ECODIM ALUMNI
The International Graduate course Ecology and Diversity of Marine Microorganisms, ECODIM, was established in 2000 as part of the International Graduate Course Series in Oceanography at the Austral Summer Institute of the University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile.
Over 100 students from 14 countries (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Mexico, Peru, Spain, Uruguay, Venezuela and Chile).
Over 50 lecturers, instructors and symposium speakers from 9 countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United States and Chile).
ANDREA BORBÓN
Colombia – ECODIM 2016Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : MSc. Student in Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
Current Academic Status : MSc. in Biological Sciences and Computational Biology, Max Planck Tandem Group in Computational Biology, Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
ECODIM 2016 has been the most enriching academic experience that I’ve ever had during my career until today. It gave me some new perspectives about the things I was doing and the way I wanted to drive my research since then. The academic quality in terms of lecturers, laboratory equipments, supplies and resources exceeded all my expectations. Professors over there did not put a limit to our research goals and outlooks, and I think that is very important in a context of doing and promoting science. ECODIM is a great way to empower young scientists to pursue their research goals and ambitions.
RAFAEL BERMUDEZ
Ecuador – ECODIM 2008
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : Undergraduate student, Centro EULA, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
Current Academic Status : PhD. Researcher-Lecturer. Galapagos Marine Research and Exploration GMaRE, Joint ESPOL-CDF Program. Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral. Guayaquil, Ecuador.
ECODIM ended up directing my entire career into microbiology research. If I would not have taken that course I would not be where I am now.
ALEXANDRA GARCIA
Venezuela – ECODIM 2006
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : Postdoctoral Researcher at Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas.
Current Academic Status : Associate Researcher III Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas.
ECODIM was very important to my career because I learned basic concepts about ecology of marine organisms and many techniques that I could standardize in Venezuela. Additionally I met great people (students and teachers), who helped me in my professional formation and with whom I am still in contact.
ALVARO MUÑOZ
CHILE – ECODIM 2012
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : PhD Student at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Current Academic Status : Postdoctoral Researcher at the Millennium Institute of Oceanography, University of Concepcion, Chile.
Besides offering an excellent theoretical and practical experience, the network that I made during my course remains really tight. All classmates are always writing to each other regarding interesting conferences, Postdoc opportunities and other PhD/science related matters. I personally collaborate in various scientific projects and have been working as a Postdoc in the laboratory of professors I met during the ECODIM summer course. Also, the amazing opportunity to talk about science and life with the instructors of the course, gives you a completely new perspective about your career. Specifically, after ECODIM 2012 I was able to do a PhD internship at UC San Diego, USA; and then have been working as a Postdoc at the University of Concepcion (since 2013) with a Professor I met at the same course.
SUSANA RODRIGUEZ
CHILE – ECODIM 2016
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : Undergraduate Student and Research Assistant at Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.
Current Academic Status : M.Sc. Student in Oceanography, P. Universidad Católica de Chile.
ECODIM was an excellent course that gave me the opportunity to meet scientists from different research lines and different countries. I also interacted with renowned professors working in the area of marine microbial ecology. The course provided me with useful knowledge that I now apply in my postgraduate studies.
DANIEL PLAZA
CHILE – ECODIM 2014
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : Master in Biochemistry, University of Chile, Chile. PhD student in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Chile, Chile.
Current Academic Status : PhD student in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Chile, Chile.
My experience in ECODIM was definitely one of the best of my life. In addition to the high-level teaching and personalized mentoring we receive throughout the course, I met really valuable people, which enabled me to establish new long-term relationships in both professional and personal sense. ECODIM was a great opportunity to meet promising colleagues and renowned professors, making it an invaluable place to exchange scientific and life experiences. I firmly believe that ECODIM offers training that not only aims to boost experimental skills and data interpretation, but also convey robust oral and written skills, which are extremely valuable to succeed in a scientific career. There is no doubt that this incredible experience will be an essential part of my efforts towards pursuing a career in science and reach my personal goals.
HECTOR LEVIPAN
CHILE – ECODIM 2010
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : PhD Student in Oceanography.
Current Academic Status : PhD in Oceanography. FONDECYT Postdoctoral Researcher at Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile.
The ECODIM course was an interesting and complete academic experience, as well as an opportunity to know young scientists coming from different latitudes with similar interests. I consider that ECODIM methodology includes an effective procedure to improve team-working skills.
EDGART FLORES
PERU – ECODIM 2016
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : Student, M.Sc. in Marine Sciences, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
Current Academic Status : M.Sc. in Marine Sciences, Marine Geology Laboratory, Instituto del Mar del Perú, IMARPE, Peru. PhD Student in Oceanography at the University of Concepcion, Chile.
Dealing with every aspect of a research project is a complicated endeavor, given that thematics are very specific. I work with inorganic species of sulphur such as hydrogen sulphur, AVS and CRS in intersticial water and in diagenetic marine sediment and also in the non-stationary processes that happen in these environments which are related with the activity of chemolithotrophic and chemolithoautotroph microorganisms. ECODIM provided me with a very valuable tool to consider and incorporate in my future research.
MARIO MORENO
CHILE – ECODIM 2016
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : PhD student in Integrative Genomics, Universidad Mayor, Chile.
Current Academic Status : PhD student in Integrative Genomics, Universidad Mayor, Chile.
ECODIM is an outstanding initiative at an excellent level. The course provided me with knowledge and a critical vision on my research and on science.
ALEJANDRO MURILLO
CHILE – ECODIM 2008
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : PhD Student in Biological Sciences, major in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Current Academic Status : Postdoctoral Fellow in Microbial Oceanography at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL- Heidelberg) – TARA Ocean Project.
The ECODIM course is a milestone in my career. The contacts that I made during the course with some of the lecturers allowed me to successfully apply and attend other courses in the following years. Also, after my PhD I joined Dr. Osvaldo Ulloa’s lab as a postdoctoral researcher, in the frame of an international project and my work with Dr. Ulloa and contacts with Dr. DeLong (former ECODIM lecturer), gave me the background to apply as Postdoctoral Fellow to the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) at Heidelberg, Germany, in the frame of TARA Oceans project, where I am working since February 2017. This is why ECODIM has been a fundamental part of my professional development.
ADRIANA LOPES DOS SANTOS
BRAZIL – ECODIM 2012
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : Postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Oceanography, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Current Academic Status : Postdoctoral fellow at the Station Biologique de Roscoff, France.
ECODIM was a breakthrough in my career. Through ECODIM I made friends who later became also work colleagues. Since the course in 2012, I have been working at the Plankton group in France, an opportunity that came to me through ECODIM. These years in France have shaped my future research interests and trained me as a marine microbiologist. ECODIM also provided me with the chance to develop my skills as teacher when in 2014 I returned as TA. Part of the scientist I became, I owe to ECODIM.
LESLIE DAILLE
CHILE – ECODIM 2016
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : PhD Candidate, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile.
Current Academic Status : PhD Candidate, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile.
ECODIM experience was a wonderful and integral opportunity to learn how to do science. It helped me realize how I can contribute in marine and environmental fields and hopefully it will also be reflected in a way to expand them in the near future. Also, it allowed me to meet excellent scientists and now be part of this amazing network/family that is ECODIM.
JOICYE HERNANDEZ
CUBA – ECODIM 2008
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : Researcher, Marine Research Center, University of Havana, Cuba.
Current Academic Status : Teacher at Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, Mexico.
The international course Ecology and Diversity of Marine Microorganisms was very important for my academic training, as it was my first approach to the incredible and wonderful marine microbial world. I changed my vision as a marine ecologist. I am very grateful therefore because thanks to this course I decided to pursue my doctorate in marine microbial ecology in coral reefs.
MAGALI MARCOS
ARGENTINA – ECODIM 2010
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : PhD Student at Centro Nacional Patagónico (CENPAT-CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Argentina.
Current Academic Status : Assistant Researcher at Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC – CCT CENPAT – CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Argentina. CONICET.
The ECODIM course is excellent! It is a full-time activity with professors and researchers of the highest level worldwide. Furthermore, the fact of spending 3 weeks in their company and in the company of students from Latin American countries allows the creation of networks that has proven to be very effective. ECODIM was fundamental to my career given the techniques that we learnt inside the lab and in the classroom. I believe that the training we received helped us understand the processes discuss and present results, but above all it influenced my career by means of understanding the role of microorganisms from a global and ecosystemic perspective.
PAULINA AGUAYO
CHILE – ECODIM 2010
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : PhD Student in Microbiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
Current Academic Status : PhD in Microbiology, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Millennium Institute of Oceanography, University of Concepcion, Chile.
My participation in ECODIM helped me continue my research in the area of marine microbiology. It has also allowed me to apply to different projects and I can report that I have recently been awarded a Postdoctoral Fondecyt Project for 2017 to continue my research. ECODIM has an excellent network of scientists all over the world which has also contributed to the strengthening of my academic development.
GERMAN PEREZ
URUGUAY – ECODIM 2008
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : M.Sc. Student, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Current Academic Status : Researcher at Laboratorio de Microbiología, Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Agronomía. Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
ECODIM was the best postgraduate course I have ever taken so far. It was so intense and challenging that it helped developed some useful skills that I am still using in my research. I had the chance to meet excellent researchers and learned from them all their knowledge and experience. The group was so diverse that also made me grasp even more all the concepts taught during the lectures. It also enabled me to make contact with researchers at the University of Concepcion, where I carried out two internships that were vital for the development of my Master´s project.
ANGELINA ESTRADA
CHILE – ECODIM 2014
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : Undergraduate Student in Biology.
Current Academic Status : Biologist.
ECODIM was a unique experience in the process of my academic training. The professionalism and love for science of every lecturer involved in the course is a unique characteristic of the activity. I hope ECODIM will last throughout the years and continue integrating professors and students from all over the world, creating networks for collaborative research.
PAZ JOPIA
CHILE – ECODIM 2003
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : M.Sc. Student, University of Concepcion.
Current Academic Status : PhD in Biological Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Biology. Researcher.
ECODIM was one of the best courses I had during my training as a Master in Microbiology student at the University of Concepcion, Chile, both for the contents (classes, reading of publications) and format of research (field trips, laboratories, etc.), as it culminated in oral presentations and preparation of a poster that was later presented at the Chilean Microbiology Congress. The quality and warmth of the teachers, instructors and colleagues were among the best.
CRISTIAN VALENZUELA
CHILE – ECODIM 2010
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : Marine Biologist, Research Assistant at I-Mar Research Center, Universidad de Los Lagos, Chile.
Current Academic Status : PhD Student, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile.
The ECODIM course was a great experience and an opportunity to meet people with passion for science, teachers and students. ECODIM encouraged me to face scientific problems with an open mind.
JULIO SEPULVEDA
CHILE – ECODIM 2001
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : Marine Biologist, University of Concepcion, Chile.
Current Academic Status : PhD in Marine Geosciences. Assistant Professor of Organic Geochemistry, Department of Geological Science, University of Colorado, Boulder. Researcher at the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (USA) and at the Millennium Institute of Oceanography, University of Concepcion, (Chile).
MARCIA ASTORGA-ELÓ
CHILE – ECODIM 2012
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : M.Sc. Student, Biochemistry & Bioinformatics, University of Concepcion, Chile.
Current Academic Status : M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Bioinformatics. PhD Student in Science and Natural Resources, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
During ECODIM I learnt bioinformatics techniques to study microbial communities. I applied these techniques during my master studies and currently in the development of my doctoral thesis.
FRANCISCO GALVIS
ECUADOR – ECODIM 2014
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : Environmental Engineer, Instituto Oceanográfico de la -Armada (INOCAR) Ecuador.
Current Academic Status : Master of Science student in Marine Biology & Ecology at James Cook University, Australia.
ECODIM was a great experience
BIBIANA JARA
CHILE – ECODIM 2008
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : M.Sc. in Oceanography, University of Concepcion, Chile.
Current Academic Status : Academic at Universidad de Magallanes. PhD Student in Oceanography, University of Concepcion, Chile.
ECODIM was a great experience where we had very high level of professors and ideal working conditions during lectures and experimental processes. I was able to understand bacterial processes in sediments and seawater. Currently, I am applying this knowledge in some experiments in my PhD studies.
PEDRO JUNGER
Brazil – ECODIM 2018
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : MSc in Ecology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Current Academic Status : PhD student at Laboratory of Microbial Processes and Biodiversity, Federal University of São Carlos, UFSCar, São Carlos, Brazil
ECODIM has certainly been a fundamental step for my career as a Microbial Ecologist. The excellence of the lectures, workshops and laboratory facilities were beyond my expectations. I had my first experience with molecular methods, which I am using extensively in my PhD project. Moreover, I had the opportunity to improve other skills such as using bioinformatic tools, conducting field work in microbial oceanography and with people from different background. ECODIM also provides a friendly platform to build longstanding networks with both professors and students from all around Latin America. Throughout the course we came up with several ideas of cooperation which we intend to develop over the next years. I left the course with good friends and great professional perspectives. I have no doubts that ECODIM has been a milestone in the academic career of all participants.
JULIETA SILVINA ANTONI
Argentina – ECODIM 2018
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : PhD Student in Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional de la Plata, Argentina
Current Academic Status : PhD Student in Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional de la Plata, Argentina
ECODIM was a course that enriched me with knowledge, providing an integrated view of the basic concepts together with current information on marine microorganisms and their ecosystem, giving me the opportunity to meet excellent scientists and work with them. They gave us their help at all times and the tools to carry out laboratory tasks, it was a course that not only taught me how to work as part of a team, but also do science.
CLARA ARBOLEDA
Chile – ECODIM 2018
Academic Status at the time of ECODIM : PhD Student in Biological Sciences, Ecology Program, P. Universidad Católica de Chile
Current Academic Status : PhD Student in Biological Sciences, Ecology Program, P. Universidad Católica de Chile
ECODIM ha sido una de las experiencias más enriquecedoras que he tenido en mi vida. A nivel académico tuve la oportunidad de aprender de excelentes profesores y con estudiantes de distintas áreas de la ecología microbiana. A nivel profesional las conexiones y redes de colaboración que creamos entre los compañeros latinoamericanos, no tiene precio. Adicionalmente, la calidad humana de todo el staff de ECODIM fue increíble. El ambiente de trabajo fue muy agradable y enriquecedor. ECODIM creó redes de colaboración que siempre inspirarán nuestras carreras científicas. Solo tengo palabras de agradecimiento a todos los que hicieron posible esta experiencia y me siento muy afortunada de ser parte de esta historia.
