I am a researcher in population genetics, conservation genomics and ancient DNA, with a particular interest in the genetic consequences of demographic change and extinction processes in natural populations. My research integrates population genetics and applied conservation genetics, with direct relevance for biodiversity management and the conservation of threatened species.
I began my academic training in Mathematics at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya before transitioning to Biology at the Universitat de Girona, where I completed my degree and took my first steps in research within the Aquatic Ecology group. I subsequently completed my PhD in Conservation Biology at the University of Seville and the Doñana Biological Station (CSIC), supervised by José A. Godoy and Eloy Revilla, studying the historical genetic dynamics of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) using modern and ancient DNA.
Among the most significant contributions of this period was the development of ancient DNA methodologies applied to conservation questions, through an international collaboration with the group of Michael Hofreiter (at the time at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology). I also contributed to the Iberian lynx genome project and the genetic evaluation of the ex situ conservation programme, as well as participating in the development of spatially explicit models for reintroduction planning in Spain.
I subsequently worked as a data scientist at the University of Canterbury (New Zealand), where I analysed large institutional datasets to advise senior management on strategic decisions regarding teaching and postgraduate programmes, broadening my expertise in statistical analysis of complex systems.
Some of my work has reached a wide audience and received notable recognition. One of my key papers was featured in the Journal Club of Nature Ecology and Evolution, and a study on the scientific value of private collections and small museums, published in BioScience, received coverage in the specialist press, including an article in Materia and an opinion piece in El País. My work has also been included as reference material in the Lessons in Conservation programme (vol. 14) of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH).
Prior to joining the UdG, I combined the coordination of international programmes at the Facultat de Ciències, Tecnologia i Enginyeries of UVic-UCC with teaching population genetics on the Biology degree at the same university.
I am currently a lecturer (professora lectora) in the Department of Biology at the Universitat de Girona, and a member of the Laboratori d'Ictiologia Genètica research group. My current research includes projects on ancient DNA and Iberian lynx genomics, as well as the study of population genomics of Pyrenean trout (Salmo trutta) using SNP-based analyses. I teach genetics and bioinformatics at undergraduate and master's level at the UdG.
More information in the research portal of the UdG: https://recerca.udg.edu/en/persons/mireia-casas-marce/