Alejandro Portillo is a Research Associate at the Wyss Academy’s Hub South America. He has a background in biology and a master's degree in ecology and environmental management. He has experience in conducting research in the Peruvian Amazon focusing on biodiversity. He is interested in understanding the effects of artisanal mining on biodiversity in Madre de Dios, as well as the problems caused by mercury exposure in local populations. Alejandro has skills in environmental assessment, supervision, and auditing in the mining and hydrocarbon sectors. Furthermore, Alejandro currently serves as an Associate Researcher at the Natural History Museum of the Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco. His work focuses on managing the scientific collection of mammals and supporting research projects that concentrate on the study of biodiversity.