Silke Martínez Moreno

I graduated in Biology at the University of Granada and then specialised in the master’s degree in conservation, management and restoration of biodiversity at the same university. At the end of my master’s degree, I participated in different research projects focused on microalgae in the Alboran Sea and the study of mesophotic habitats. Parallel to my studies, I started my training as a diver, reaching the level of recreational diving instructor and moving into technical diving. Since 2021, I have been part of the board of directors of the University Diving Club of Granada, which has allowed me to lead several projects of scientific dissemination and citizen science aimed at divers. Currently, I am doing a PhD focused on the study of echinoderm holobionts and their ecosystem services in coastal areas. My research focuses on analysing the possible functions of echinoderm-associated microbiomes, ranging from their impact at the host level to their influence at the ecosystem level. Furthermore, I seek to understand whether these microbiomes show phylogenetic signals associated with co-evolution with the host and/or whether these microbiomes show biogeographic signals associated with the surrounding environment.