Member Profile
Membership type: full
Ma. Catalina Gomez-Espinosa
Country of origin: Mexico Currently in: Mexico, Taxco, Guerrero General field of specialization: Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences- Academic Background
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Degrees
2010 Doctorate Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences - Research and Profession
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Current Research Activities
Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences
Research Focus: Taphonomy, Conservation Paleobiology, and the Marine Mollusk Record** My research investigates the taphonomic processes affecting benthic invertebrates, particularly gastropods and marine bivalves, in contemporary environments. This "actualistic taphonomy" approach aims to bridge the gap between modern ecological processes and the fossil record. By studying biostratinomic patterns and processes in living populations, I seek to develop a deeper understanding of how these organisms are preserved and how their remains are incorporated into the sedimentary record. This research has direct implications for conservation paleobiology. By applying paleontological theories and analytical tools to modern conservation challenges, I aim to: * **Interpret the Fossil Record:** Use taphonomic insights to better interpret the fossil record of marine mollusks, providing a more accurate picture of past biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. * **Develop Retrodictive Models:** Construct models based on fossil evidence to predict future trends in marine mollusk populations and ecosystems, informing proactive conservation strategies. * **Utilize Geochemical Signals:** Analyze geochemical signals within mollusk shells and associated sediments to reconstruct past environmental conditions and identify potential threats to modern populations. My research leverages the unique perspective of paleontology to address pressing conservation issues. By understanding the long-term history of marine mollusk populations, we can better inform sustainable management practices for the future.Research Keywords:fossil invertebratestaphonomyPaleoenvironmentpalaeoecologyBiogeochemistry
Publications resulting from Research:
1.- Vinn, O., Gómez-Espinosa, C., Aviléz-Bahena, D., Campos-García, F.L., Talavera-Mendoza, O. 2024. Serpulidae from the Albian-Cenomanian (Cretaceous) of Mexico. Geologos 30(1):57-63. DOI: 10.14746/logos.2024.30.1.05
2.-Gómez-Espinosa, C., Ortíz-Jerónimo, C., Fernández, D.E., 2024. The application of ichnology to palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. Guerrero-Arenas, R., Hidalgo-Jimenez, E (eds). Past Environments of Mexico - Unveiling the Past Environments of a Megadiverse Country Through its Fossil Record. Springer Nature.
3.-Santillán-Piña, N., Arellano-Gil, J., Gómez-Espinosa, C. 2024. Carbonate sequences from the Valles San Luis and Tuxpan Platforms (El Abra Formation; Cretaceous) and their paleoenvironmental significance in a sector of the Sierra Madre Oriental in the subsoil of the coastal plain of the Gulf of México. Guerrero-Arenas, R., Hidalgo-Jimenez, E (eds). Past Environments of Mexico - Unveiling the Past Environments of a Megadiverse Country Through its Fossil Record. Springer Nature.
4.-Gómez-Espinosa C., Ortíz-Jerónimo C.G., Talavera-Mendoza O., Rivas G. 2022. Gasterópodos fósiles de Guerrero y paleobiología de la conservación: acidificación oceánica y depredación. Boletín de la Sociedad Científica Mexicana de Ecología, 2(4), 69-69.
5.-Bahena-Román, M.S., Talavera-Mendoza, O., García-Ibáñez, S., Sarmiento-Villagrana, A., Aguirre-Noyola, J. L., Salgado-Souto, S. A., Gómez-Espinosa, C., Rosas-Guerrero V., 2021. Source of detritus and toxic elements of seabed sediments from Acapulco Bay (southern Mexico) and their ecological risk.Marine Pollution Bulletin, 12, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112797.
6.-Ortíz-Jerónimo, C.G., Gómez-Espinosa, C., Gío-Argaez, F.R., Talavera Mendoza, O., Flores de Dios, L.A., Martínez-Villa, B.V. 2021. Drilling predation on juvenile and adult gastropod shells during the Pliocene in the eastern Pacific, southern México. South American Earth Sciences, 110, 103352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2021.103352
7.- Gómez-Espinosa, C., Ortíz-Jerónimo, C.G., Gío-Argaez, F.R., Flores de Dios, L.A., Talavera-Mendoza, 2021. Early Pliocene gastropod diversity from the central eastern Pacific Ocean, Mexico (Guerrero) and their paleogeographical interpretation. Arabian Journal of Geosciences. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-06492-x
8.- Gío-Argáez, F.R., Gómez-Espinosa, C., Romero, S. 2021. Actuotaphonomic model of the mollusk fauna of Laguna de Mandinga, Veracruz, México. Revista de Biología Tropical, 69(1). https://doi.org/10.15517/RBT.V69I1.38916
9.-Gomez-Espinosa, C., Vachard D., Buitron-Sanchez B., Almazan-Vazquez E. y Mendoza-Madera C., 2008, Pennsylvanian fusulinids and calcareous algae from Sonora (northwestern Mexico), and their biostratigraphic and palaeobiogeographic implications. PALEVOL, 7 (5): 259-268. Impact Factor: 1.047. ISSN: 1631-0683.
10.-Buitrón-Sánchez, B. E., y C. Gómez-Espinosa, 2003, Cretaceous (Aptian-Cenomanian) Gastropods of México and their Biogeographic Implications, in C. Bartolini, R. T. Buffler, and J. Blickwede, Eds., The Circum-Gulf of Mexico and The Caribbean: Hydrocarbon Habitats, Basin Formation and Plate Tectonics: AAPG Memoir 79: P. 403-418.
Current profession
Current professional activities type:ResearchHigher Education StudyOtherResearch and Teaching Activities: Research Focus on invertebrate paleontology, paleoecology, taphonomy and biogeochemistry Teaching Responsibilities: Undergraduate Instruction: I teach "Paleontology" to Geology students, providing a comprehensive overview of the field. Thesis Supervision: I guide undergraduate students in their thesis research, fostering their development as independent researchers. Summer Research Mentorship: I mentor high school and university students during summer research programs (Verano Delfin and Verano UAGro), introducing them to the excitement of paleontological research. Individual and Group Tutoring: I provide personalized academic support to students in various aspects of geology and paleontology. Administrative and Leadership Roles: Academic Subdirector: I serve as the academic subdirector of Earth Science Superior School, contributing to the strategic direction and academic excellence of the department. Gender Commission Member: I am an active member of the gender commission at the Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the academic community.
Workshop and Conference Attended
2023 Puebla de Los Angeles, Puebla Workshop: rescate de material paleontológico mexicanoPresentation given
2023Alteration of Sr isotope composition of pliocene shark teeth attesting Pleistocene transgression in MexicoVirtualEvent: 4th Virtual Palaeontological Congress - Prizes, Grants and Awards
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Other Awards
Jan 2020Candidate as a National Researcher (Candidato del Sistema Nacional de Investigadora e Investigadores)The National System of Researchers was createdto recognize the work of people dedicated to producing scientific knowledge and technology. Recognition is granted through peer evaluation and consists of granting the appointment of national researcher. This distinction symbolizes the quality and prestige of scientific contributions. I was granted by four years from January 2020 to December 2024Jan 2025National Researcher level 1 (Investigadora Nacional Nivel 1 - SNII 1)In this year it was a reevaluation of my work and I was recognized as SNII level 1 for three years from January 2025 to December 2027. The National System of Researchers was createdto recognize the work of people dedicated to producing scientific knowledge and technology. Recognition is granted through peer evaluation and consists of granting the appointment of national researcher. This distinction symbolizes the quality and prestige of scientific contributions.Aug 2019Reconocimiento a Profesores con Perfil Deseable (Prodep Preferente)Recognition of the desirable profile is granted by the Secretaria de Educación Pública, to full-time professors who satisfactorily fulfill university functions, in accordance with the characteristics and orientation of each subsystem, has a level of academic and/or technological qualification higher than that of the educational programs, and carries out in a balanced way teaching activities; generation or innovative application of knowledge, applied research or technological development, assimilation, development and transfer of technologies or innovative educational research; and tutoring and academic management-liaison. This award has a period of three years, I am part from this profile since to 2019, renowing until 2026.Jun 2024Cuerpo Academico ConsolidadoI am part of an Academic Consolidateds Body (Cuerpo Academico Consolidado-CAC), the higest category in te academic bodies. The academic bodies support institutional academic functions and contribute to integrating the country's higher education system. The members of CAC demonstrate intense academic activity manifested in conferences, seminars, work tables and workshops, etc., on a regular and frequent basis, with an intense collegiate life, and they maintain intense participation in academic exchange networks with their peers, in the country and abroad, as well as with national and foreign organizations and institutions.
