My primary
research focus has been and is the role of microbial biofilms in organic matter
cycling, with particular emphasis on microbial interactions, heterotrophic
metabolism, and their links to diversity and ecosystem function. I have
extensively studied fluvial ecosystems in the Mediterranean region, which are
characterized by intermittency and severe drought episodes. I have examined the
biogeochemical roles of biofilms in surface and hyporheic sediments, as well as
in man-made porous media. In recent years, I have broadened my research to
include extreme ecosystems such as hypersaline shallow lakes and high-mountain
acid impacted streams, and soil microbiology. I have deepened on the effects of
climate change and environmental stressors on microbial ecosystem functions. My
contributions have advanced the understanding of biofilm ecology and microbial assemblages
as crucial drivers of ecosystem processes and functions, with also practical implications
for environmental land water management.
I have
published 133 papers, h index 44, citations 6,558, 61.8% documents co-authored
with researchers in other countries, 65.6% documents in the top 25% most cited worldwide
(Scopus, July 2024).
List of
publications: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=QXpsOl8AAAAJ&hl=ca
I have
placed a successful effort to mentoring and supervision (12 MSc, 9 PhD, 7
Postdocs including Juan de la Cierva, Beatriu de Pinós and Ramón y Cajal).
Every year I supervise 2-3 undergraduate students for the Final degree project
and welcome Erasmus students. PhD supervised: Lucie Laffet (2023), Giulia
Gionchetta (2019), Núria Perujo (2018), Anna Freixa (2016), Vannak Ann (2015),
Juanita Mora (2014), Lorenzo Proia (2012), Irene Ylla (2011), Joan Artigas
(2008).
I am
regular referee for journals within Ecology, Environmental Sciences, and
Microbiology Subjects, and served as reviewer of research projects and
evaluation panels (including ERC, BiodivERsA and Spanish Ministry projects), as
well as served in editorial boards (Limnology and Oceanography, Freshwater
Biology, Aquatic Microbial Ecology journals). At the University of Girona I
have been Vicedean of international relationships at the Faculty of Sciences
(2012-2016) and Coordinator of the Doctoral program in Water Science and Technology
(2016-2022). Currently I am the PI of the research group in Aquatic Ecology (EcoAqua).