ABOUT ME

I’m a biologist and entomologist broadly interested in the ecology and management of insects in agricultural and natural settings. I’m particularly passionate about Integrated Pest and Pollination Management (IPPM) and sustainable agriculture. I earned my B.S. degree in biology from Nueva Granada University and a master’s in entomology from Michigan State University (Go Green!) where I worked with Rufus Isaacs. I completed my Ph.D. in the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University, working with Rebecca Irwin. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, working with Professor Lynn Adler.

WHAT I DO

Most of my experience focuses on agriculturally important insects, including pollinators and pests. I have expertise in identifying crop pollinators and estimating the value of the ecosystem services they provide. Additionally, I have worked on the management of alternative pollinators (e.g., mason bees and bumble bees) and crop pests, particularly palm weevils. I also have specialized knowledge in studying the transmission dynamics of bee parasites and diseases.

I am proficient in experimental design and data analysis using R, with a focus on linear models, generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs), and post hoc mean comparisons

OUTSIDE THE LAB

Outside of the academic circle I like to participate in outreach events and create science communication videos about my research, with the goal of improving public's perception of scientists and the scientific process. Check out some of my videos 

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