Sargassum
Since June 2025 I have collaborated with the Seagrass Laboratory of the Reef Systems Academic Unit (ICMyL-UNAM, Puerto Morelos), led by Dr. Brigitta I. van Tussenbroek, on the project “Golden tides: understanding sargassum biology and exploring its aquaculture potential” (Frontiers of Science CBF 2023-2024-1414, SECIHTI).
My role includes co-designing sampling and analysis protocols based on environmental DNA and macroalgal swabs, metabarcoding and metagenomics, and technical advice.
Students in this project
- María Fernanda Fernández González — MSc, CIBNOR: Variation of the epibiont microbiome of holopelagic Sargassum in the Mexican Caribbean. Uses 16S metabarcoding to separate the contributions of the host and the ocean environment to microbiome assembly.