Luis X. De Pablo Email and Phone Number

Investigated applications of satellite remote sensing data in mapping mineral composition in the Sierra de las Minas mountain range in Guatemala.Explored the connection between rock composition, soil fertility, and vegetation biomass partitioning.

Analyzed photos of butterfly wing clones to deduce development patterns.Wrote scripts in Python and Java, including ImageJ macros, to automate analysis with computer vision.

Conducted research in the Department of Marine Science.Collected fauna and sediment samples from beaches around Galicia.Processed samples in the laboratory and analyzed resulting data using R.Assisted in conducting in-situ analysis of macroalgae demographics on rocky shores.

Conducted data analysis for the Smithsonian's MarineGEO project.Used machine learning to analyse benthic imagery for a five year period on a reef in Belize.Performed statistical analysis of coral and algae population data using R.Wrote a scientific paper for publication on results from this study.

Used machine learning to automate analysis of benthic photos and generate estimates for coral and macroalgal cover at several sites in Belize and Panama.Created original computer vision programs to automate preparation of photographs from the field.Assisted in collecting seagrass, fish, and invertebrate samples from the field.

Conducted research in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology.Bred fruit flies for specific genotypes and stained and imaged fly embryos.Used RNAi and confocal laser scanning microscopy to test potential genetic triggers for microcephaly in flightless fruit flies.

Worked with a small team to design and build the PolyStretch machine for biaxial deformation of polymer films, now used in the department’s research on liquid crystals.Used 3D modeling, 3D printing, laser cutting, electronics, and programming skills to create an effective device that is now widely used by multiple laboratories.