Urra-Gallardo A, Rodríguez I, Bravo C, Moris G, Tomasevic J, Fuente P, Muñoz M, & Vera-Puerto I Constructed Wetlands as a Solution for Sustainable Sanitation in Valdivia, Chile: An Integrative Solution Among Climate Change, Resilience and Circular Economy Speaker at Setac Latin America 15th Biennial Meeting, Ecotoxicologia, Uruguay September, 2023
Alejandra Urra Gallardo
Marine Biology, PhD (glaciology And Climate Change)
Valdivia
Summary
Scientist with strong analytical skills and solid background in data interpretation and experimental design. Proven track record in collaborative projects, consistently delivering insightful results that drive decision-making. Adaptable team player with expertise in data analysis, statistical software, and scientific methodologies. Known for reliability and ability to respond effectively to evolving project needs.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Scientific Analyst
División Jurídica,Servicio De Evaluación Ambiental
04.2024 - Current
- Applied rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistency and reliability in all generated data sets used for decision making purposes.
- Established strong working relationships with cross-functional teams through effective collaboration on environmental evaluation of different projects.
- Provided mentorship to junior analysts by sharing insights from past experiences and offering guidance on best practices in scientific analysis methods.
- Elaborate technical reports that can be used as input for the preparation of resolutions
- Support the processing and resolution of complaints filed against RCAs issued by the Environmental Assessment Committees, analyzing the technical aspects of the allegations. In the case of projects submitted for EIA, collaborate in the preparation of a proposal for resolution by the Committee of Ministers.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Universidad Austral De Chile
02.2022 - 04.2024
- Proyecto ANID-Sequia: "Treatment wetlands to mitigate water scarcity in Chile; nature-based solutions as an innovative tool for wastewater treatment, recovery, and reuse". Responsible for project execution, data analysis, and preparation of scientific and technical reports.
- Presented research findings at international conferences, fostering knowledge exchange among peers.
- Contributed to high-impact publications by collaborating with fellow researchers and providing critical input.
- Designed effective experimental controls, ensuring robust conclusions from research studies.
- Leveraged interpersonal and communication skills to mentor PhD, graduate and undergraduate students.
- Organized seminars and workshops within the department to foster intellectual exchange among colleagues and graduate students alike.
- Established productive collaborations with interdisciplinary teams to address pressing scientific questions.
Researcher in Glaciology and Climate Change
Centro De Estudios Cientificos
02.2019 - 02.2022
- Responsible for environmental monitoring of water quality for the Codelco project: "Environmental monitoring of discovered glaciers in the Central Andes", Researcher in charge of water quality sampling, suspended particulate matter quality, chemical data analysis and management, and preparation of technical reports for the maintenance of the Andean Division's RCA in the Olivares Valley in the Andes Mountains.
- Gathered and organized information for research purposes.
- Managed multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Designed experiments with rigorous controls to maximize validity of findings.
- Mentored junior researchers, enhancing team capabilities and fostering culture of continuous learning.
- Conducted thorough literature reviews to identify gaps in knowledge and inform future research directions.
- Maintained detailed records of experimental procedures, observations, and results for accurate reporting and replication purposes.
- Presented research findings at national and international conferences, raising the profile of the institution.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Bristol
01.2018 - 02.2019
- Postdoctoral researcher in glacial water quality monitoring in the Himalayas, as part of the project "Determining the impact of nutrient fluxes, organic matter, and pollutants from meltwater in Himalayan glaciers and their effect on surrounding ecosystems." I also participated as a postdoctoral researcher in water quality monitoring in Chilean Patagonia, as part of the project "Impacts of glacial retreat in Patagonia and its effect on coastal and fjord ecosystems," Department of Physical Geography, University of Bristol, United Kingdom.
- Authored professional scientific papers for publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
- Designed research projects and alternative approaches and discussed results with professor.
- Leveraged interpersonal and communication skills to mentor PhD, graduate and undergraduate students.
- Liaised with supervisor to review grants and manuscripts to develop potential publications.
Research Assistant
Centro De Estudios Cientificos
03.2010 - 10.2013
- Scientific advisor in the novel exploratory project on bioleaching in mining.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in various topics.
- Managed research databases with utmost diligence, ensuring data integrity and security.
- Improved data collection methods with introduction of innovative survey techniques.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma - Environmental Law
Universidad De Los Andes
Santiago 05.2001 -
Ph.D. - Glaciology And Climate Change
University of Bristol
Bristol 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Marina Biology
Universidad Austral
Valdivia, Chile 05.2001 -
Skills
Scientific writing
Research design
Experimental design
Qualitative analysis
Writing and editing
Team collaboration
Fieldwork experience
Research proposals
Interpretation of findings
Field plan implementation
Personnel coordination
Additional Information
Rivera, A., Aravena, J. C., Urra, A., & Reid, B. (2024). Chilean Patagonian glaciers and environmental change. In Conservation in Chilean Patagonia: Assessing the State of Knowledge, Opportunities, and Challenges (pp. 393-407). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Rivera, A., Aravena, J.C., Urra, A., Reid, B. (2024) Glaciares de la Patagonia Chilena y consecuencias medioambientales de sus cambios. In Castilla, J.C., Arnesto, J., and Martinez-Harms, M.J. (eds) Conservación en la Patagonia Chilena: evaluación del conocimiento, oportunidades y desafíos. Santiago, Chile: Ediciones Universidad Católica, pp 473-491. (http://dgf.uchile.cl/rene/PUBS/cambio_global_Patagonia.pdf)
Marshall, M.G., Kellerman, A.M., Wadham, J.L., Hawkings, J.R., Daneri, G., Torres, R., Pryer, H.V., Beaton, A., Ng, H.C., Urra, A. and Robinson, L.F (2021). Seasonal Changes in Dissolved Organic Matter Composition in a Patagonian Fjord Affected by Glacier Melt Inputs. Frontiers in Marine https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.612386
Pryer, H.V., Hatton, J.E., Wadham, J.L., Hawkings, J.R., Robinson, L.F., Kellerman, A.M., Marshall, M.G., Urra, A., Covey, A., Daneri, G. and Häussermann, V. (2020) The Effects of Glacial Cover on Riverine Silicon Isotope Compositions in Chilean Patagonia. Frontiers in Earth Science, 8, p.368 2020 https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2020.00368
Urra, A., Wadham, J.L., Hawkings, J.R., Telling, J., Hatton, J., Yde, J.C., Hasholt, B., van As, D., Bhatia, M.P., and Nienow, P. Weathering dynamics under contrasting Greenland ice sheet catchments. Frontiers in Earth Science: 299.2019 Volume 7 - 2019 | https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2019.00299
Interests
Urra-Gallardo A & Wadham, L Chemical weathering in glacial ecosystems Speaker at Goldschmidt conference, Geochemical society, Barcelona Spain, September, 2019
Urra-Gallardo A, Wadham J, Telling J, Hawkings J, Yde and Hasholt B: “Weathering dynamics under contrasting hydrological forcing regimes in Greenland Ice Sheet catchments” Speaker at the International Glaciological Society Branch Meeting, Lancaster, UK September 2017
Urra-Gallardo A, Wadham J, Telling J, Hawkings J, Anesio A, Nash M, Bellas C, Markussen T, Hasholt B and Tranter M: “Investigation of the proglacial zone as a modulator for nutrient fluxes in ice sheet runoff” Speaker at the 6th International Conference on Polar & Alpine Microbiology, Prague, Czech Republic, September 2015
Urra-Gallardo A, Anesio A, Telling J, Tranter M and Wadham J “Evidence for microbial nitrogen cycling in Svalbard, Greenland and Joyce glacier Ecosystems” Speaker at the International Glaciology Society Branch Meeting, Bristol, UK September 2014
Timeline
Scientific Analyst
División Jurídica,Servicio De Evaluación Ambiental
04.2024 - Current
Postdoctoral Researcher
Universidad Austral De Chile
02.2022 - 04.2024
Researcher in Glaciology and Climate Change
Centro De Estudios Cientificos
02.2019 - 02.2022
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Bristol
01.2018 - 02.2019
Research Assistant
Centro De Estudios Cientificos
03.2010 - 10.2013
Postgraduate Diploma - Environmental Law
Universidad De Los Andes
05.2001 -
Ph.D. - Glaciology And Climate Change
University of Bristol
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Marina Biology
Universidad Austral
05.2001 -
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