Aura M. Alonso-Rodriguez
PhD Student in Natural Resources
Affiliate, Gund Institute for Environment
210 Colchester Avenue
204 Farrell Hall
Burlington, VT 05401
United States
- MS Management and Conservation of Tropical Forests and Biodiversity, CATIE, Costa Rica
- BS Biology and Environmental Science, University of Puerto Rico
Area(s) of expertise
Tropical ecology, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, agroecology, global change, sustainable livelihoods
BIO
Aura Mariela is a PhD candidate at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources and a Gund Institute student fellow. She is broadly interested in applying ecological research to solving real-world problems in tropical landscapes. At UVM, her research focuses on assessing how ecological and agricultural systems respond and adapt to disturbances such as hurricanes. By collaborating across disciplines and sectors, Aura hopes to help build more resilient and equitable socio-ecological systems that can help improve rural livelihoods without threatening conservation efforts.
Before coming to UVM, Aura's research had mainly focused on evaluating effects of land use change and habitat disturbance on tropical insect communities, with particular interest in moths and their role as pollinators. She also worked for the US Forest Service in Puerto Rico as project manager for a climate change experiment (TRACE) that focused on understanding the effects of increased temperatures on tropical forest plants and soils.
In her free time, Aura enjoys exploring the outdoors with friends, arts and crafts, salsa dancing, and playing the piano.
Prospective graduate students interested in learning more about research and experiences in the Rubenstein School may contact Aura.
Publications
Bio
Aura Mariela is a PhD candidate at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources and a Gund Institute student fellow. She is broadly interested in applying ecological research to solving real-world problems in tropical landscapes. At UVM, her research focuses on assessing how ecological and agricultural systems respond and adapt to disturbances such as hurricanes. By collaborating across disciplines and sectors, Aura hopes to help build more resilient and equitable socio-ecological systems that can help improve rural livelihoods without threatening conservation efforts.
Before coming to UVM, Aura's research had mainly focused on evaluating effects of land use change and habitat disturbance on tropical insect communities, with particular interest in moths and their role as pollinators. She also worked for the US Forest Service in Puerto Rico as project manager for a climate change experiment (TRACE) that focused on understanding the effects of increased temperatures on tropical forest plants and soils.
In her free time, Aura enjoys exploring the outdoors with friends, arts and crafts, salsa dancing, and playing the piano.
Prospective graduate students interested in learning more about research and experiences in the Rubenstein School may contact Aura.
Publications
Advisor
Advisor: Taylor Ricketts