RESEARCH LEADER
Diego Santana

Diego Santana is a herpetologist whose research focuses on the systematics, evolution, and conservation of Neotropical amphibians and reptiles. His work integrates field research, museum collections, phylogenetics, genomics, and ecological data to understand patterns of diversification and inform conservation strategies. 

At the Field Museum, he curates the amphibians and reptiles collection and develops research that connects evolutionary biology with applied conservation. He is particularly interested in integrative taxonomy, cryptic diversity, and the use of large-scale datasets to identify conservation priorities in understudied regions.

Sarah Mângia
​FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Dr. Mângia studies the taxonomy, systematics, and evolution of South American horned frogs. She uses methods that include genomics and CT scanning..

Priscila Lopes
PPGEC UFMS

Pri evaluates how fire shapes amphibian diversity in the Pantanal, integrating multiple ecological scales to understand patterns structuring populations and communities.

Sean Keuroghlian-Eaton
PPGEC UFMS

Sean examines how fire in the Pantanal affects anuran diet networks and parasite dynamics, exploring ecological responses to disturbance.

Leandro de Avelar Oliveira
PPGBA UFMS

Leandro researches the biogeography and evolution of Neotropical anurans of the genus Hylodes, investigating diversification across their distribution.​

Douglas Moore
PPGB UNESP

Douglas studies evolutionary and biogeographic processes shaping diversification of Tachymenini snakes, integrating phylogenetic, temporal, and spatial analyses.​

João Emílio (Nuno)
PPGEC UFMS

Nuno investigates acoustic communication in Caiman yacare in the Brazilian Pantanal, analyzing signal structure, information coding, and habitat influences on crocodilian vocal behavior.​

Álvaro Aragão
PPGBA UFMS

Álvaro investigates the systematics, diversification, and phylogeographic structure of the Leptodactylus fuscuscomplex using integrative genomic, morphological, osteological, and bioacoustic data.

Kelvin Mori
PPGBA UFMS

Kelvin investigates the evolutionary history of the Leptodeira annulata species complex across South America.

Lauany L. Serafim
​PPGBA UFMS

Lau studies seasonal variation in anuran trophic interaction networks, analyzing ecological dynamics across time.​

Rafaela Ruiz Machado
PPGEC UFMS

Rafa investigates how fire regimes influence trophic interactions between anurans and their prey in the Pantanal.​

Ryan Christopher Kridler
PPGEC UFMS

Ryan works using bioacoustics to characterize anuran communities and document their responses to wildfires in the Pantanal.

Kariny P Suarez
PPGB UNESP

Kariny investigates evolutionary processes shaping Neotropical herpetofauna using phylogenetic data.

Caio Lucas Barroso
PIBIC UFMS

Caio studies molecular phylogenetics of Neotropical amphisbaenians using DNA barcoding to clarify diversity and evolutionary relationships.

Gabriel Nantes de Oliveira
PIBIC UFMS

​Gabriel investigates how fire impacts reproductive biology and recruitment of Physalaemus albonotatus in the Pantanal.​

​Luciana Mendes Valério
PPGB UNESP

Luciana investigates the systematics and evolution of the genus Manciola, integrating genomics, geometric morphometrics, and osteology to test species boundaries and uncover cryptic diversity

Samara Pimpinati
PPGBA UFMS

Samara is conducting a taxonomic revision of the smooth horned frog Proceratophrys schirchi using an integrative approach.​

Ana Alice F Cabral
PPGBA UFMS

Ana Alice investigates functional diversity patterns of anuran assemblages along environmental gradients in the Putumayo-Içá basin, Amazonia.​

Priscila Carvalho
UNESP

Dr. Carvalho studies the diversification and phylogeography of neotropical water snakes (Hydropsini).

Everyone is Welcome Here!

If you are considering joining the Mapinguari Lab, keep this in mind: diversity is not just something we study, it is something we actively foster. Our research is centered on understanding biodiversity, evolutionary processes, and the complex patterns that shape life on Earth.

We investigate how diversity emerges, how it is maintained, and why it matters. In the same way, we believe that scientific excellence depends on the diversity of people.

We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, identities, cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences. Diversity of people brings diversity of ideas. Different perspectives challenge assumptions, inspire creativity, and push science forward in meaningful ways.

​Curiosity is at the heart of being a scientist. And curiosity thrives in environments where people feel respected, supported, and empowered to ask bold questions.

At the Mapinguari Lab, we are committed to building a community where everyone belongs, everyone is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to grow.

Science is stronger when we build it together!