Juan Sempere-Valverde

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2257-ws12, Building 2, level 2, desert side

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Biography

Dr. Juan Sempere-Valverde

Marine Biologist | Coastal Ecologist | Researcher

Education: Ph.D. in Marine Biology (University of Seville). Ph.D. thesis: “Coastal sprawl and the ecological effects of artificial structures design and substratum type on macrobenthic assemblages”; and M.Sc. in Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (University Pablo de Olavide, Seville). Master's thesis: “Recruitment and development of marine assemblages on artificial substrata: which is the best material to prevent loss of biodiversity?”

Research Focus: Coastal Protection and Mitigation Measures, such as investigating the ecological impacts of coastal defense structures and developing strategies to mitigate their negative effects on marine biodiversity Invasive Species Ecology, including the monitoring of biofouling and the evaluation of impacts. Monitoring and conservation of marine biodiversity and habitats (e..g., underwater caves and coralligenous habitat), and endangered species (e.g., Patella ferruginea)

Video: Dr. Sempere-Valverde has actively contributed to scientific communication through video content. His engaging videos cover topics such as marine conservation, coastal ecosystems, and biodiversity.

Research Interests

Juan's research focuses on understanding coastal ecosystem dynamics, assessing marine biodiversity, and investigating the ecological impacts of coastal defense structures. Additionally, he explores invasive species ecology, contributes to marine restoration efforts, and studies climate change resilience in coastal habitats. His work bridges scientific knowledge with practical conservation strategies for our oceans.

Selected Publications

  • Sempere-Valverde J, Chebaane S, Bernal-Ibáñez A, Silva R, Cacabelos E, …, Canning-Clode J (2024) Surface integrity could limit the potential of concrete as a bio-enhanced material in the marine environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin 200, 116096. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116096
  • Sempere-Valverde J, Castro-Cadenas MD, Guerra-García JM, Espinosa F, García-Gómez JC, Ros M (2024) Buoys are non-indigenous fouling hotspots in marinas regardless of their environmental status and pressure. Science of the Total Environment 909, 168301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168301 
  • Sempere-Valverde J, Saenz-Arias P, Martynova A, Benzarti O, Bouhlel R, …, Chebaane S (2024) Plasticlusters: A marine litter microhabitat in a marina of Tunisia, N Africa. Marine Pollution Bulletin 202, 116389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116389
  • Sempere-Valverde J, J., Guerra-García, J. M., García-Gómez, J. C., & Espinosa, F. (2023). Coastal urbanization, an issue for marine conservation. In: Espinosa, F. (ed.) Coastal Habitat Conservation: New Perspectives and Sustainable Development of Biodiversity in the Anthropocene. Elsevier Academic Press. 41-80 pp. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0- 323-85613-3.00007-4
  • Sempere-Valverde J, Ostalé-Valriberas E, Farfán GM, Espinosa F (2018) Substratum type affects recruitment and development of marine assemblages over artificial substrata: A case study in the Alboran Sea. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 204, 56-65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2018.02.017

Education

  • Ph.D. in Integrated Biology, Marine Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
  • M.Sc in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.

Professional Profile

  • 2023-present: Postdoctoral Fellow, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, KSA.
  • 2019-2023: Teaching and Research Staff trainee and Doctoral Candidate, Department of Zoology, University of Seville, Spain.
  • 2018-2019: Research technician, Campus de Excelencia del Mar CeiMAR, University of Cadiz, Spain.

Awards

  • TEACHING INNOVATION – Sempere-Valverde J, Sedano F, Pavón A, Abellán P, ..., López-Fé de la Cuadra CM (2020 – 2021) Invertebrados marinos: equinodermos (Filo Echinodermata). Dotación y mejora de recursos para la docencia de la Universidad de Sevilla.
  • PhD FELLOWSHIP – Sempere-Valverde J (2019 – 2023) La importancia de los puertos deportivos en el establecimiento y dispersión de especies invasoras. La epifauna móvil como modelo de estudio. Ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctores. Ministerio de Ciencia e Inovación, Gobierno de España (EU funds).
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP – Sempere-Valverde J, Pavón A, Sedano F, Palma MA, Sanz R (2019) TETIS Conservation & Internships. XIV Concurso de Ideas de Negocio de la Universidad de Sevilla, categoría PDI (Personal Docente e Investigador).
  • VIDEO - Sempere-Valverde J (2021) CIMASUB, San Sebastián International Underwater Film Festival. Palmarés
  • VIDEO – Sempere-Valverde J, Pavón A, Sedano F (2018 – 2020) Divulgar para concienciar: el coralígeno de Ceuta. Convocatoria de ayudas a la investigación del Instituto de Estudios Ceutíes, 2018.

KAUST Affiliations

  • Biodiversity & Ecosystems Management Lab (BEM), Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE).
  • Red Sea Research Center (RSRC).
  • King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.

Non-KAUST Affiliations

  • Laboratorio de Biología Marina (LBM), Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Reina Mercedes s/n, Campus de Reina Mercedes, 41012 Sevilla, Spain. https://investigacion.us.es/sisius/grupo/RNM136
  • Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Edifício Madeira Tecnopolo, Caminho da Penteada, 9020-105, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. https://www.mare-centre.pt/pt/user/1516

Research Interests Keywords

Coastal Ecosystems Biodiversity Artificial Structures Invasive Species Marine Restoration Climate Resilience