Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas - CONICET - Argentina
Author Profile
SCOPUS
🌱 Early academic pursuits
iris cáceres saez began her academic journey with a strong foundation in biological sciences, obtaining her licenciatura in ciencias biológicas with a focus on ecology from the centro regional universitario bariloche, universidad nacional del comahue (crub – uncoma) in 2007. her passion for marine mammals and environmental conservation led her to pursue a doctorate in biology at the same institution, which she completed in 2014. her doctoral research centered on the study of heavy metals and other trace elements in the endangered commerson’s dolphin (cephalorhynchus commersonii) along the coast of tierra del fuego, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors in marine ecology and environmental toxicology.
🌊 Professional endeavors
following her doctoral studies, iris advanced her research on marine mammals as postdoctoral fellow at conicet, focusing on the potential of sub-antarctic marine mammals as environmental bioindicators. from 2014 to 2017, she assessed the levels of heavy metals and organic compounds in these species, contributing valuable insights into the environmental health of these remote ecosystems. iris is currently an investigadora adjunta at conicet, affiliated with the laboratorio de ecología, comportamiento y mamíferos marinos (lecymm) at the museo argentino de ciencias naturales "bernardino rivadavia" (macn-conicet), where she continues her research on marine mammals and their role in environmental monitoring.
🔬 Contributions and research focus
iris's research has significantly advanced our understanding of how marine mammals can serve as sentinels for environmental health. her work has primarily focused on the accumulation of heavy metals and other pollutants in marine mammals, such as dolphins and sea lions, from the argentine coast. she has pioneered studies on the contamination levels in various organs of these animals, providing critical data that informs Agricultural and Biological Sciences conservation efforts and environmental policies. her commitment to this field is evident in her ongoing projects, including the study of molecular biomarkers in argentine dolphins and the monitoring of heavy metal contamination in coastal patagonia through sea lion populations.
🏆 Accolades and recognition
iris has received special recognition for her scientific contributions, including mentions in the "premio a la producción científica de becarios del museo argentino de ciencias naturales bernardino rivadavia" for two consecutive biennial periods (2013-2014 and 2015-2016). these accolades Agricultural and Biological Sciences underscore her dedication to advancing marine biology and environmental sciences, particularly in the context of pollution and its impact on marine ecosystems.
🌍 Impact and influence
through her research, iris has made significant contributions to the field of environmental toxicology, particularly in understanding the impact of pollutants on marine mammals. her work has provided vital insights into the health of marine ecosystems in argentina and beyond, influencing conservation strategies and policies aimed at protecting these environments. her role as a mentor to the next generation of scientists further Agricultural and Biological Sciences amplifies her impact, as she guides doctoral and licentiate students in their research on marine mammals and environmental contaminants.
📚 Legacy and future contributions
iris cáceres saez is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the field of marine ecology and environmental toxicology. her ongoing research continues to shed light on the environmental challenges faced by marine ecosystems, with a particular focus on the southern atlantic and sub-antarctic regions. as she mentors young scientists and leads cutting-edge research projects, iris is ensuring that her contributions will resonate in the scientific community for years to come, driving forward our understanding of environmental health and the protection of marine life.
Notable Publications