Final Reflection
When I started studying at the University of Florida, I didn’t expect my work in ecology and conservation to become shaped by international perspectives. Over time, that perspective developed naturally through coursework, research, language study, and time in the field. I’ve learned that understanding ecosystems also requires understanding the people, histories, and the policies intertwined with them. My academic and field experiences have shown me that conservation is not just about science, but about collaboration and communication across different contexts and countries.
Fieldwork in Costa Rica was the beginning of my research journey. My team measured the effects of coffee rust on plant leaves felt like a standard lab exercise. Over time, it became a lesson in how ecological problems are connected to livelihoods, climate, and land use. The opportunity to have conversations with farmers and researchers revealed how weather patterns, crop diseases, and management decisions were all part of a larger system and influenced each other. This international experience helped shape my knowledge on how agricultural methods were executed in Costa Rica and how those methods are and can be implemented in the U.S.
Working with wildlife data from Florida now, I automatically think about questions of land ownership, access, and who benefits from conservation. I’ve also learned that communication across cultures goes beyond language skills. It requires listening to how others define problems and what they value. Completing coursework in Spanish and collaborating with teams in both the U.S. and Costa Rica helped me become more intentional with tone, clarity, and avoiding unnecessary jargon. The International Scholars Program reinforced how important it is to explain unfamiliar science jargon in accessible ways and to always be transparent about uncertainty. That focus on communication has improved my research, teamwork, and daily discussions about science.
During my time at UF, I’ve also participated in events that connected science with culture and global perspectives. A panel on urban development in Europe introduced me to nature-based solutions and policies that promote coexistence between people and wildlife, an approach I hope to bring into my own work. I explored my Hispanic heritage through Gator Salsa and by designing a mola inspired by South and Central American art. Attending a discussion about artificial intelligence and U.S. national security broadened my understanding of technology’s global influence, particularly in conservation and environmental management. Learning about Afrofuturism showed me how art and culture can encourage environmental awareness and youth empowerment. These experiences challenged me to engage with people from different backgrounds, ask difficult questions, and think creatively about conservation.
Through ISP, I’ve become more aware of how global and local systems overlap, from camera traps in Madagascar to feral hog research in Florida to conservation initiatives in Miami. Each site reflects larger forces like climate change, restoration, and historical patterns of land. I’ve seen how conservation projects can sometimes reinforce existing inequalities, but also how collaboration and trust can create more effective and equitable outcomes. Study abroad reinforced the importance of asking questions openly and learning from others, whether graduate students, technicians, or local experts. Becoming comfortable with uncertainty and curiosity has been one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned.
I now feel more confident in what I contribute to research and collaboration. I’m attentive to finding patterns in complex datasets, managing imagery, and communicating results clearly to different audiences. I also focus on group dynamics to ensure all voices are heard and that fieldwork runs smoothly. Organized data management and inclusive teamwork are critical for international and interdisciplinary conservation.
Looking ahead, I plan to work on conservation efforts that bridge boundaries, whether geographic, cultural, or disciplinary. That might mean pursuing graduate research, working for an NGO that partners with local communities, or creating a project that integrates fieldwork, data analysis, and long-term monitoring. I plan to maintain the habits I developed through ISP, such as connecting global and local perspectives, using language to build understanding, and learning from every collaboration.