Research
My research investigates the biogeography, conservation, and ecology of Neotropical freshwater species. These areas will provide many opportunities for students to become acquainted with the diverse Caribbean fauna. I am interested in the effect of climate change (hurricanes, droughts, etc.) and anthropogenic factors on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of native and exotic species (phenology, longitudinal connectivity, habitat, niche, and life cycle) in tropical streams. Many of the species that inhabit our freshwater ecosystems are endemic to the island and have a unique life cycle and critical role in the community as well as in the ecosystem. This research will compare how ecological communities and ecosystems function across a wide range of habitats that are undergoing rapid changes.
Shrimp Population Ecology (Luq-LTER)
Because of their complex life cycles, amphidromous shrimp, snails, and fishes are particularly vulnerable to natural and human disturbances. The possible loss or impact of amphidromous shrimp due to climate change (eg. global warming, droughts, hurricanes, flow reductions, invasive) causes major changes to the ecology of freshwater and estuarine ecosystems. Understanding effective the biology of these organisms we can develop models and effective conservation strategies to prevent the loss of these organisms. Some ongoing projects related to the conservation of amphidromous shrimp:
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Stream Fre- effects of flow reductions on the shrimp community.
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Variations in fecundity as a result of drought or hurricanes.
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Urbanization, land use, and the impact on the decapod community.
Puerto Rico Center for Environmental Neuroscience (PRCEN)
In this project effects of anthropogenic stressors on developing and mature decapods will be examined, and mechanistic hypotheses will be tested in the invertebrate model. The combination of behavioral tracking, ecological studies, and models will lead to an understanding of deteriorating conditions and the potential remediation of the river and estuarine ecosystems.
