Mr. Penales recently took part in the applied paleontology track of the Erasmus Mundus Master Programme PANGEA. His research interest lies in the field of paleoceanography, paleoclimate, and paleoreconstruction. Particularly, how marine phytoplankton have shaped and responded to climatic and environmental changes over geological time scales. He aims to contribute insights into the dynamics of the complex oceanic circulations of the past and their relevance to current and future climate scenarios in the hopes that they lead to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.