Teaching & Mentorship
As an Associate Professor at the Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana (UNAP), I integrate my field research directly into the classroom. My teaching philosophy centers on providing students with hands-on experience, bridging basic theoretical ecology with advanced technological applications to study the Amazon basin.
Courses I Teach
Ecology of Amazonian Ecosystems
An exploration of ecosystem functioning, biodiversity, and carbon exchange dynamics, with a specific focus on the unique ecological drivers of the Peruvian Amazon.
Ecological Modeling
Teaching methodologies to predict forest dynamics, simulate disturbance impacts like windthrows, and understand climate-ecosystem feedbacks.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing
Practical application of spatial analysis tools to identify patterns of forest recovery, map disturbances, and manage large-scale ecological datasets. Training students in multi-spectral image analysis using platforms like Google Earth Engine, Landsat, and Sentinel-2 to monitor vegetation indices and track deforestation.
Data Science in Ecology
Applying programming languages (such as R and Python) and machine learning techniques to analyze large ecological datasets, climate variables, and earth observation data.
Space and time forest attributes research group (VETAF)
In addition to standard coursework, I lead a Space and time forest attributes research group at UNAP. Here, I mentor students in practical, field-based science. We collaborate on projects ranging from establishing forest inventory plots in windthrown regions to soil sampling and the deployment of sensor networks. This hands-on involvement allows students to directly contribute to broader regional initiatives, such as the PanAmazoniaFlux and AndesFlux research networks.