Mario J. Pastorino:
A forest scientist who graduated from the National University of La Plata (Argentina) in 1992, he started his research career in 1994 at the newly formed Unit of Ecological Genetics and Forest Improvement at the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Bariloche, with a scholarship from the National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina (CONICET). In 1997 he obtained a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to pursue his doctorate at the University of Göttingen, continuing his studies with genetic markers in Patagonian Cypress. Upon his return to Argentina in 2001, and after a postdoctoral fellowship, he entered the CONICET Scientific Researcher Career, where he currently holds the rank of Independent Investigator working at INTA Bariloche. In 2015 he took on a managerial position as director of the INTA’s national project for the genetic improvement of native forest tree species.
His workfocuses on the genetics of forest populations, including research on several Patagonian forest tree species (Austrocedrus chilensis, Nothofagus alpina, N. obliqua, N. pumilio), mentoring students and teaching postgraduate courses. His current research is related to adaptive processes, based on the analysis of variation of quantitative traits.Paula Marchelli:
Graduating in Biology at the National University of Mar del Plata (Argentina) in 1993, she began her scientific career in 1994 at the Unit of Ecological Genetics and Forest Improvement at the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Bariloche. In 1997 she obtained a scholarship from the National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina (CONICET) to pursue a PhD studying the genetic variation of Nothofagus nervosa, completing her degree at the National University of Comahue, Argentina, in 2002. During her PhD she was awarded a short-term scholarship from the DAAD (German AcademicExchange Service) to develop research activities at the Forest Genetic Institute in Grosshansdorf, Germany. In 2002 she became postdoctoral fellow in Marburg, Germany, studying the phylogeography of Araucaria araucana. Returning to Argentina, she joined the Scientific Research Council (CONICET), and now holds the position of Independent Researcher. She leads research projects in Argentina as well as in collaboration with the University of Marburg. Her current research areas are related to the adaptation of native species to changing climate conditions, through studies of genetic variation, migration capacity (i.e. gene flow) and responses to abiotic stress.