Postdoctoral researcher, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
Dr. Claudia Sosa-Montes de Oca is a distinguished Postdoctoral Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol’s Organic Geochemistry Unit (OGU), specializing in geochemistry and organic chemistry. Her research, which focuses on mass extinction events and biotic recovery, combines expertise in organic and isotopic geochemistry to explore past marine ecosystem responses to environmental changes. Dr. Sosa-Montes de Oca’s work has gained significant recognition in both national and international scientific communities. šš¬
Publication Profile
Strengths for the Award:
- Innovative Research Contributions: Claudia Sosa Montes de Oca has made significant contributions to understanding the biotic recovery and environmental changes following the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary. Her pioneering work on the recovery of oxic conditions and the variation of organic matter across the K-Pg boundary provides crucial insights into past marine ecosystems and carbon cycle perturbations.
- High-Impact Publications: Claudia has a solid record of publishing high-impact research, with 8 first-quartile (Q1) publications. Her work has been published in reputable journals such as Global and Planetary Change and Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. The high citation count (125) and h-index (6) reflect the influence and relevance of her research in the field.
- International Recognition: Her research is well-regarded internationally, as evidenced by her collaborations with leading scientists and institutions worldwide. She actively participates in major conferences and workshops, presenting her findings and engaging with the global scientific community.
- Successful Funding and Fellowships: Claudia has secured prestigious fellowships and funding, including the Newton International Fellowship and the Marie Curie Individual Fellowship. These grants highlight her ability to attract competitive funding and support for her research.
- Public Engagement and Outreach: Claudia is committed to public engagement and outreach, participating in various activities aimed at increasing interest in science among students and the general public. Her involvement in STEM Ambassador programs and science communication efforts demonstrates her dedication to promoting science beyond academia.
Areas for Improvement:
- Broader Research Impact: While Claudia’s research is influential within her specific field, expanding her impact to broader interdisciplinary areas or integrating her work with other fields could enhance her overall contribution to science. Developing collaborative projects with researchers in related disciplines might offer new perspectives and applications for her research.
- Mentorship and Training: Although Claudia has experience in teaching and mentoring, focusing more on developing and guiding junior researchers or students could strengthen her role in nurturing the next generation of scientists. Increased involvement in supervisory roles or mentorship programs might further amplify her contributions to the research community.
- Diverse Publication Outlets: Claudia’s publications are predominantly in high-impact journals related to her field. Exploring opportunities to publish in interdisciplinary journals or contribute to special issues that address broader scientific questions could broaden the reach and applicability of her research.
Dr. Sosa-Montes de Oca earned her PhD in Earth Sciences from the University of Granada in 2018, following a Master’s in Earth Sciences (2011) from the same institution. She also holds a Master’s in Teacher Training from the University Complutense of Madrid (2001) and a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Granada (1999). šš
Experience
Dr. Sosa-Montes de Oca’s career includes notable positions such as Postdoctoral Fellow with H2020-MSCA-IF-2020-EPROAMA at the European Commission and a Newton International Fellowship with the Royal Society. Her professional journey also encompasses multiple research roles and significant industry experience as a geologist. Noteworthy periods include maternity and childcare leaves, reflecting her dedication to balancing family and career. šš§Ŗ
Research Focus
Dr. Sosa-Montes de Oca’s research is centered on the environmental and biotic recovery following mass extinction events, particularly the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary. She employs geochemistry and biomarker analysis to investigate the recovery of marine ecosystems and the carbon cycle’s perturbation and recovery. Her pioneering work includes uncovering rapid recovery of oxic conditions post-K-Pg extinction and examining shifts in organic matter sources. š¬šæ
Awards and Honours
Dr. Sosa-Montes de Oca has received prestigious awards and funding for her research, including the Marie Curie Individual Fellowship (2020-2023), Newton International Fellowships (2019-2021), and multiple grants from the European Commission and other institutions. Her achievements highlight her impactful contributions to geochemistry and paleoclimatology. ššļø
Publication Top Notes
- Sosa-Montes de Oca et al., 2024: “Intense changes in the main source of organic carbon to the Gulf Coastal Plain following the CretaceousāPaleogene boundary,” Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology. (Impact factor: 3.990 ā Q1)
- Sosa-Montes de Oca et al., 2023: “Variation in organic matter across the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary in New Zealand supports the āLiving Oceanā model of biotic recovery,” Global and Planetary Change. (Impact factor: 5.114 ā Q1)
- Sosa-Montes de Oca et al., 2021: “Minor changes in biomarker assemblages in the aftermath of the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event,” Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. (Impact factor: 3.565 ā Q1)
- Sosa-Montes de Oca et al., 2020: “Microscale trace-element distribution across the Cretaceous/Palaeogene ejecta layer at the Agost section,” Chemical Geology. (Impact factor: 4.685 ā Q1)
- Sosa-Montes de Oca et al., 2018: “High-resolution data from Laser Ablation-ICP-MS and by ICP-OES analyses at the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary section at Agost,” Data in Brief. (Impact factor: 3.186
Conclusion:
Claudia Sosa Montes de Oca is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her innovative contributions to the study of mass extinction events and biotic recovery, combined with a track record of high-impact publications, successful funding acquisition, and active public engagement, underscore her exceptional qualifications. Addressing the suggested areas for improvement, such as expanding her research impact and enhancing mentorship efforts, could further solidify her position as a leading researcher in her field