Alexandra Marcal Correia

I have dedicated 20 years to the study of the effects of invasive species on biodiversity and the global functioning of freshwater wetlands through the study of population dynamics, genetic structure and trophic interactions of introduced and native populations, using Procambarus clarkii as the prime biological model. An integrative approach of the ecological and genetic processes presented by introduced and native populations of P. clarkii, as well as the interspecific interactions of this species with native and other invasive species from invaded wetland communities was undertaken. Related work to the study of biodiversity and ecosystem processes also included the assessment of: 1) geographical patterns and morphological and genetic differentiation of marine and estuarine invertebrates; 2) aquatic invertebrate composition and structure of freshwater ecosystems in connection to trophic links and biological water evaluation. From 2008 to 2013 I took particular interest in the neurosciences area. During that period I studied the processes and mechanisms involved in the neuromuscular transmission through aging and disease, and the effects of adenosine in fine tuning this synaptic transmission. I was enrolled in two ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) projects. The main idea of these projects was to discover innovative approaches to advance new ALS therapeutics by modulating ALS transgenic mice neuromuscular transmission with adenosine and by rescuing microglia. Presently my work focus on (1) how biodiversity links to ecosystem functioning (BEF), (2) the trade-offs between BEF and types of ecosystem services and (3) different socio-economic goals for effective approaches to long-standing conservation, inequality, cooperation and sustainable development problems. Understanding this intricacy, while taking strapping measures to diminish current losses of species, is essential for a reliable and efficient management of Earth’s life-support systems, i.e. ecosystems and their biodiversity. Considering societal perceptions of ecosystem services is fundamental for sustainable development and conservation planning and management worldwide, and especially in developing countries. Failure to properly interpret or define people's views and needs can likely lead to unsuccessful biodiversity conservation strategies.