Research Projects
My research aims to tackle ecology and global change biology questions.
Tropical Alpine Ecology
I am interested in understanding the effects of land-use change on tropical alpine landscapes. For centuries humans in the Andes have interacted closely with high mountain ecosystems. However, global environmental change is altering the way humans interact with their environment and, in turn, the feedback obtained from these ecosystems. My research looks at how high Andean ecosystems are changing and what this means for local people.
Botany
Since 2007 I have been working on the taxonomy, ecology, and biology of tropical alpine vegetation. In these ecosystems, vegetation presents adaptations that allow it to survive in harsh, variable conditions. The results of these adaptations are beautifully unique species, of which some are so rare they can only be found on specific mountain tops!
Gentianella rapunculoides; Photo by: Priscila Carpio
