Ana Clara S. Franco
About me
Hey! I’m Ana Clara Sampaio Franco, a researcher in ecology and conservation biology. My work explores the dynamics and impacts of invasive species, particularly in freshwater and coastal ecosystems, combining field ecology, data science, and public engagement.
I’m currently based in Spain, working as a postdoctoral researcher at the Doñana Biological Station from the Spanish National Research Council . My recent projects have focused on evaluating invasion risks to provide information that will support science-based conservation policies.
Over the past years, I’ve contributed to technical notes that shaped public policy, developed educational materials for schools, co-organized citizen science events, and worked closely with communities and decision-makers to make science more accessible and relevant.
I believe in open science and interdisciplinary collaboration, and I’m super passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact.
Education
I hold a Ph.D. in Ecology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2015–2019), Brazil, where my dissertation investigated the ecological drivers and consequences of the invasion of peacock bass (Cichla spp.) in South American reservoirs. This research combined species distribution modeling, machine learning, field surveys, and community-level analyses to assess invasion risks and their impacts on native fish diversity.
Before that, I completed a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO, 2013–2015), focusing on the environmental drivers of fish community structure in coastal systems. These experiences strengthened my interest in understanding how human activities reshape ecosystems.
My academic path began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, also at UNIRIO (2008–2012), where my passion for ecology, particularly aquatic ecology, first emerged. During this time, I joined the Theoretical and Applied Ichthyology Lab, led by Prof. Luciano N. dos Santos, with a project evaluating the population dynamics and fisheries of a coastal engraulid species. This was also my first encounter with using statistical analyses to uncover ecological patterns, which has since become a central aspect of my work.
Currently, I am a postdoctoral fellow at the Doñana Biological Station from Spanish National Research Council working with Dr. Montserrat Vilà. My research focuses on assessing invasion risks and providing information to support legislation and future actions towards invasion management.
Beyond Academia
Outside the lab, I am an avid reader, a lover of long walks, and a curious observer of people and their stories. I have a particular fascination with fermentation, which has led me to a passion for baking fresh bread (always with a good cup of coffee, of course!).
Over the past two years, I have been immersed in the whirlwind of motherhood, raising a toddler. This experience, beyond all the joy, has taught me invaluable lessons about priorities, patience, and the lasting impact of our actions.
I also deeply believe that kindness and empathy are the best guides for navigating the world, and these values continuously shape how I approach my research and how I connect with the people and communities around me.
