🎓 Education:
Eduardo Jesús Mayoral Alfaro holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geological Sciences from the University of Sevilla, Spain (1986), and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Zaragoza, Spain (1979). His extensive academic foundation set the groundwork for his pioneering work in paleontology, specifically in the fields of taphonomy, paleoecology, and paleoichnology.
💼 Experience:
Professor Mayoral has a distinguished career in both academic and applied research. With over 25 years of experience, his research focuses on paleoecological studies in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly the southern region, which has been relatively unexplored in this field since the 1980s. His work spans the Cambrian period and Upper Neogene deposits in the Guadalquivir Basin, the Portuguese Algarve, and more recently, the Atlantic islands of Macaronesia. His research has contributed to enhancing the understanding of paleoecology and taphonomy through studies on Miocene and Pliocene deposits.As part of his scientific career, he also worked in collaboration with the University of Seville’s Department of Crystallography and Mineralogy, contributing to the preservation and restoration of monumental works in stone. He has participated in numerous international projects, leading 18 competitive R&D+i projects, with two as Principal Investigator, alongside various contracts with private enterprises.
Skills:
Paleontological Research: Expertise in fossil identification, taphonomy, and palaeoecology, particularly in the study of Cambrian and Neogene deposits.,Geological Surveying: Extensive fieldwork experience in Andalusia, Portugal, and the Atlantic islands.,Data Analysis: Strong background in paleoenvironmental analysis and the interpretation of sedimentological and geochemical data.,Research Leadership: Proven ability to lead research projects, manage research teams, and secure funding from national and international sources.,Communication and Outreach: Skilled in science communication, with experience in organizing symposia and publishing widely in scientific journals and books.
Research Focus:
Dr. Mayoral’s research primarily explores paleoecology, taphonomy, and paleontology in the Iberian Peninsula and the broader Mediterranean region, with a focus on Cambrian to Pliocene deposits. He has pioneered the study of taphonomy and paleoecology in Spanish geology, particularly in areas where these fields were underdeveloped. His research interests also extend to Macaronesia, focusing on the paleontological record and bioerosion of fossil sites in the Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde.His work has been instrumental in the study of ancient ecosystems and their response to environmental changes, including shifts in climatic and oceanographic conditions during the Miocene and Pliocene periods.
Awards and Honors :
- Extraordinary Undergraduate Award, University of Zaragoza, 1981
- City of Seville Research Award, 1987
- Aragonia Award, Society of Friends of the Paleontological Museum of the University of Zaragoza, 2012