Marilia Palumbo Gaiarsa (PI)
My ultimate goal is to contribute to the understanding of the intrinsic organization of biological communities and the role species interactions play in the maintenance and persistence of biodiversity. I started my career focusing on predator-prey interactions between snakes and frogs, working with different research groups, both in the lab and in the field. I was mesmerized by how complex network theory gives us insight into a deeper understanding of the inherent structure of entire communities of organisms, as well as understanding how species depend on one another. My focus has then shifted to mutualistic interactions, specifically plant-pollinator interactions.
My current research addresses different dimensions of ecological interactions to help build a mechanistic understanding of community structure and to unravel the mechanisms underlying biodiversity maintenance. At a smaller ecological scale, I am exploring how interactions change as communities assemble, and how individual patterns translate to the network scale and affect ecosystem function. At a larger scale, I am looking at how climate change affects species interactions.
Education
2023: Assistant Professor at the Life and Environmental Sciences Department at UC Merced.
2020-2022: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow, Universität Zürich, Switzerland.
2018-2020: UC Chancelor's Fellow, UC Riverside, USA.
2017-2018: Postdoctoral researcher, UC Riverside, USA.
2013-2017: PhD in Ecology - Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
My current research addresses different dimensions of ecological interactions to help build a mechanistic understanding of community structure and to unravel the mechanisms underlying biodiversity maintenance. At a smaller ecological scale, I am exploring how interactions change as communities assemble, and how individual patterns translate to the network scale and affect ecosystem function. At a larger scale, I am looking at how climate change affects species interactions.
Education
2023: Assistant Professor at the Life and Environmental Sciences Department at UC Merced.
2020-2022: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow, Universität Zürich, Switzerland.
2018-2020: UC Chancelor's Fellow, UC Riverside, USA.
2017-2018: Postdoctoral researcher, UC Riverside, USA.
2013-2017: PhD in Ecology - Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
Graduate Students
Anna Almeida
Anna started her PhD in August 2023. She is advised by Justin Yeakel and co-advised by Gaiarsa.
Anna started her PhD in August 2023. She is advised by Justin Yeakel and co-advised by Gaiarsa.
Undergraduate Students
Rheanna Caldwell
I am third year Environmental System Science major. I have a passion for the intricate world of pollinators and their role in the ecosystem. I am fascinated by their role and impact they have to their and our environmental health. Outside of academia I love reading, taking hikes and spending time with my cat, Amora |
Selina Nguyen Hey! I'm Selina and I’m a third-year ecology and evolutionary undergraduate at UC Merced. I'm pursuing my dream of being an exotic veterinarian, and I have already worked at a local vet to test out the waters, now being in Gaiarsa Lab introduced me to working with insects, which I'm definitely thrilled about. With this goal in mind, I'm very open to working with any type of animal, as seeing them brings me a lot of excitement. I'm also very much fascinated and ready to get more familiar with their interaction with one another or with the environment, and the trends between the insects and the plants surrounding my school. Outside of lab, I’m an officer of UCM Pre-Vet club, was the Vice-President for UCM dance club, and I also enjoy creative writing and writing music, playing instruments, sketching, learning new languages, and taking sunset pictures! :) |
Natalie Van Pelt
Hello there! My name is Natalie Van Pelt, and I am an undergraduate student at UC Merced. My major is Environmental Systems Science, with an emphasis in Ecology. Here at Gaiarsa Lab, I am excited to gain knowledge and skills in the field of ecological science. My particular interests are pollinators and their ecological interactions. Apart from my academic pursuits, I am a teaching assistant at Our Lady of Mercy School in Merced. I find it to be a rewarding experience, and I take great pride in helping young minds grow and learn. Additionally, I am part of the Yosemite Leadership Program at UC Merced, where I can connect with other like-minded individuals who share a passion for environmental conservation. When I am not studying or buried in books, you can find me hiking, lifting, skiing, gardening, or horseback riding. |
Trizthan Jimenez Delgado
(tree-stan) Hello, I'm a second-year Environmental Systems Science student. My journey is fueled by a deep curiosity about the ways in which climate change will impact every part of our planet. My love for the Earth is not just confined to textbooks; I embrace the freedom of road trips, and therapy in crocheting whenever the opportunity arises. Beyond academics, I take on the fulfilling role of a mother to a wide variety of plants, and two adorable cats, Misa and Juno. Through this mixture of academic dedication and personal aspirations, I'm excited to carve a meaningful path in understanding and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. |