Teaching, Outreach, & Professional Engagement

​

Alongside my research, I am deeply involved in teaching, mentorship, and community-based outreach. At Florida International University, I teach undergraduate laboratory courses in Ecology of South Florida and Physical Geology, where I emphasize hands-on learning, field-based instruction, and data-driven inquiry. I regularly mentor undergraduate students in field ecology, experimental design, and data collection, supporting their development as emerging scientists. Through my involvement with the FIU Agroecology Program and the FIU Organic Garden, I help facilitate experiential learning centered on sustainable agriculture, food systems, and plant–insect interactions, including serving as a graduate mentor for the USDA funded GO START NOW agriculture trip for hispanic students in 2022.

My outreach also extends beyond the university into community gardens, botanical gardens, and K–12 education, where I participate in workshops, citizen-science projects, and public talks focused on pollinators, agroecology, and South Florida ecosystems. These efforts reflect my commitment to making ecological research accessible and relevant to diverse audiences, including students, growers, and community members.

I regularly share my work at regional, national, and international scientific conferences, including the Ecological Society of America, Botanical Society of America, Entomological Society of America, and the British Ecological Society. Through these presentations, I engage with scientists across disciplines, contribute to broader discussions on climate change and pollination, and remain actively connected to the ecological and agroecological research community.