Carla Daniela Fiorito

I am a marine mammal veterinarian and researcher at the Center for the Study of Marine Systems (CESIMAR) - National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) in Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Growing up in Patagonia, I was always fascinated by dolphins and whales. At just five years old, I dreamed of becoming a "whale vet"—and I made it happen! In 2007, I earned my veterinary degree from the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Buenos Aires. Shortly after, I moved to Puerto Madryn to work with marine mammals, where I pursued my PhD and postdoctoral research focusing on Southern Right Whale skin diseases. Since 2011, I have been a dedicated volunteer with the Chubut Coastal Wildlife Network, responding to marine mammal strandings and conducting necropsies. My research centres on marine mammal infectious diseases and pathogens, particularly zoonotic ones, due to their potential impact on public health. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combines histology, pathology, and molecular biology, I strive to better characterize disease conditions affecting marine mammals in Patagonia. I am deeply passionate about my work, whether it’s long hours at the microscope or heading into the field for hands-on research. When you work with marine mammals, every day brings a new challenge, and I embrace each one with passion and dedication.

January 2025