My research focuses on study of the evolution of plant complex traits with a relevant ecological function. I try to answer the general question of what ecological and evolutionary forces promote
and maintain the natural variation often existing in these complex traits among and within natural plant populations. Particularly, my research for the next years will be centered on the following
topics: (i) the ecological and evolutionary consequences of animal-plant interactions from a plant trait perspective, with a special interest in the variation of such interactions across geographical
gradients, (ii) the ecological and evolutionary basis underlying natural variation on plant traits related to tolerance and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, and (iii) the ecological consequences and the adaptive significance of polyploidy in plants. During my career I have
addressed these questions using different conceptual and methodological approaches in a broad array of natural systems located in several continents. Currently, I am conducting my research in the Departament of Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology at the University of Jaen, in southern Spain. 

EDUCATION

Duke University (USA): Post-doctoral Period (2006-2010).

University of Sevilla (Spain): Ph.D. 2005. Thesis: Ecology and evolution of seed dispersal in Helleborus foetidus (Ranunculaceae). Geographical variation in animal-plant interactions.

University of Jaén (Spain): B.S. 1998.

CURRICULUM VITAE