Alejandra Fabres, PhD (C)
Short Bio
I am a biologist specializing in evolutionary ecology, currently pursuing a PhD at Auburn University, in the department of Biological Sciences. My research focuses on how marine organisms — particularly cryptobenthic fishes — respond to environmental stressors such as ocean warming. I am broadly interested in evolutionary history, phylogeography, and the mechanisms that allow species to persist in extreme or changing environments. I also have a strong appreciation for natural history, with a particular fascination for marine organisms. Outside of academia, I enjoy swimming, freediving, scuba diving, and underwater photography.
Education
MS, Biological Science with mention in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Universidad de Chile 2023
Bachelor’s (Associate degree), in Biological Science Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile 2014
Professional Experience
I am a biologist with extensive experience in molecular laboratories, fieldwork and academic research environments. My work focuses on molecular and evolutionary ecology across a wide range of taxa, combining approaches such as genetic analyses, morphometrics and biodiversity assessment. I have contributed to multiple research initiatives through data collection, laboratory work and project coordination, collaborating with both public and private institutions. I have also worked with and examined specimens from major natural history museum collections, supporting research in systematics and evolutionary biology.
Innovation
My research focuses on how temperature changes drive both long-term adaptations and short-term molecular and phenotypic plasticity in a widely distributed cryptobenthic fish, Scartella cristata, through different life stages. By integrating transcriptomic, genomic and morphological approaches, my research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that support thermal tolerance and shape species distributions across different latitudes. Understanding these processes will enhance our ability to predict the resilience of cryptobenthic fishes in the face of ocean warming.
