Prof. Dr. Carlos H. A. Santos
Holding a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Fishing Engineering from the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) and a PhD in Genetics, Conservation, and Evolutionary Biology from the Brazilian National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA) in Manaus, Brazil. I am currently serving as an assistant professor at UAST/UFRPE.
My research interests lie in aquaculture and animal genetics, as well as the management and conservation of aquatic organisms, with a particular focus on neotropical fauna. I focus on neotropical fish that exhibit significant potential for aquaculture, as well as species crucial to aquatic ecosystems. I have employed various molecular biology tools, such as microsatellites, transcriptomics, next-generation sequencing, and environmental DNA, in my research.
My research areas include Conservation Genetics of Aquatic Organisms, Fish Improvement, Nutrigenomics, Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental DNA, and Next-Generation Sequencing.
RESEARCH
The lionfish currently poses the greatest threat to the biodiversity of coastal ecosystems in Pernambuco. This proposal aims to examine the connections and gene flow among previously established populations and monitor the invaded areas using eDNA. The data gathered will be essential for making informed decisions and managing populations in the coastal region of Pernambuco.
Financial support: FACEPE
The fish diversity within the Pajeú River basin is not well understood due to inadequate sampling and fragmented, inaccessible data. This situation underscores the urgent need to assess how climate change and dam construction within the basin are impacting the composition and distribution of fish species. To address these concerns, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Our methodology will include: (i) evaluating the aquatic biota through both traditional sampling methods (using active and passive gear) and novel techniques (such as environmental DNA, along with water and sediment sampling); and (ii) resolving species identification and taxonomic uncertainties using integrative taxonomy, which combines classical and molecular methods. Additionally, a genetic database and a tissue bank will be established.
Financial support: CNPq
