Dr. Nicola Cantasano researching in marine biology, astrobiology and freshwater monitoring Dr. Nicola Cantasano primary research areas include development of novel techniques for measuring and mapping marine and freshwater ecosystems and for searching extraterrestrial forms of life. Current activities Dr. Nicola Cantasano research aims to develop new methodologies to measure and map marine and fluvial ecosystems and to study fossil evidences of ancient microbial life on Mars. Research topics of special interest have included: • taxonomy of marine seaweeds • surveillance of allochthonous algal species • monitoring Posidonia oceanica meadows • management of the beach-cast seagrasses • use and development of new methods in water mapping and monitoring freshwater ecosystems • study and detection of relationships between Terrestrial stromatolites and Martian organosedimentary structures Scientist Profile • Name: Nicola Cantasano • Title: Researcher, retired • Qualifications: Doctor in Biology Current projects • Development of I.F.F. method for measuring ecological status of fluvial ecosystems in the Calabrian region. • Development of a regional mapping of Posidonia oceanica meadows. • Surveillance on the regional spreading of Caulerpa racemosa. • Analysis and modelling digital images released by NASA on the Mars landscape. Science Contact Dr. Nicola Cantasano Phone: +393381340216 Email: cantasano@tiscali.it