Nicole has a degree in Marine Biotechnology and Aquaculture Engineering from the University of Concepción. Currently, she is a PhD student in Environmental Sciences from the University of Concepción. Her thesis is guided by Dr. Cristian A. Vargas in cooperation with Dr. Roberto Ponce from the School of Economics and Business of the Universidad del Desarrollo.
This work focused on studying the resilience of the socio-ecological system of the mussel farming industry against extreme environmental events, using knowledge about the physiological performance of different populations (“reaction norms”) of M. chilensis seeds from sites of ecological importance in Northern Chilean Patagonia.
Nicole has also participated in many and diverse outreach activities (Explosub, 48th National Scientific Youth Fair, among others), experiments and national scientific cruises (LowpHOX-2 / AGS-61 Cabo de Hornos, 2018)
Publications:
Castillo N, Saavedra LM, Vargas CA, Gallardo-Escárate C, Detree C. 2017. Ocean acidification and pathogen exposure modulate the immune response of the edible mussel Mytilus chilensis. Fish and Shellfish Immunology 70C: 149-155. DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2017.08.047
