Taylor Ricketts

Professor, Rubenstein School & Director, Gund institute

Taylor.Ricketts@uvm.edu

I'm interested in connecting rigorous interdisciplinary research with real-world conservation problems, both in Vermont and worldwide. My recent focus has been the benefits provided to people by forests, wetlands, reefs, and other natural areas. I work on understanding how ecosystems provide these benefits, what they are worth (and to whom), and how they might change in the future. Other interests include global patterns of biodiversity, planetary health, ecological economics, and community and landscape ecology. I went to college at Dartmouth (Earth Sciences) and got my PhD at Stanford (Biology). I directed the Conservation Science Program at World Wildlife Fund for nine years before moving to UVM in 2011. In addition to my faculty post in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, I direct the Gund Institute at UVM.

Humberto M. Romero Uribe | Post-doctoral associate

humberto.romero-uribe@uvm.edu

As a biologist, I specialize in quantifying carbon dynamics across ecosystems and land uses, exploring the impacts of ecosystem degradation and land-use intensification on ecosystem services and socio-ecological interactions. My goal is to translate scientific findings into practical sustainability solutions. As a postdoctoral researcher at UVM, I'll focus on studying smallholder coffee farms' potential in climate change mitigation and adaptation by devising carbon removal strategies and payment models that incentivize sustainable practices among coffee farmers. Link to Humberto’s Research Gate

Michelle talal | Post-doctoral associate (co-advised with lydia olander at duke university)

michelle.talal@duke.edu

I am an interdisciplinary environmental scientist with a focus on urban ecology and sustainable management. I use mixed methods to investigate biodiversity patterns, nature accessibility, and ecosystem services. In my current project, I am researching how management activities influence biodiversity and carbon outcomes across the United States. In my free time, I enjoy singing with a choir, being in or near water, and exploring new cities. Link to Michelle’s Google Scholar

Jessica A. Balerna | Post-Doctoral Associate (co-advised with Brendan Fisher and Beverley Wemple)

Jessica.Balerna@uvm.edu

I'm an interdisciplinary research scientist whose interests span freshwater ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental anthropology, and social hydrology. I most often ask questions about how human interactions directly and indirectly shape freshwater systems with a goal of helping communities sustainably manage their freshwater resources. As a postdoctoral researcher at UVM, I will be studying how and where climate change has exacerbated flood risks and the social and ecological consequences of such changes. Link to Jessica’s Website | Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Anna Maassel | Phd student

anna.maassel@uvm.edu

I am interested in understanding the intricate relationships between global environmental challenges and human health. My research at UVM will focus on quantifying the value of nature’s benefits to people in order to empower diverse stakeholders to take real action. In my spare time, you can find me in the mountains, hiking and camping with my dog, Wren.

Lazaro Carneiro | Visiting PhD student at UVM, from State University of Norte Fluminense (UENF), Brazil

ldasilv1@uvm.edu

My research interests are bees and their landscapes. I am a PhD student in Ecology and Natural Resources at UENF, Brazil. While a Graduate Visiting Student at UVM, I intend to understand how landscape structure and different restoration strategies affect the recovery of orchid bee communities in a global biodiversity hotspot, the Atlantic Forest. Besides bees and spatial ecology, I am passionate about outdoor activities like camping and hiking. Link to Lázaro’s Research Gate

Leslie Spencer | PhD student (co-advised with Stephanie Hurley)

Leslie.Spencer@uvm.edu

My research focuses on wild bees in farmscapes, and how we can better manage/design these spaces for pollinators. I am also pursuing the Education for Sustainability graduate certificate offered through UVM & the Shelburne Farms Institute for Sustainable Schools. I do natural history education work with Grow Wild, a network of folks in Burlington seeking to increase biodiversity and climate resilience by supporting the creation of more native plant and pollinator habitat. Link to Leslie’s LinkedIn | Twitter

Aura M. alonso-Rodriguez | Phd Student

Aura.Alonso-Rodriguez@uvm.edu

One of my main goals as a scientist is to apply ecological research to solving real-world problems in tropical landscapes. As a graduate student at UVM, my research focuses on assessing how ecological and agricultural systems respond and adapt to disturbances such as hurricanes. My goal is to help build more resilient and equitable socio-ecological systems by collaborating across disciplines and partnering with decision-makers for greater impact. Link to Aura’s Google Scholar | Twitter | LinkedIn

Natalia Aristizabal | PhD Student

Natalia.Aristizabal@uvm.edu

I am passionate about diversifying STEM and studying the intersection of global change and agriculture. I was born in Cali, Colombia, and my research focuses on how climate and land-use change affect ecosystem services in coffee farms —aiming to understand landscape strategies that bridge biodiversity conservation and farmers' livelihoods. When not studying or drinking coffee, you can probably find me biking or having a picnic by Lake Champlain. Feel free to reach out with questions about my research or about applying to grad school. Link to Nati’s Google Scholar | Twitter