I am broadly interested in the historical, evolutionary, and ecological processes that shape species distributions across the globe. My research integrates phylogenetics and comparative methods to address questions in macroecology, macroevolution, and biogeography. I focus on coral reefs due to their exceptional biodiversity and ecological complexity, making them one of the most interesting systems for evolutionary and ecological research. I hold an MSc in Ecology from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (Brazil), where I later lectured in Ecology and Zoology. I then completed my PhD at James Cook University, investigating the evolution, macroecology, and biogeography of coral reef fishes from a trophic perspective. Currently, I am a DECRA and Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellow at Edith Cowan University, studying the evolution of key functions in coral reef organisms and their consequences for contemporary biodiversity patterns.