Juan Carlos Silva-Tamayo

Juan Carlos Silva-Tamayo is a recognized Earth System Scientist whose primary research focuses on the fascinating field of isotope geochemistry. Through the utilization of both traditional and non-traditional stable isotopes, Juan Carlos has investigated how past changes in global climatic and environmental conditions have influenced the global biogeochemical cycles and the evolution of animal life.

Currently, Juan Carlos's research extends to environmental geochemistry from a ONE-Health perspective, highlighting the interconnections between environmental health, animal health, plant health and human health. Lately, Juan Carlos has been spending an important part of his research on the development of pioneering nature-based climate solutions, contributing to the global effort in combating climate change through nature-Based carbon Removal technologies, i.e. enhanced weathering.

With an impressive track record, Juan Carlos boasts extensive and well-documented experience in both basic and applied scientific research. He also excels in university teaching, providing valuable knowledge to future generations of STEAM scientists and shaping the next generation of global environmental and sustainability leaders. Moreover, his expertise extends to consultancy and enterprise management, showcasing his ability to bridge the gap between academia and real-world applications.

Through his passion for isotope geochemistry and commitment to addressing crucial environmental challenges, Juan Carlos Silva-Tamayo strives to make a lasting impact on our understanding of Earth's intricate systems and pave the way for a more sustainable future".

Academic Background

• Ph.D. in Geochemistry, University of Bern, Switzerland, 2009

• MSc in Environmental Geology, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil, 2004

• BSc Geology, Universidad EAFIT, Medellín, Colombia, 2007

Corporate Experience

• Co-Founder and CEO, Testlab Laboratorios, Medellín, Colombia, 2017 - 2022 

• Associate Director of Coastal Research, Invemar, Santamarta, Colombia, 2020 - 2021

• Senior Consultant, Geocuencas, Bogota, Colombia, 2011- 2014

Academic Experience

• Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Uniminuto, Medellin, Colombia, 2022

• Associate Professor, Universidad Pedagógica de Colombia, Colombia, 2020 - 2022

• Associate Professor, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia, 2019 - 2021

• Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Antonio Nariño University, Bogota, Colombia, 2018 - 2019

• Assistant/Associate Professor, University of Houston, 2014 - 2018

• Research Fellow, Marie Curie Fellow, University of Leeds, 2014 - 2015

• Research Fellow, Marie Curie Fellow, Stanford University, 2012 - 2014

• Assistant Professor, Universidad de Caldas, Colombia, 2011 - 2014

• Research Fellow, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, 2010 - 2011

Selected publications

• Sial, A.N., Chen, J., Lacerda, L.D., Korte, C., Spangenberg, J.E., Silva-Tamayo, J.C., Gaucher, C., Ferreira, V.P., Barbosa, J.A., Pereira, N.S. and Benigno, A.P., (2020). “Globally enhanced Hg deposition and Hg isotopes in sections straddling the Permian–Triassic boundary: link to volcanism”. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology .540

• Torrado, L., Carvajal-Arenas, L.C., Sanchez, J., Mann, P. and Silva-Tamayo, J.C., 2019. “Late Cretaceous–Cenozoic sequence stratigraphic and paleogeographic controls on petroleum system elements of the Nicaraguan platform, western Caribbean Sea”. AAPG Bulletin, 103(8): 1925 - 1962

• Silva-Tamayo, J.C., Lau, K.V., Jost, A.B., Payne, J.L., Wignall, P.B., Newton, R.J., Eisenhauer, A., Depaolo, D.J., Brown, S., Maher, K. and Lehrmann, D.J., (2018). “Global perturbation of the marine calcium cycle during the Permian-Triassic transition”. Bulletin, 130(7-8): 1323 - 1338

• Lau, K.V., Maher, K., Altiner, D., Kelley, B.M., Kump, L.R., Lehrmann, D.J., Silva-Tamayo, J.C., Weaver, K.L., Yu, M. and Payne, J.L., (2016). “Marine anoxia and delayed Earth system recovery after the end-Permian extinction”. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Vol.113 (9): 2360 - 2365

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