Welcome to my research page!
I am an evolutionary biologist with interests in host–pathogen interactions, immunogenetics (e.g. MHC class I and II, antimicrobial peptides), and the microbiome. My research aims to understand how general evolutionary processes—such as selection, genetic drift, and migration—shape genetic variation, co-infection dynamics, and immune responses in natural populations across broad ecological gradients.
My work has primarily focused on amphibians, where I combine data from wild populations with experimental approaches to investigate how immune systems respond to emerging infectious diseases, such as chytrid fungus and ranavirus. I use genetic and genomic tools to address evolutionary and ecological questions from an integrative perspective.
I have recently been awarded a FORMAS research grant (6 M SEK) to study how host-associated microbiomes are linked to infectious diseases and immune function. This project seeks to disentangle the role of microbiomes in disease susceptibility and resistance, providing new insights into host–microbe–pathogen interactions in natural systems.
Previously, I held a VR International Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I studied amphibian co-infection dynamics at the Biodiversity Research Centre (BRC). More recently, in a separate postdoctoral position, I worked with Anssi Laurila on immune genetics and DNA methylation profiles in Eastern Baltic cod.
To learn more about my ongoing and past research, please visit my Research page.
If you are interested in joining my group for a Bachelor’s thesis, Master’s thesis, or research project, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will soon be recruiting a PhD student and would be happy to hear from prospective candidates.
Cortazar-Chinarro lab 