Laura Casalins

As a PhD in Biological Sciences, I have gained experience in wildlife conservation, especially in problems and diseases that affect wild birds. In 2022, I completed a PhD in avian parasitology and have a scientific background in avian pathologies with anthropogenic incidence. I am currently pursuing a postdoctoral degree (2023-2025) where we evaluate the presence of rodenticides in tissues (mostly in the liver) of birds of prey found dead. The identification and dosage of anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) was guaranteed by implementing standardized analytical techniques previously validated in local laboratories using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry analysis to provide highly sensitive and specific detection of a wide range of (AR) analytes. During this postdoctoral period, I have completed different training and internships in analytical chemistry and identification with HPLC- MS/MS with Dr. Oscar Quattrocchi at D’ Amico Sistemas S.A, with Dr. Mariana Langenheim at INIBIOMA (Institute for Research in Biodiversity and Environment, Argentina) and at CITAAC (Center for Research in Environmental Toxicology and Agrobiotechnology of Comahue, Argentina) under the supervision of the director of the institute, Dr. Andrés Venturino. I have extensive knowledge of avian health together with Dr. Saggese from the Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, United States, he is co-director of my current postdoctoral training in the standard procedures currently applied for laboratory analysis (methodology of sample extraction and cleanup that are then injected into the chromatograph) in collaboration with Dr. Rafael Mateo who leads the Wildlife Toxicology Research Group, who particularly directs the Toxicological Analysis Service of IREC in Spain, whose lines of research include the study of the effect of toxic substances of diverse origin on wildlife. 

Doctora en Biología parasitaria taxonómica, molecular y filogenética. Especialista en trematodes y hematozoos de aves acuáticas, silvestres y rapaces. Publicaciones en revistas indexadas relacionadas con cambio de comportamiento en los hospedadores, enfermedades zoonoticas de helmintos y hematozoos y en el uso de helmintos como bioidicadores de distribución, composición de dieta y riqueza de especies de ecosistemas de sus hospedadores. Análisis estadísticos de comunidades parasitarias con diferentes programas y cálculos de índices poblacionales.  Experiencia en varios programas para la secuenciación genética , gráficas y de comunicación.