Camila Patricia Villavicencio Reyes
Investigadora asociada
Universidad de Chile
Santiago, Chile
My research focuses on animal behavior, specifically the interactions among behavior, physiology, and the environment. I study mainly birds and small mammals, evaluating how contrasting Chilean environments affect wildlife.
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Licenciatura en Biologia, UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE. Chile, 2003
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Magister en Ciencias Ecologicas c/m Ecol. Evolutiva, UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE. Chile, 2006
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Doctor rerum naturalium, Ludwig - Maximilian Universität München. Alemania, 2015
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Graduated PhD student Part Time
Max Planck Institute for Ornithology
2009 - 2015
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Postdoctorante Full Time
UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE
Facultad de Ciencias
Chile
2016 - 2020
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Profesora biologia celular
Universidad Central de Chile
Chile
2007 - 2009
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Profesora de Ecologia
Universidad Central de Chile
Chile
2008 - 2009
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Profesora de Biologia celular
Universidad de las Americas
Chile
2009 - 2009
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Ayudante de Biologia celular
Universidad de Chile
Chile
2002 - 2002
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Ayudante Zoologia de Invertebrados
Universidad de Chile
Chile
2002 - 2002
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Ayudante de Fisiolgia de sistemas
Universidad de Chile
Chile
2003 - 2003
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Ayudante de Ecologia
Universidad de Chile
Chile
2003 - 2003
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Profesora Coordinadora del curso de Conducta Animal Part Time
Universidad de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias
Chile
2026 - At present
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Asistente de Investigación Part Time
Universidad de Chile, Facultad de Artes
Chile
2025 - 2026
I have completed a full academic training pathway, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral, with a solid trajectory in ecological research focused on fauna, behavior, and environmental interactions. I have participated in multiple research projects, developed independent lines of research, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams.
I completed my PhD in Germany at the Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich and the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology. My doctoral research examined the relationships among hormones, behavior, and environmental factors in a free-living European songbird. During this period, I acquired extensive experience in fieldwork, including behavioral observations, experimental design, bird capture and handling, and laboratory techniques in endocrinology and molecular biology for hormone and behavioral analyses. This experience also strengthened my ability to work in international environments and my proficiency in English.
I returned to Chile to conduct my postdoctoral research, where I consolidated my expertise in local ecosystems through intensive fieldwork. I focused on wild bird species, gaining in-depth knowledge of their behavior, ecological interactions, and responses to environmental variability. This work also contributed to my understanding of the contrast between biodiversity-rich environments and urban contexts, where wildlife is often overlooked.
In parallel, I have served as a lecturer at several universities, strengthening my teaching and communication skills. I promote experiential learning approaches, integrating field and laboratory activities to enhance student engagement and understanding.
Overall, my background combines strong research capacity, interdisciplinary collaboration, expertise in animal behavior and physiology, teaching experience, and knowledge of Chilean ecosystems. These competencies are directly relevant to the successful implementation of research projects that integrate ecological, behavioral, and educational approaches to promote the understanding and valuation of local biodiversity.
I have actively engaged in disseminating and transferring scientific knowledge through interdisciplinary initiatives that connect biodiversity research with society.
The project “Sonidos con Alas” began as a podcast during the COVID-19 pandemic and evolved into an entrepreneurial initiative that promotes native biodiversity through products incorporating QR codes linked to bird songs recorded by me and educational content. This project has involved collaboration with journalists, artists, and designers, and is complemented by outreach through social media (@sonidosconalas).
I co-developed a project funded by the Ministry of the Environment (FPA, 2021) to create a green area in a vulnerable neighborhood in La Serena. This initiative required participatory work with the community, the municipality, and interdisciplinary teams, strengthening my skills in project management and stakeholder engagement. The project was presented at the 11th Urban Design Conference.
I have also contributed as a scientific advisor to the “Casa Anideras” project, collaborating in the development of educational materials and environmental education activities in partnership with the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB) and the Municipality of Providencia.
In addition, I have designed and conducted environmental education workshops, including birdwatching activities, for diverse audiences, promoting experiential learning and public engagement with urban biodiversity.
At the international level, I participate in the Gondwanan Ornithology Working Group of the International Ornithological Union, where I have served as co-chair and contributed to collaborative activities and scientific exchange.
Overall, my work integrates research, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration to promote the understanding and appreciation of biodiversity, particularly in urban contexts.
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Walter J. Bock Travel Fellowship
International Ornithologists' Union
Suráfrica, 2022
Fellowship to assist to the virtual 28th IOCongress, 15 – 19 Aug 2022, SouthAfrica
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Best student paper award,
MAX PLANCK SOCIETY
Alemania, 2014
Best student paper award, organizado por el International Max Plack Research School (IMPRS) for Organismal Biology.
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DAAD Kongressreisen
DEUTSCHE AKADEMISCHE AUSTAUSCHDIENST
Chile, 2014
Beca DAAD para asistir a congresos.Para asistir a: Society for General and Comparative Biology Annual Meeting 2014 January 3rd-7th, Austin, TX, US.
Bases endocrinas del comportamiento social |
Austral birds offer insightful complementary models in ecology and evolution |
Rodrigo Vásquez
profesor titular
Ciencias Ecológicas
IEB, DEPTO. CS. ECOL., FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS, UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE
Santiago, Chile
Guillermo Luna
Profesor Titular
Biología Marina
UNIVERSIDAD CATÓLICA DEL NORTE / CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS AVANZADOS EN ZONAS ÁRIDAS CEAZA
Coquimbo, Chile
Pablo Henny
Profesor Asociado
Anatomía Normal
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Santiago, Chile
Nelson Velásquez
Auxiliary Professor
Biology and Chemistry
Catholic University of the Maule
Talca, Chile
Luciano Caputo
Assistant professor
Institute of Marine and Limnology Science
UNIVERSIDAD AUSTRAL DE CHILE
Valdivia, Chile
Tomás Ossandón
Associate Professor
Medical School, Department of Psychiatry
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Santiago, Chile
Camila Villavicencio
Investigadora asociada
Departamento de Ciencias Ecologicas
Universidad de Chile
Santiago, Chile
Jaime Martinez
Investigador
Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIA - La Cruz
La Cruz, Chile