About Me

My research interests lie primarily in the mathematical modeling of biodegradation processes and nutrient cycles constrained by stoichiometric principles.

Welcome, my name is Pablo.

I completed my Ph.D. at the University of Alberta, where I focused on the mathematical modelling of organic matter biodegradation and methane production within a stoichiometric framework. I am currently involved in multiple projects that combine laboratory experimentation with mathematical modelling. I am a member of the Interdisciplinary Lab for Mathematical Ecology & Epidemiology (ILMEE), where we pursue a range of research directions in mathematical biology, including stoichiometry-based ecological systems.

A key part of my contributions involves experimental data collection to measure hydrocarbon degradation rates in oil sands tailings under anaerobic conditions. I also develop mathematical models to address a range of biological problems at different scales, including methane emission estimations in Alberta, Canada. My approach relies on data-validated mathematical models based on ordinary differential equations. My research spans a broad spectrum of science, where interdisciplinary collaboration plays a central role.

My laboratory work focuses on investigating the effects of temperature and nutrients on hydrocarbon biodegradation. The main objective of this project is to improve a previously proposed model for predicting methanogenesis in oil sands tailings ponds and end-pit lakes.

In previous years, I gained extensive experience in field campaigns while working as a research assistant to Dr. Ilse Ruiz-Mercado (2013 – 2017), focusing on the monitoring of clean technologies. These projects involved developing signal processing algorithms and creating deployment protocols for monitoring devices in underserved rural communities. Fieldwork was conducted in both Mexico and India.

Outside of my academic and fieldwork pursuits, my hobbies and personal interests include cooking, biking, hiking, and enjoying outdoor activities and the stunning landscapes of the natural world.

Keywords

Work experience

ILMEE
2024 – present
Postdoctoral researcher and experimental & networking manager, ILMEE, University of Alberta

University of Alberta
(2018 – 2024)
Ph.D. Research and teaching assistant.

Universidad Autónoma de México (UNAM)
(2013-2017)
Research assistant. Algorithm developer for signal processing.
Led field campaigns.

Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores (ENES)
(2017)
Lecturer.