryotic cell.
"Recipient of the Leonardo Grant for Researchers and Cultural Creators (BBVA Foundation)"