Luis Moliner Cachazo

Postdoctoral Researcher (2024-2025)

Project Title: GeneFlow: A pilot project to integrate eDNA metabarcoding into the CaSTCo project and the Riverfly Partnership, while improving NHM genomic collections for freshwater invertebrates

Funding: Natural History Museum Science Investment Funds

Research Focus: Luis’s postdoctoral research focuses on developing and implementing environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding approaches for freshwater ecosystem monitoring. The project aims to integrate cutting-edge molecular techniques with existing citizen science programs, specifically the CaSTCo project and the Riverfly Partnership. This work has significant implications for biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts in freshwater environments.

Key Research Areas:

• Environmental DNA metabarcoding
• Freshwater invertebrate genomics
• Citizen science integration
• Museum genomic collections enhancement
• Biodiversity monitoring methodologies

Background: Prior to his postdoctoral position, Luis completed his PhD research (2020-2024) on evaluating ecological assembly rules for aquatic-terrestrial transition zones in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, demonstrating his expertise in freshwater ecology and ecosystem dynamics.