Carina Colombi | Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Carina Colombi | Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Conicet-Universidad Nacional de San Juan | Argentina

Dr. Carina E. Colombi is an Argentine geologist and Independent Researcher at CONICET, specializing in continental paleoecosystem reconstruction. Her work integrates paleontology, taphonomy, sedimentology, and geochemistry to study Triassic and Jurassic basins in Northwest Argentina, including the Ischigualasto-Villa Unión Basin. She is also a professor at the National University of San Juan (UNSJ) and actively engages in science outreach, including children’s books and museum exhibitions.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Google Scholar

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Outstanding Research Contributions

    • High-Impact Publications: Dra. Colombi has authored/co-authored 46+ peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals (Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology; Scientific Reports; PLOS ONE; Journal of South American Earth Sciences).

    • Multidisciplinary Approach: Her work integrates paleontology, sedimentology, taphonomy, and geochemistry to reconstruct Triassic-Jurassic paleoecosystems, contributing to key debates on dinosaur origins, mass extinctions, and paleoclimatic changes.

    • International Collaborations: She has worked with leading institutions (UC Davis, Miami University, Macalester College) and participated in global projects (e.g., NSF’s CO2 Proxy Integration Project).

  2. Leadership in Scientific Projects

    • Principal Investigator of multiple FONCyT, CONICET, and CICITCA-funded projects, focusing on paleoenvironmental evolution and fossil preservation.

    • Director of 5+ doctoral theses and mentor to postdoctoral researchers, strengthening Argentina’s paleontological research capacity.

  3. Academic & Institutional Roles

    • Independent Researcher at CONICET (since 2020) and Professor at UNSJ, teaching graduate/undergraduate courses in sedimentology and paleoecology.

    • Editorial & Advisory Roles: Member of the Geological Association of Argentina, reviewer for top journals, and advisor for museum exhibitions (e.g., San Juan Paleontological Museum).

  4. Science Communication & Outreach

    • Developed educational programs for schools, authored children’s books, and led workshops (e.g., “El valor patrimonial de lo nuestro”).

    • Frequent media appearances and public lectures on paleontology and climate change.

  5. Awards & Recognitions

    • Schlumberger Foundation Fellowship (2006–2009), Diploma of Honor (UNSJ), and invitations to international workshops (e.g., DDE Paleo-CO2 Reconstruction, China).

Education 🎓

  • PhD in Geological Sciences (2007), National University of San Juan (UNSJ).
    Thesis: Taphonomic history of fossil communities in the Ischigualasto Formation (Upper Triassic).

  • Licentiate in Geological Sciences (2001), UNSJ.

  • Postdoctoral Research at UNSJ’s Institute of Natural Sciences, focusing on sedimentology and geochemistry of the Ischigualasto Formation.

Experience 💼

  • Current Roles:

    • Head of Sedimentology and Taphonomy, Earth Sciences Cabinet, UNSJ (2021–present).

    • Adjunct Professor, UNSJ (2009–present).

    • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Miami University (2016–present).

  • Previous:

    • CONICET Researcher (Assistant to Independent, 2010–2020).

    • Schlumberger Foundation Fellow (2006–2009).

Research Interests On Planetary Sciences 🔍

  • Paleoecology & Taphonomy: Fluvial systems, fossil preservation, and climate change impacts.

  • Triassic-Jurassic Transitions: Mass extinctions, dinosaur origins, and Carnian Pluvial Event.

  • Geochemistry: Paleoclimatic proxies (e.g., carbon isotopes, leaf cuticles for CO₂ analysis).

  • Patrimony Protection: Paleontological conservation in San Juan.

Awards & Grants 🏆

  • Diploma of Honor (2002, UNSJ) for academic excellence.

  • Schlumberger Foundation Grants (2006, 2008) for international research.

  • PICT Grants (2020–2025) for Triassic-Jurassic paleoenvironmental studies.

  • Travel Grants: GSA Meeting (2011), PIP-CO₂ NSF Workshop (2022).

Publications 📚

1. Title: A basal dinosaur from the dawn of the dinosaur era in southwestern Pangaea
Authors: RN Martinez, PC Sereno, OA Alcober, CE Colombi, PR Renne, …
Year: 2011
Citations: 411

2. Title: Vertebrate succession in the Ischigualasto Formation
Authors: RN Martínez, C Apaldetti, OA Alcober, CE Colombi, PC Sereno, …
Year: 2012
Citations: 190

3. Title: Age constraints on the dispersal of dinosaurs in the Late Triassic from magnetochronology of the Los Colorados Formation (Argentina)
Authors: DV Kent, P Santi Malnis, CE Colombi, OA Alcober, RN Martínez
Year: 2014
Citations: 122

4. Title: Stratigraphy and architecture of the Upper Triassic Ischigualasto Formation, Ischigualasto Provincial Park, San Juan, Argentina
Authors: BS Currie, CE Colombi, NJ Tabor, TC Shipman, IP Montañez
Year: 2009
Citations: 121

5. Title: Late Triassic environmental evolution in southwestern Pangea: Plant taphonomy of the Ischigualasto Formation
Authors: CE Colombi, JT Parrish
Year: 2008
Citations: 85

6. Title: A Late Triassic soil catena: Landscape and climate controls on paleosol morphology and chemistry across the Carnian-age Ischigualasto–Villa Union basin, northwestern Argentina
Authors: NJ Tabor, IP Montañez, KA Kelso, B Currie, T Shipman, C Colombi
Year: 2006
Citations: 77

7. Title: A new sphenodontian (Lepidosauria: Rhynchocephalia) from the Late Triassic of Argentina and the early origin of the herbivore opisthodontians
Authors: RN Martínez, C Apaldetti, CE Colombi, A Praderio, E Fernandez, …
Year: 2013
Citations: 66

8. Title: Palynology of the Late Triassic Ischigualasto Formation, Argentina: paleoecological and paleogeographic implications
Authors: SN Césari, C Colombi
Year: 2016
Citations: 59

9. Title: A new Late Triassic vertebrate assemblage from northwestern Argentina
Authors: RN Martínez, C Apaldetti, G Correa, CE Colombi, E Fernandez, PS Malnis, …
Year: 2015
Citations: 57

10. Title: Carnivore coprolites from the Upper Triassic Ischigualasto Formation, Argentina: chemistry, mineralogy, and evidence for rapid initial mineralization
Authors: KT Hollocher, OA Alcober, CE Colombi, TC Hollocher
Year: 2005
Citations: 51

Conclusion 🌟

Dra. Colombi bridges fieldwork, lab analysis, and public engagement, advancing knowledge of Mesozoic ecosystems while mentoring future scientists. Her interdisciplinary approach highlights the links between geological processes and biological evolution, making her a key figure in Argentine paleontology.