Academic Technician at Instituto de Ecologia UNAM, Mexico
Nancy Gálvez-Reyes is a dedicated molecular ecologist and academic technician at the Institute of Ecology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). She leads the Laboratory of Genetics and Ecology, combining scientific and administrative expertise to drive forward impactful biodiversity and genomic research. Her work integrates cutting-edge molecular biology tools with ecological understanding to address pressing environmental challenges. Committed to sustainability, education, and inclusive science, she actively mentors students and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams nationally and internationally.
Profile
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Education:
Nancy began her academic journey with a degree in Biotechnology Engineering from the Autonomous University of Chiapas (UNACH). Her passion for molecular biology and conservation guided her to pursue advanced studies at UNAM, where she completed both her Master’s and Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences. These formative years honed her expertise in molecular ecology and ecological genomics, providing a strong foundation for her multidisciplinary research career.
Experience:
Currently serving as Academic Technician “C” at UNAM’s Institute of Ecology since June 2020, Nancy manages the Genetics and Ecology Lab and contributes to multiple large-scale research initiatives. She has also taught courses in Biotechnology and Comparative Biology at UNAM’s Faculty of Sciences. Her academic career spans diverse institutions, including teaching at UNACH and engaging in collaborative research with global partners such as the Jülich Research Center in Germany and the University of Vermont. Her consultancy on agrobiodiversity projects has strengthened connections between science, policy, and Indigenous communities in Mexico.
Research Interest:
Nancy’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular ecology, biodiversity genomics, conservation genetics, and ecoinformatics. She is particularly focused on using next-generation sequencing technologies—such as RADseq, GBS, RNAseq, and WGS—for studying genetic diversity, population structure, and adaptive variation in non-model organisms. Her work extends into the development and application of bioinformatic pipelines to analyze DNA metabarcoding data for species identification and ecological interactions. In addition, she is deeply engaged in research supporting the in situ conservation of agrobiodiversity, particularly traditional maize landraces, and advocates for the integration of local ecological knowledge in conservation planning.
Awards:
Nancy’s contribution to conservation genomics and molecular ecology has been recognized with her nomination for the “Best Researcher Award” under the Biotechnology Scientist Awards 2025. Her research efforts, which bridge technological innovation and ecological sustainability, have garnered international collaboration and institutional support through prestigious grants, including multiple PAPIIT-funded projects addressing air pollution in peri-urban forests, biodiversity informatics, and biotic interaction modeling.
Publications:
Nancy Gálvez-Reyes has published several impactful papers in peer-reviewed journals indexed by Scopus and SCI. Some of her key publications include:
- Gálvez‐Reyes, N., et al. (2025). Insect Conservation and Diversity. [IF: 3.2, Citations: 0]
- Mastretta-Yanes, A., et al. (2024). Plants, People, Planet. [IF: 3.7, Citations: 7]
- Monroy-Sais, A.S., et al. (2024). Journal of Rural Studies, 110. [IF: 5.1, Citations: 4]
- Ugalde, F., et al. (2024). Biotropica. [IF: 1.8, Citations: 1]
- Tabugo, S.R.M., et al. (2023). Aquatic Conservation. [IF: 2.5, Citations: 3]
- Gálvez-Reyes, N., et al. (2022). Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. [IF: 2.5, Citations: 4]
- Gálvez‐Reyes, N. (2021). Molecular Ecology, 30(24), 6611–6626. [IF: 6.622, Citations: 7]
These works reflect her sustained focus on ecological genomics, species conservation, and participatory research frameworks.
Conclusion:
Nancy Gálvez-Reyes exemplifies the role of a modern biotechnology scientist, using molecular tools not only for academic advancement but also for real-world impact in conservation and ecological sustainability. Her cross-disciplinary approach, combined with robust fieldwork and bioinformatics, addresses key issues like biodiversity loss, environmental adaptation, and the resilience of agroecosystems. Her collaborative projects with institutions such as CONABIO, UNAM’s Botanical Garden, and the University of Vermont underscore her commitment to bridging science with Indigenous knowledge systems. As an educator, peer reviewer, and research leader, Nancy continues to inspire and drive innovation in molecular ecology and biotechnology. Her nomination for the Best Researcher Award is a testament to her scientific rigor, collaborative ethos, and lasting contribution to the field of biotechnology.