CindyGonzalez | Molecular Marine Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. CindyGonzalez, Florida International University, United States.

Marine Ecologist with 14+ years of experience, Cindy excels in conservation genetics and marine ecology. Her research integrates molecular techniques, taxonomy, and phylogeography to tackle evolutionary and recent questions about sharks and fish populations, essential for proposing effective conservation management strategies. Cindy’s robust skill set includes teaching, social work, and leadership, emphasizing marine biology education and sustainable fisheries management. Committed to innovative scientific and social approaches, she fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and dedicated mentorship to protect marine biodiversity and culture.

Publication Profile

ORCID

Scopus

Education

Ph.D. in Biology, Florida International University (2024) Emphasis in Molecular Marine Ecology and Conservation (Fisheries management)
M.Sc. in Biology, Florida International University (2023) Emphasis in Molecular Marine Ecology and Conservation
M.Sc. in Biological Sciences, Universidad de Los Andes (2018) Emphasis in Marine Ecology and Conservation
B.Sc. in Ecology, Pontifical Javeriana University (2010) Emphasis in Marine Ecology

Research Experience

Doctoral Researcher, Florida International University (2018-Present) Conducts research on phylogeography, taxonomy, and conservation of small hammerhead sharks in the Americas. Described a new species, Sphyrna alleni sp. nov., and updated the species status of Sphyrna vespertina.
Research Scientist, OCEARCH (2023) Designed and developed a new eDNA assay for white sharks in the Atlantic.
Graduate Researcher, Universidad de Los Andes (2015-2017) Studied the conservation genetics of bonnethead sharks in Bocas del Toro, Panama, providing preliminary evidence of a unique stock.
Principal Investigator/Researcher, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (2010-2023) Investigated phylogeography, taxonomy, and the resilience of reef ecosystems. Managed science communication programs to enhance public engagement in marine conservation.

Professional Development

Mrs. CindyGonzalez has significantly advanced her professional skills through various prestigious fellowships and grants. She was awarded the Dissertation Year Fellowship from Florida International University, a Short-Term Fellowship from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and a Fulbright/COLCIENCIAS Ph.D. Scholarship. Cindy’s research on small hammerhead sharks received support from the Save Our Seas Foundation. She also secured the FIU Parker Travel Scholarship and FIU TROPICS Grant. Her professional development is enriched by active participation in workshops, including shark handling and scientific diving, enhancing her expertise in marine conservation and genetics.

Research Focus

Mrs. CindyGonzalez’s research centers on molecular marine ecology and conservation, particularly focusing on sharks. She employs phylogeography, taxonomy, and conservation genetics to study hammerhead and bonnethead sharks. Cindy has described new shark species, such as S. alleni sp. nov., and clarified the status of S. vespertina. Her work includes developing eDNA assays for white sharks and studying the ecological impacts on coral reefs. By integrating molecular techniques, Cindy aims to enhance conservation policies and management strategies, contributing to the protection of vulnerable marine species and promoting sustainable fisheries management.

Publication Top Notes:

First stable isotope and mercury assessment of bonnethead and Caribbean sharpnose sharks from a potential nursery ground in the Archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panamanian Caribbean
- Barragán-Barrera, D.C., Polo-Silva, C.J., González, C., Caballero, S., Luna-Acosta, A.
- Frontiers in Marine Science, 2024, 11, 1235876
- Cited by: 0
Health Risk Assessment of Globally Consumed Shark-Derived Products
- García Barcia, L., Valdes, A.E., Wothke, A., González, C., Cai, Y., Chapman, D.
- Exposure and Health, 2023, 15(2), pp. 409–423
- Cited by: 5
Phylogeography and population genetics of the cryptic bonnethead shark Sphyrna aff. tiburo in Brazil and the Caribbean inferred from mtDNA markers
- Gonzalez, C., Postaire, B., Domingues, R.R., Caballero, S., Chapman, D.
- Journal of Fish Biology, 2021, 99(6), pp. 1899–1911
- Cited by: 7
Conservation genetics of the bonnethead shark Sphyrna tiburo in Bocas del Toro, Panama: Preliminary evidence of a unique stock
- Gonzalez, C., Gallagher, A.J., Caballero, S.
- PLoS ONE, 2019, 14(8), e0220737
- Cited by: 15
Assessing the ecological effects of human impacts on coral reefs in Bocas del Toro, Panama
- Seemann, J., González, C.T., Carballo-Bolaños, R., Struck, U., Leinfelder, R.R.
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2014, 186(3), pp. 1747–1763
- Cited by: 47