FOVI project activities in Chile
Published:
In November 2024, I travelled to Chile as part of the FOVI Project (FOVI230047), where I combined research activities, and teaching to master and bachelor students.
Research at IFOP Puerto Montt
Together with colleagues from the Instituto de Fomento Pesquero (IFOP), we carried out field and laboratory work aimed at detecting hemic neoplasia in marine bivalves. Target species included Mytilus chilensis (chorito), Aulacomya atra (cholga), Tagelus dombeii (navajuelas), Gari solida (almeja culengue), and Ameghinomya antiqua (almeja taca). Sampling took place in Pelluhuin (Puerto Montt) and Caicaén channel (Calbuco), selected for their contrasting aquaculture activities and historical records of bivalve cancer.
On 19 November 2024, we also organized a colloquium at IFOP Puerto Montt, attended by researchers and aquaculture companies, to present the FOVI project results and foster regional collaborations.
👉 More information on the IFOP website
Teaching in Rancagua (Universidad de O’Higgins)
I also carried out teaching activities within two courses:
- Sistemas Acuáticos (BSc in Environmental Sciences).
- Climate Change and Anthropogenic Pressures (MSc in Environmental and Earth Sciences).
In total, I taught 7.5 hours combining theoretical and practical sessions. Students attended a seminar on marine transmissible cancers and participated in the SEA Game: Search, Explore and Apply, a gamified teaching tool designed to foster active learning and interdisciplinarity.
In the Sistemas Acuáticos course, I also led a practical session where students performed hemolymph extractions, microscopic observations, and dissections of marine bivalves, acquiring essential technical skills for their training as environmental scientists.
International Symposium in San Fernando
Finally, I was invited as a speaker at the International Symposium hosted by the Universidad de O’Higgins (San Fernando, Chile), which marked the conclusion of the FOVI Project, coordinated by Dr. Morgane Derrien.
This event brought together colleagues from Latin America and Europe, and provided an excellent platform to exchange perspectives, strengthen collaborations, and outline future projects.
👉 Read more on the UOH website