Hi! I am Maria. I recently earned a PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota and am starting as a postdoctoral researcher in the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. My PhD research focused on how forest diversity and community composition influence the growth and stress of trees. I hope that my past, current, and future work can inform practices in ecological conservation and restoration.

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I also practice socially engaged art to bring together community members and partners to co-create understanding of human interactions with local ecosystems.