COST-IEO, CSIC, Spain
Alberto Gayá Vilar is a passionate marine biologist with a Master’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of La Laguna 🌊. He specializes in using artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning to explore and conserve marine ecosystems, with a focus on seamount ecology and benthic habitats 🐠. He has developed AI models for species detection and segmentation, helping automate the analysis of underwater imagery 📸. Alberto is skilled in Python, Linux, PyTorch, and GIS, which enables him to efficiently manage and analyze spatial data 🗺️. A dedicated marine conservationist and avid diver 🤿, Alberto thrives in collaborative environments and is driven by a strong work ethic and leadership skills 🏅. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. where he aims to continue applying AI to advance marine research and conservation.
Professional Profile:
Education🎓
Alberto Gayá Vilar holds a Master’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of La Laguna 🎓, where he specialized in marine diversity and conservation 🌱. His Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of A Coruña provided him with a strong foundation in marine ecosystems 🐟 and conservation biology 🐚. He has continuously enhanced his expertise through various training programs 🧠, including Neural Networks and Deep Learning with Andrew Ng (2022) and Introduction to Animal Behavior from Wageningen University (2020) 🦈. His Bachelor’s thesis examined the influence of macrophyte complexity on habitat choices of juvenile fish 🐟, while his Master’s thesis focused on using deep learning to map benthic species in the Bay of Biscay 📊. Alberto has also completed coursework in GIS and machine learning, strengthening his technical skills for marine ecosystem analysis 🗺️.
Professional Experience🪸
Alberto Gayá Vilar has amassed a wealth of experience in marine biology and AI-driven research 🧑🔬. As a Senior Research Technician at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC) 🏢, he is involved in the European project iMAGINE, which focuses on the application of AI for marine conservation 🌍. He has played a pivotal role in developing deep learning models for analyzing underwater imagery, particularly in cold-water coral reefs 🪸. His work has been featured in key research projects such as LIFE IP INTEMARES and PROFISH, and he has contributed to the Trammel fishing impact assessment in Balearic Islands 🐟. Alberto’s diverse research roles have helped bridge the gap between marine biology and AI, driving automation in species detection and ecosystem mapping 🔬. His practical expertise extends to technical report writing, data management, and spatial analysis 🗺️.
Research Interest🌊
Alberto Gayá Vilar’s primary research interests lie in using artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning to explore and conserve marine ecosystems 🌱. His work focuses on the automation of species detection and the mapping of benthic habitats in seamounts and cold-water coral reefs 🐠. With a passion for marine conservation, Alberto applies cutting-edge AI models to analyze underwater imagery, using platforms like YOLOv8 to assist in the characterization of vulnerable species 🌊. He is also keen on exploring the potential of GIS and spatial data analysis to enhance marine ecosystem studies 📊. His long-term goal is to contribute to sustainable ocean management by advancing the use of AI in environmental monitoring, conservation policies, and marine biodiversity protection 🧑🔬. Alberto’s interdisciplinary approach integrates technology and marine science to tackle global environmental challenges 🌍.
Awards and Honors🏆
Alberto Gayá Vilar has earned recognition for his significant contributions to marine biology and AI applications in conservation 🌊. His Master’s thesis on deep-learning-assisted mapping of marine species was highly regarded, leading to publications in PeerJ 🏅. He has been invited to present his research at the International Symposium of Marine Sciences (ISMS), where he shared insights on AI’s role in cold-water coral reef conservation 🐠. Alberto has also been part of prestigious European projects, contributing to the automation of marine ecosystem characterization and earning accolades within the scientific community 🏆. His published articles, including work in Scientia Insularum, further demonstrate his dedication to the field 📚. These achievements reflect his growing influence and leadership in the intersection of AI and marine ecosystem conservation 🌍.
Conclusion
Given your extensive research experience, interdisciplinary expertise, and demonstrated impact in applying AI for marine ecosystem conservation, you are an excellent candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. Your innovative approach and dedication to advancing marine conservation through modern technologies make you highly suitable for this recognition. With some additional focus on long-term outcomes and global collaboration, you will further strengthen your candidacy for such prestigious awards.
Publications Top Notes📚
📄 Caracterización de las comunidades ícticas de charcos intermareales en la isla de Tenerife
- Journal: Scientia Insularum. Revista de Ciencias Naturales en islas
- Year: 2024
- DOI: 10.25145/j.si.2024.05.06
- Contributors: Alberto Gayá Vilar, Juan Antonio Torres Gil, Marta García-Doce
- Institution: Universidad de La Laguna (España)
📄 Deep Learning Based Characterization of Cold-Water Coral Habitat at Central Cantabrian Natura 2000 Sites Using YOLOv8
- Journal: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
- Year: 2024 (September)
- DOI: 10.3390/jmse12091617
- Contributors: Alberto Gayá Vilar, Alberto Abad-Uribarren, Rodríguez-Basalo, Pilar Rios, Javier Cristobo, Elena Prado
- Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
📄 High-resolution Density Assessment Assisted by Deep Learning of Dendrophyllia cornigera (Lamarck, 1816) and Phakellia ventilabrum (Linnaeus, 1767) in Rocky Circalittoral Shelf of Bay of Biscay
- Journal: PeerJ
- Year: 2024 (March 7)
- DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17080
- Contributors: Alberto Gayá Vilar, Adolfo Cobo, Alberto Abad-Uribarren, Rodríguez-Basalo, Sergio Sierra, Sabrina Clemente, Elena Prado
📄 Macrophyte Complexity Influences Habitat Choices of Juvenile Fish
- Journal: Marine Biology
- Year: 2023 (October)
- DOI: 10.1007/s00227-023-04255-8
- Contributors: Hilmar Hinz, Paula Anglada, Alberto Gayá Vilar, Olga Reñones, Gaetano Catanese, Julia Castro-Fernández, María del Mar Gil, Amalia Grau, Joan Moranta
📄 Deep-Learning Based Characterization of Cold-Water Coral Habitat at Central Cantabrian Natura 2000 Sites Using YOLOv8 (Working Paper)
