Lab Members
Graduate Students
My research focuses on characterizing the gut microbiome of Atya lanipes in Puerto Rico and assessing how changes in water quality and exposure to titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles affect its structure and function. Using sequencing techniques, we investigate microbial diversity under natural and altered conditions, providing a basis for understanding ecological interactions and the impacts of anthropogenic pollution. Our goal is to improve the conservation of aquatic invertebrates, which play a crucial role in maintaining and regulating energy flow in the ecosystems of El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the United States.
Fun Fact: I am a Harry Potter fan.
Marla V. Santos Crespo
I am Ángel Sebastián Estruche Santos, an environmental science student with a renewable energy and sustainability minor. I am currently researching the island's freshwater fish population and their feeding behavior as part of the stream/reservoir trophic web, especially on the impact of non-native species, microplastic pollution, organism movement/distribution, and intraspecific morphology. I’ve worked alongside the University of Central Florida-University of Belize, Florida International University, and Clarkson University on freshwater conservation and community management of water resources. Other experiences involve using GIS for flood preparedness, leading reforestation efforts, and environmental interpretation for outreach and citizen science efforts.
Fun Fact: I like turtles and frogs.
Alejandro A. Laboy González
Master's Student
Ángel S. Estruche Santos
Master's Student
Anthony L. Mártir Pérez
Ph.D Student
Ph.D Student
Dissertation Title: Evaluation of the effect of different land-use histories on the population biology and individual exposure to insecticides of the freshwater shredder shrimp Xiphocaris elongata.
Edgar J. Lozada Gómez
Ph.D. Student
Given that the effects of microplastic pollution negatively affect the function of coastal rivers, habitat and biological communities, in this context, the proposal has the following general objectives: Aim 1) Describe, quantify and identify the types of microplastics present in the soft body of freshwater gastropods Neritina virginea and Neritina punctulata. Aim 2) Employ an experimental method to analyze the species of the genus Neritina (Gastropoda: Neritidae) in ingesting and excreting microplastics.
Coral J. Salgado Mendez
Ph.D. Student
Puerto Rico provides a suitable study system for investigating Macrobrachium species due to the presence of both wild-caught and potentially farm-raised populations. The island's diverse ecosystems, including freshwater streams and potential aquaculture sites, offer opportunities to explore shrimp production’s ecological and health implications6. Interviews with local scientists and aficionados of artisanal fishing suggest that sustainable harvesting methods are not universally applied. Additionally, a quick examination of social media platforms reveals anecdotal evidence of individuals successfully harvesting significant quantities of shrimp, with reported catches of up to 90 pounds per fishing trip. When repeated over time, these large amounts of catches at a repeated rate as well as the malpractices of pouring chemicals and trash can pose problems for the health of tropical stream ecosystems in these affected streams, bringing to light multiple issues such as contamination of aquatic organisms.
As a biology graduate student with a strong foundation in animal science and ecology, my research is centered on understanding the life history of freshwater decapods and how water pollutants impact their early developmental stages. My undergraduate studies provided me with in-depth knowledge of domestic animal health and the core principles of veterinary medicine, which have shaped my approach to ecological research. I am particularly interested in the morphological and ecological mechanisms that govern decapod development. My goal in joining the Aquatic Ecology Lab is to contribute to conservation efforts by studying key environmental factors that influence the health, survival, and growth of aquatic invertebrates. Hopefully, this endeavor will lead to a well-paying job with lots of fieldwork.
Fun Fact: I enjoy catching bats and booping their noses.
As a graduate student in environmental sciences, my research will focus on a biological and physiochemical assessment of a regulating water reservoir before and during sediment dredging. I hold a bachelor's degree in the same field and have six years of work experience in the Luquillo Experimental Forest. My background includes freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, diverse sampling protocols, sensor array maintenance, and sample processing. In addition to my studies, I serve as the project manager for a tropical forest warming experiment, overseeing day-to-day operations, the internship program, and administrative tasks.
Tatiana Vélez Barreto
Master's Student
Julio Campis
Master's Student
I am interested in community assemblages and dynamics and how they are affected by habitat structure complexity and dynamics and how they are affected by habitat structure complexity and other geomorphic features. During my bachelor's I researched toxicology of manganese in freshwater shrimp Xiphocaris elongata. I was also an intern for Mosaics in Science in Yosemite National Park, Fish and Feathers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and an REU Biology student at University at Buffalo where I worked with research and education efforts. My interest lie in freshwater ecology, biodiversity, citizen science, and education.
Fun fact: I have a pet pig whom I explore with.
Pablo J. Hernández Garcia
Master's Student
Undergraduate Students
Adriana G. Villanueva Cruz
Environmental Science Senior
As an undergrad, I've immersed myself into the astonishing world of marine sciences, terrestrial ecology, and freshwater ecology by participating in various internships and volunteer opportunities. Currently, I am researching the locomotory effects of glyphosate in freshwater snails, and how mortality rates are altered by the pesticide. I am interested in participating in volunteering and conservational research, since my goal is to continue graduate studies in conservation ecology. I am about to complete my undergrad with a minor's in Human Rights, as I believe that habitat restoration and natural resource management cannot be done without dealing with present social-environmental issues. It is important to find practical solutions in mitigating human impacts in freshwater ecosystems. I hope to continue acquiring much field skills, work experiences, and would like to explore fields related to geomorphology. I wish to become a leader and strive to be of value in the scientific field.
Fun Fact: I love listening to classical and jazz blues music.
Diego Martínez
Environmental Sciences Junior
I’m currently doing my bachelors degree on environmental science, with interest in organismic studies. I want to learn more about ecology and animal behavior. My current investigation involves toxicology, by measuring different concentrations of Manganese in the fresh water shrimp called Xiphocaris elongata, with the purpose of finding its LC50. This work consists of monitoring the mortality of the species under manganese concentrations, and sometimes making field trips to El Yunque rainforest in search of these shrimp. We obtain the shrimp via traps located at the mouths of the rivers or by electrofishing where we use backpack-shaped machinery that conducts a slight amount of electricity to the body of water to alert the shrimp and encourage them to come out to the surface. Wetsuits are used to prevent contact with the electric current in the water and we use fishing nets to capture the shrimp.
Diego J. Sotomayor de la Cruz
Environmental Sciences Senior
I started as a research assistant in the lab, supporting Adriana in her project. After one semester, I began my own project titled "A Census Approach to the Fish Population in Puerto Rico." My research involves conducting river censuses using electrofishing techniques to capture, measure, and identify fish, and applying GIS to analyze spatial factors. This work contributes to the management of invasive species in Puerto Rico and evaluates the health of our aquatic ecosystems. After completing my bachelor's degree, I plan to continue my graduate studies in Spain or the United States.
Fun Fact: I had a very popular eBay store where I sold tropical plants.
Juan J. Aviles Resto
Environmental Sciences
I am a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Natural Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Sciences. I have been in the Aquatic Laboratory for about a year and started as an assistant student to a graduate researcher working with fish populations and behavior. I am interested in fieldwork in freshwater ecosystems, marine ecosystems, and ecology. I am currently part of the board of the Student Chapter of the Marine Environment Society and am about to start a project on freshwater turtle censuses in the Rio Piedras Botanical Garden.