E. Emperatriz Gamero is a conservation geneticist and molecular ecologist. She is currently a fellow at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute's Center for Conservation Genomics, where she recently completed laboratory and data analyses for her M. Sc. in Ecology from the Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC). Her current focus is the evolutionary and molecular systematics of the Critically Endangered Margarita Island capuchin (Sapajus apella margaritae). 

Her broader research interests include applying molecular markers and genomic approaches in threatened Neotropical species to define conservation units, assess genetic diversity, and inform management strategies for threatened taxa, including combating illegal wildlife trade. With the Margarita capuchin, her research proposes phylogenetic hypotheses about the origins of this endemic primate and its divergence from mainland capuchins, addressing long-standing questions about anthropogenic versus natural origins for this taxon, and its specific or subspecific status on Margarita Island.

Gamero's other work includes:

• Contributing to evolutionary and conservation genetic studies of the red siskin (Spinus cucullata), an Endangered Neotropical finch.
• Participating in projects focused on other Venezuelan taxa of conservation concern, such as the Orinoco crocodile and green sea turtle, through collaborations at IVIC’s Center of Ecology.

Gamero originally trained in cell biology and education, earning a B.Sc. in Cell Biology and a Bachelor’s degree of Education in Biology from the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV). Her work has been supported by competitive awards from the American Society of Primatologists (ASP), the International Primatological Society (IPS), the Society of Systematic Biologists (SSB), and the National Geographic Society, and she is an active member of multiple professional societies in systematics, primatology, and ecology.