I am a molecular ecologist specialized in invertebrate biology, currently working as a Lecturer in Ecology at the University of South Wales. I have been actively involved in several NGS-based genomic and transcriptomic projects to assemble and annotate several invertebrate genomes. I am also involved in projects related to evolutionary ecology, phylogenetics and population genetics (and genomics), including of metazoan organisms living in extreme environments. I am particularly amazed by the volcanic “version” of Pontoscolex corethrurus, which became the main subject of study during my PhD research project. My current research projects focus on the study of soil biodiversity in historical anthropogenic ecosystems, in particular, looking at the Amazonian Dark Earth. I am also interested in using animals closely associated with human activity, in particular, earthworms, to infer ancient human movements across South America.
The Rio Madeira Expedition: 23.05.2017, Manicore City
A early start this morning (4a.m.) as our flights leaves by 5:55 (using the Apui air taxi) I can't stop to be amazed every time I am flying over Amazonia. Rio Negro, Solimões, Madeira are just colossal rivers cutting through the densest green carpet. You can see water...
The Rio Madeira Expedition: 24.05.2017 Manicoré River
We went up to Manicoré River, looking for a community defined as Mocambo. This was defined beausevwebwere lucky enough to meet the leader of the community Maria Cleia in the city, by accident. We decided to visit her community and to also take her with us....
The 1st challenge starts, The Rio Madeira Expedition: 22.05.2017
Today we start a new and exciting challenge associated with the HOOKaWORM research project and also as part of the Terra Preta de Indio network activities. A scientific expedition will be performed by a team of four, with Andre Junqueira (experienced ethnoecologist),...
About me!
Hi there! My name is Luis Cunha, I am a biologist with a passion for invertebrates, in particular, the humble earthworm! I am an environmental biologist who became a bioinformatician led by the demands of personal research interests mainly towards invertebrate...