About Me

Born and raised in (La Isla del Encanto) Puerto Rico, in 2010, I completed a Bachelor of Science in General Biology (with REU experience in Tropical Ecology and Plant Ecophysiology) from the University of Puerto Rico-Humacao Campus. Then, in 2014 I achieved a Master of Science in Forestry from North Carolina State University. I'm currently completing a Ph.D. in Ecology and Conservation Biology at Texas A&M University. 

 

I've been passionate about ecology, research, fishing, Aged Rum, the great outdoors, and cooking since I can remember. Growing up on a small tropical island where resources are limited, urban sprawl is ever-expanding, and endangered species persistence is questionable has helped shape me as a scientist, landscape ecologist, and interdisciplinary thinker. 

​

My research interests evolved from conducting ecological-based studies on the impacts of invasive plant species, human-induced wildfires, and mechanical disturbances on tropical deciduous dry forest ecosystems in Puerto Rico. Then, with an urban ecosystem focus, I conducted a 10-yr (2006-2016) landscape study quantifying drought-induced tree mortality in the Memorial Park of Houston, TX. I explored the spatial configuration of tree mortality and standing tree cover at two spatial scales while evaluating potential environmental factors influencing the spatial pattern and distribution.

 

Currently, my primary research interest revolves around implementing pyric-herbivory and Remote Sensing applications on Rangeland's landscape patterns of ecosystem structures and processes. Learn more about my work by checking out my current projects, collaborations, and past publications.​