Prof. Dr. Ana Julia Pereira | Forensic Entomology | Best Researcher Award

Assistant at CONICET Argentina

Summary:

Dr. Ana Julia Pereira is an Assistant Researcher at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) in Argentina, specializing in forensic entomology. Her work focuses on the study of life cycles of Calliphoridae populations in Neuquén province and the use of genetic markers for forensic aging of pupae. She also serves as a court-appointed forensic expert in criminal cases, contributing to investigations in homicide and femicide. Dr. Pereira teaches forensic sciences and criminology at the Universidad Nacional de Rio Negro and has conducted workshops on forensic entomology techniques.

Professional Profile:

Orcid Profile

👩‍🎓Education:

Ph.D. in Biology (2012-2017), Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Argentina
- Dissertation: Impact of an invasive carrion wasp on northwest Patagonia; entomological studies of insects relevant to public health.
Licentiate in Biological Sciences (2006-2012), Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Argentina

🏢 Professional Experience:

Assistant Researcher, CONICET (2021–Present): Conducts research on Calliphoridae species’ life cycles and uses genetic markers for forensic analysis.
Postdoctoral Fellow, CONICET (2017–2021): Studied spatial and temporal distribution of cadaveric fauna in Neuquén.
Doctoral Fellow, CONICET (2012–2017): Researched the ecological impact of invasive carrion wasps in Patagonia.
Forensic Expert in Criminal Cases (2015–Present): Assigned by the Ministerio Público Fiscal in Neuquén and Rio Negro, specializing in cases of homicide and femicide.
Field and Research Assistant (2009–2012): Various positions within INTA and CONICET, focusing on entomology and ecology.

Teaching Experience:

Teaching Assistant, Universidad Nacional de Rio Negro (2017–Present): Courses in forensic techniques and criminology.
Instructor, ISIV (2016): Course on scientific knowledge introduction in forensic science.

Research Interests:

Dr. Pereira’s research encompasses forensic entomology, specifically the life cycles and spatial distribution of forensic insects, and the use of genetic markers in age determination for forensic investigations. Her interests also include the ecological impact of invasive species on local insect populations and adapting forensic methodologies to regional contexts.

Author Metrics:

Dr. Pereira has published numerous studies in forensic entomology, contributing to advancements in forensic science. Her work has been presented at national and international scientific conferences, enhancing the integration of entomological research into legal investigations.

Top Noted Publication:

Forensic entomology in homicide cases: study of a corpse found inside a buried vehicle

Journal: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Publication Date: September 4, 2024
DOI: 10.1007/s12024-024-00889-2
Authors: Ana Julia Pereira, Gustavo A. Breglia, Marcelo H. Uzal
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of forensic entomology in a homicide case involving a body discovered within a buried vehicle. It highlights insect succession patterns that provide insights into estimating the postmortem interval.

Spatial dispersion of post-feeding larvae of forensically important flies: Implications for medicolegal investigation

Journal: Revista Española de Medicina Legal
Publication Date: September 2023
DOI: 10.1016/j.reml.2023.09.002
Authors: Julio César Lavezzo, Ana Julia Pereira, Marien Béguelin
Summary: This article explores the dispersal behavior of post-feeding larvae from forensically significant fly species. Findings are applicable in medicolegal investigations to improve the accuracy of postmortem interval estimations by understanding larval movement.

Effects of population variations and temperature on Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) development: implications for estimating the postmortem interval

Journal: International Journal of Legal Medicine
Publication Date: June 5, 2023
DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03020-2
Authors: Ana Julia Pereira, Nestor Daniel Centeno, Carolina Nuñez – Vázquez
Summary: This research examines how population density and temperature affect the development of Chrysomya megacephala, a fly species significant in forensic entomology. The study provides new guidelines for adjusting postmortem interval estimates in light of these factors.

Long-term coexistence of two invasive vespid wasps in NW Patagonia (Argentina)

Journal: Oecologia
Publication Date: July 3, 2022
DOI: 10.1007/s00442-022-05210-y
Authors: Ana Julia Pereira
Summary: This study investigates the ecological interactions and coexistence of two invasive wasp species in Patagonia, focusing on their long-term impacts on native ecosystems and regional biodiversity.

Dispersal behavior of yellowjacket (Vespula germanica) queens

Journal: Insect Science
Publication Date: February 2018
DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12374
Authors: Ana Julia Pereira
Summary: This paper analyzes the dispersal behavior of Vespula germanica queens, providing insights into invasive species management. The study offers data relevant to controlling yellowjacket populations and mitigating their environmental impacts.

Conclusion:

Dr. Ana Julia Pereira stands out as a distinguished candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her focused expertise in forensic entomology, her role in criminal investigations, and her publication record highlight her as a researcher of considerable impact. Addressing areas such as international collaboration, applied forensic case studies, and funding acquisition could elevate her contributions further. Her continued work promises to shape the forensic field, making her a strong contender for this award.

Ana Julia Pereira | Forensic Entomology | Best Researcher Award