Principal Investigator
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Alex Flecker, Professor
Alex Flecker is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. He is a member of the graduate fields of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Natural Resources, and Global Development, and is an Associate Member of the Latin American Studies Program. He received a B.S. in Zoology from Oregon State University, which fostered a great appreciation for organismal biology and natural history. After completing his Ph.D. (Ecology and Evolution concentration) at the University of Maryland in 1990, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Otago in New Zealand (1991-1993), and joined the Cornell faculty in 1995. His lab has worked extensively internationally, especially in Latin America. In addition to teaching at Cornell, he has served as a course instructor at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. and for the Organization for Tropical Studies in Costa Rica. See his CV here. |
Postdoctoral Associates
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Sebastian Heilpern, Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow (he/him/his)
I am an ecologist and sustainability scientist interested in the causes and consequences of biodiversity change on ecosystem functions and services. While I’m a generalist and have thought about a broad set of systems (e.g. plants, birds, made up data), I primarily focus on freshwater biodiversity, fisheries and human nutrition. My work uses theoretical, experimental and observational approaches, and their combination, to answer questions about how humans are changing biodiversity and, in turn, how these changes affect the services we rely on. Beyond my regular engagement with the Flecktones, at Cornell, I am hosted by Peter McIntyre in the Natural Resources and the Environment. Also, fun fact, I was an undergrad in this lab! For more info, take a look at my personal website, google scholar or twitter. |
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Felipe Siqueira Pacheco
I am an ecologist interested in interdisciplinary research that focuses on exploring feasible alternatives to support the transition to a sustainable future. As a scientist motivated by researching the water-energy-food nexus, my work is centered around the following question: “how to ensure water, energy and food security in the future under the increasing demand for natural resources and climate change?”. To answer this question, I have been using my expertise in earth system science, biogeochemistry, remote sensing and modeling. My current research seeks to elucidate the potential for aquaculture in the Amazon to play a constructive rather than an environmentally destructive role in meeting the increasing demand for animal source foods. See my google scholar account here. |
Current Ph.D. Students
Amelia Weiss, Ph.D. student (she/her/hers)
I’m a community ecologist interested in how environmental variability impacts community organization. In particular, my dissertation examines how fluctuations in resource supply through time impact community structure. I use a combination of observational and experimental approaches to study organisms ranging from protists that inhabit pitchers of carnivorous plants to crustaceans that live in underwater caves.
I’m a community ecologist interested in how environmental variability impacts community organization. In particular, my dissertation examines how fluctuations in resource supply through time impact community structure. I use a combination of observational and experimental approaches to study organisms ranging from protists that inhabit pitchers of carnivorous plants to crustaceans that live in underwater caves.
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Liam Zarri, Ph.D. student (he/him/his)
I am a molecular ecologist interested in the impact of rapid evolution on ecological processes in applied systems. My professional experience spans coastal streams, large rivers, lakes, intertidal marine systems, and kelp forests. I completed a BA in marine biology from UC Santa Cruz in 2013, then worked a variety of government and consulting jobs. In 2018 I finished my MS at UC Santa Cruz with Dr. Eric Palkovacs focused on multi-species management by modifying hydropower dam operations. My PhD research at Cornell is focused on 2 projects: (a) parallel rapid genomic evolution of smallmouth bass in response to harvest, and (b) the evolutionary impact of dams. Check out my personal website, Google Scholar, or Twitter! |
Marisol Valverde, Ph.D. student
I am interested in the ecology and conservation of freshwater ecosystems, especially those in tropical regions. I am particularly interested in exploring how aquatic systems are affected by human impacts, such as overharvesting, species introductions, and flow modification; as well as in linking ecological and social research (e.g. interactions between artisanal fisheries and fish communities). My Master’s was part of the NEO and BESS programs at McGill University, where I investigated the impacts of an introduced predatory fish on the trophic ecology of a native predator in Lake Gatun, Panama, under the supervision of Dr. Lauren Chapman, Dr. Mark Torchin and Dr. Diana Sharpe.
I am interested in the ecology and conservation of freshwater ecosystems, especially those in tropical regions. I am particularly interested in exploring how aquatic systems are affected by human impacts, such as overharvesting, species introductions, and flow modification; as well as in linking ecological and social research (e.g. interactions between artisanal fisheries and fish communities). My Master’s was part of the NEO and BESS programs at McGill University, where I investigated the impacts of an introduced predatory fish on the trophic ecology of a native predator in Lake Gatun, Panama, under the supervision of Dr. Lauren Chapman, Dr. Mark Torchin and Dr. Diana Sharpe.
Ethan Duvall, Ph.D. Student
I am an ecologist with interests in ornithology, biogeochemistry, and ecological stoichiometry. In general, my research examines wildlife responses to anthropogenic change and subsequent impacts on ecosystem functioning. My PhD research focuses on animal-mediated nutrient dynamics, from migratory birds to Amazonian mammals. I am largely motivated by issues of conservation and sustainability and strive to conduct basic and applied research that improves the way we understand and protect biodiversity.
ethanduvall.com
https://www.instagram.com/ethanduvall.ecology
I am an ecologist with interests in ornithology, biogeochemistry, and ecological stoichiometry. In general, my research examines wildlife responses to anthropogenic change and subsequent impacts on ecosystem functioning. My PhD research focuses on animal-mediated nutrient dynamics, from migratory birds to Amazonian mammals. I am largely motivated by issues of conservation and sustainability and strive to conduct basic and applied research that improves the way we understand and protect biodiversity.
ethanduvall.com
https://www.instagram.com/ethanduvall.ecology
Sabbatic and Other Visitors
Dr. Marcela Miranda (she/her); National Institute for Space Research
I am a scientist interested in the sustainability of water resources. I have expertise in eutrophication of aquatic environments, mitigation of cyanobacterial blooms, biogeochemical cycles, and the role of phosphorus in the eutrophication of aquatic environments. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher in Earth System Science Center at the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), Brazil. My current work is centered around the following question: “What is the role of phosphorus in the water, energy, and food security in the São Francisco River basin?" I want my research to help understand how to achieve a sustainable future under increasing demand for natural resources and climate change.
For more information, take a look at my google scholar account or researchGate
I am a scientist interested in the sustainability of water resources. I have expertise in eutrophication of aquatic environments, mitigation of cyanobacterial blooms, biogeochemical cycles, and the role of phosphorus in the eutrophication of aquatic environments. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher in Earth System Science Center at the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), Brazil. My current work is centered around the following question: “What is the role of phosphorus in the water, energy, and food security in the São Francisco River basin?" I want my research to help understand how to achieve a sustainable future under increasing demand for natural resources and climate change.
For more information, take a look at my google scholar account or researchGate
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Dr. Rafael Miranda; University of Navarra, Spain; August 2019-July 2020 |
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Dr. Olivier Dangles; French Institute of Research for Development (IRD), Montpellier, France; August 2017-July 2018 |
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Dr. Débora Reis Carvalho; Federal University of Lavras, Brazil; October 2018-April 2019
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Recent Lab Postdocs and Ph.D.s
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Rafael M. Almeida, Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellow in Sustainability
I am a sustainability scientist with expertise in river ecosystem ecology, tropical limnology, aquatic biogeochemistry, and hydropower impacts. I am broadly interested in applied and use-inspired research that addresses pressing environmental issues related to energy production, climate change, and food security. Much of my work is conducted in culturally and biologically rich regions such as the Amazon, and a central focus of my current research is on understanding the trade-offs between hydropower expansion and a variety of ecosystem services and environmental constraints. Check out my personal website or Google Scholar account! |
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Dr. Roosevelt García, Postdoctoral Associate |
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Dr. Keeley MacNeill, Ph.D. 2019. Currently a Postdoctoral Associate at Oregon State University |
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Dr. Lily Twining, Ph.D. 2018. Currently a Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Konstanz, Germany |
Other Alumni
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Postdocs
Carla Atkinson Dan Auerbach Rana El-Sabaawi Roosevelt García Antoine Leduc Amanda Rugenski Steve Thomas Virginia Uieda |
