Carbon Storage Research
With Pierella Rainforest Reclamation Project, I lead research on carbon storage and sequestration in secondary rainforests. We started this research in January 2021, where we established 4 plots within Pierella Ecological Garden. These plots are representative of the different ecosystems in Pierella, including dense, diverse secondary rainforest and cacao production area. We chose to follow INISEFOR's Protocol for the Establishment and Measurement of Permanent Sampling Plots in Natural Forests for this research. In each plot, we tagged and collected data for each tree above 10cm in diameter. We will then go back in January of 2022 to collect the second round of data, with the ultimate goal of calculating the sequestration rate of trees within these plots.
Research Lead with Pierella Rainforest Reclamation Project
I have also constructed a survey measuring stakeholder opinions on a potential carbon offset program for the organization. We are considering a future in selling carbon offsets following the purchase of pastureland. This ongoing survey will help us decide if costumers and shareholders would be in support of such a program.
Research Consultant for Coopedota R.L.
For my Master's Project, I worked with a group of three other consultants where we (1) created a measurement of the amount of shade biomass in the company’s stock; (2) studied the use of biochar as part of the company’s carbon accounting; and (3) assessed opinions on gasification of co-op members and determine best practices for lowering their carbon footprint. Over the summer of 2021, we collected data within 42 30mx30m plots, collecting data and tagging over 1500 trees. We used Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and Arc GIS to analyze this data and create individual maps of each farmer's plots for their personal use. We also created an LCA analysis of their production processes, with particular attention to the potential use of gasification as a way of managing cherry residue waste. Finally, we interview 34 farmers about their sustainability practices, participation in the Rainforest Alliance certification, and interest in future gasification programs.
Other Research Projects
Research Assistant for the Latin American Sea Turtle Association
For this experience, I assisted in monitoring the feeding habitat of Hawksbill and Easter Pacific Green turtles on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. We collected data on population structure, genetic origin, healthy status, and in-water habitat use. During my time with the program, I assisted in capturing individuals, tagging them , taking their biometric data and tissue sample, and finally releasing them back into the ocean. This data will help the organization understand changing migration patterns as well as assess the types of threats that sea turtles are exposed to in the area.
Research Assistant for the Department of Communications at Wayne State University
I was honored to work in Dr. Stephanie Tong's research lab at Wayne State University. During this position, I facilitated and transcribed interviews regarding social dynamics during the use of data applications. We interviewed undergraduate students over the course of two semesters, recording their use of dating apps while in the lab as well as interviewing them about how their friend's opinions and presence effect's their choices.
