Andrea Acurio
About me
I explore the hidden diversity of terrestrial invertebrates to uncover evolutionary stories, describe new species, and protect their ecosystems. My work seamlessly integrates field expeditions and molecular research to deepen our understanding of speciation and the evolutionary processes shaping Earth’s lesser-known organisms. Beyond research, I am committed to capacity-building and science outreach: I teach, mentor, and engage communities and colleagues in collaborative efforts to conserve biodiversity in the Global South.
Dr. Andrea E. Acurio is an evolutionary biologist and invertebrate taxonomist passionate about uncovering the hidden diversity of tropical ecosystems. She combines field expeditions with cutting-edge genetic tools to describe new species, study their evolutionary history, and inform conservation strategies.
Andrea has worked across South America, Europe, Africa, and the Galápagos Islands, where she modernized natural history collections, developed rapid tools to identify native and invasive species, and co-described new spider species. Dedicated to mentorship and outreach, Andrea trains young scientists in molecular and biodiversity research and engages communities through accessible science communication. Through OWSD, she seeks to strengthen networks among women in science and advance inclusive biodiversity research in the Global South.