Research
My research lies at the intersection of mathematics—particularly optimization, operations research, network analysis and decision theory—and conservation biogeography. Its central aim is to develop mathematical models to address specific conservation problems, while accounting for the inherent complexity of ecological, environmental, and socioeconomic systems, especially in the context of climate change. These models are designed to identify conservation policies that are feasible, effective, resilient, and tailored to the particularities of socio-ecological contexts. Alongside the conceptual development of these models, I focus on formulating efficient algorithms capable of optimizing both large-scale conservation actions and the computational processes required for their resolution. An essential component of my work is the application of the proposed models to concrete case studies, thereby assessing their practical utility and robustness in real-world scenarios. This integrated approach seeks to contribute to informed and sustainable decision-making in the field of conservation biogeography, with particular emphasis on systems largely governed by climate change.
A Personal Perspective
Mathematics is, at its essence, the science of patterns. It offers coherent frameworks to address universal challenges, translating them into equations, theorems, and algorithms. Yet patterns can also describe stories of life—of ecosystems, of species that coexist, compete, and interact within a planet undergoing constant transformation. Mathematics, in this sense, can serve as a language for understanding the urgent challenges of biodiversity conservation in a world where climate change reshapes ecological and social systems.
My research is situated at the intersection of mathematics and biogeography. Biogeography, with its foundations in historical and ecological processes, provides a distinctive context for the application of mathematical tools. The goal is not only to solve equations but to apply mathematical reasoning to systems where complexity, uncertainty, and nonlinearity are the rule. In these systems, ecological, environmental, and socioeconomic dynamics interact in ways that are often unpredictable.
In today’s increasingly human-dominated landscapes, biodiversity conservation cannot be treated as an isolated issue. It is a multifaceted challenge that requires solutions both rigorous and realistic—solutions that acknowledge human presence while aiming to safeguard the ecological processes that sustain life on Earth.
In this context, mathematics functions as more than a technical instrument; it provides a framework for modeling systems, anticipating scenarios, and supporting decision-making. My approach combines theoretical development with computational implementation, drawing on the foundations of Operations Research used in Systematic Conservation Planning, while also incorporating advances from Biogeography. This integration allows the construction of models capable of responding to emerging complexities in conservation.
The central motivation of my work is the design of conservation policies that are not only effective but also feasible. Such policies must navigate the intricate balance between biodiversity preservation and human needs, recognizing that nature and society are inseparably linked. Mathematics offers a bridge between these domains, enabling us to explore and understand the systems on which we depend, and to identify pathways for their protection.
This perspective frames my research: mathematics as a means to confront complexity, to connect disciplines, and to contribute to informed, sustainable decisions in biodiversity conservation under climate change.
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