Sofia Ariosa Fontana

Who I am

As a young Uruguayan scientist, I recently earned my Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. Throughout my academic journey I have developed a deep curiosity for aquatic organisms, particularly sharks, which led me to explore the intersection between marine biology and genetics, my main area of interest. I am especially interested in applying population genetic analysis to aquatic species, to support their conservation and to provide information for the development of management measures.

Where I work

Currently, I am working as a teaching assistant in the Evolutionary Genetics section of the Faculty of Sciences at the University of the Republic, Uruguay, where I am also pursuing my Master’s thesis. Focusing mainly on the study of population genetics in relation to conservation, I participate in projects that involve both freshwater and marine species, with a particular interest in endangered fishery resources. My undergraduate thesis centred on the population genetics of the Critically Endangered narrownose smooth-hound shark in Uruguayan waters. I have presented the results of these projects at national and international congresses.

What I do

I work in a laboratory analysing bio-informatics. We process some tissue samples obtained during field work and others provided by artisanal and industrial fishermen. My daily laboratory tasks involve extracting DNA from the samples and the PCR amplification of molecular markers such as microsatellites and SNPs. The data analysis begins with the genotyping of individuals, from which we obtain information about genetic diversity, population structure and connectivity. Our research group is dedicated to the study of freshwater and marine species, with the goal of generating information that can be used to develop conservation measures.