I am a physical oceanographer interested in coastal processes, with emphasis on wind- and buoyancy-driven flows (e.g., river plumes and freshwater structures over the continental shelf) and flow–topography interactions (e.g., dynamics in and around submarine canyons).
My research combines observations and numerical modeling to understand the circulation and variability of the coastal ocean. I work on processes spanning the continental shelf along central-southern Chile and estuarine environments such as the Inner Sea of Chiloé. To address these questions, I use a range of observational approaches, including moorings, towed hydrographic and velocity sections, satellite observations, and Argo floats. At the same time, many of the fundamental questions that motivate my work are explored through process-oriented numerical experiments that can be applied to coastal oceans worldwide, especially along eastern ocean boundaries.
I strongly believe that a better understanding of physical oceanographic processes requires the integration of multiple observational tools together with insightful numerical experiments.
I obtained my PhD in Physical Oceanography at Oregon State University, where I worked in the Glider Group with Kipp Shearman. During my postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia, working with Susan Allen, I shifted my focus fully toward coastal ocean modeling. More information is available in my Biography.
My research is highly collaborative and is closely linked to the activities of the Oceanographic Research Center COPAS Coastal. A central part of this work is developed together with graduate and undergraduate students, who contribute through field observations, data analysis, and numerical modeling.
I participate in teaching and/or advising in the following graduate programs:
I also serve the community through editorial and peer-review activities in physical oceanography and related disciplines. More information is available in my CV.
Opportunities for students and postdocs
I welcome inquiries from undergraduate and graduate students interested in thesis work in coastal physical oceanography. Potential topics may involve field observations, data analysis, numerical modeling, or a combination of these approaches, depending on the student’s background and interests.
If you are interested in joining my group, please feel free to get in touch. You can find additional information on current research lines, projects, and publications in the Research and Publications sections of this website. We are always interested in working with highly motivated students who are eager to develop strong quantitative skills and contribute to collaborative research in coastal oceanography.
Postdoctoral opportunities are usually pursued through external competitive funding, particularly through ANID and the Fondecyt Postdoctoral Program. These opportunities typically require the joint preparation of a research proposal, and successful applications provide support for salary and research expenses for up to three years.
The University of Bío-Bío also offers an internal postdoctoral program for recent PhD graduates. Although this support is typically shorter in duration, it can provide an excellent opportunity to consolidate research, develop new collaborations, and prepare a stronger application for larger external postdoctoral funding.