Hello! My name is Ana, and I am a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Complutense University of Madrid. My work focuses on the study of some truly fascinating organisms: lichens. I am interested in understanding how lichen communities in extreme ecosystems —mainly polar and alpine— manage to survive and thrive under harsh environmental conditions. To do so, I combine ecophysiology and molecular biology techniques that allow me to assess their functional, taxonomic, and genetic diversity.
Since the protagonists of my research are often found far away, studying them has taken me to some very special places. I’ve been lucky enough to have my “office” not only at UCM, but also on the rocky outcrops of Sierra Nevada, in the forests and peaks of Chilean Patagonia, and among the snow and penguins of Antarctica.
Beyond science, I am passionate about languages, music, and being in contact with nature. For me, doing research is also a wonderful way to explore our surroundings, to learn to see the world through new eyes, and to share that sense of wonder with others.