Interdisciplinarity

My research journey traces the exploration of interdisciplinary connections, spanning from the study of Amazonian large mammal ecology to delving into fire management and governance. After years of working with environmental nonprofit organizations dedicated to conservation and collaborating with indigenous communities in Latin America, I felt compelled to return to academia for graduate studies. This decision was driven by realizing the importance of comprehending the social aspects of the management of natural resources. At the University of Florida, I have engaged in coursework covering topics such as indigenous cultures, community-based forest management, fire ecology, and environmental governance. These experiences have broadened my perspective, revealing research and practical methodologies that integrate various disciplines including anthropology, ecology, political science, and geography. My recent doctoral research specifically examined the practices of traditional communities in managing fires in the Peruvian Andes.

A bit about my previous experience

From August 2019 to July 2021. GIA collaborated with networks of practitioners from NGOs, community organizations, government, and academia in mosaics of protected areas and indigenous territories throughout the Amazon. As part of GIA, I supported the organization of webinars, meetings, and workshops to exchange experiences, reflect on lessons learned, and discuss future actions, both within and across Amazon regions (Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia). I was the graduate student leader of the GIA Colombia Mosaic and supported the GIA communications team, with the creation and edition of content for webpage, newsletters, and social media accounts.

  • Field Coordinator at Corosha Campesino Community- Yunkawasi (Peruvian NGO).

From February to May 2017. I supported the field activities in a community-based conservation area in the Northern Peruvian Andes, both promoting the importance of the protected area and cultural and scientific tourism in the community.

From February 2014 to October 2016. I coordinated the station’s research grant program and provided logistical support to fellow researchers and field courses. I helped build connections between researchers, local communities, and authorities leading to the formation of a culture of knowledge sharing at the station and surrounding communities. This was made by developing a database and network between station users, and by helping in the dissemination of information produced by researchers to aid the implementation of public policies on biodiversity conservation.

My publications

  • Luna-Celino V., Kainer K.A., Carmenta R. & Alva I. (submitted). Changing relationships with fire: insights from Quechua communities in the Peruvian Andes
  • Contributor to: TCD – Tropical Conservation and Development Program. 2020. Preliminary Assessment of the Effectiveness of Conservation Strategies to Address Infrastructure Governance in the Amazon (Infographic Summary). University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Mentoring
  • Mentor at Ekpa’palek. November 2020 – December 2021.  Ekpa’palek was a not-for-profit initiative, that aims to advise, support, and share knowledge and experiences through mentoring to empower and promote the professional development of Latin American students and professionals.
  • Latin American instructor, Where There Be Dragons. From 2017 to 2019, I was a summer instructor at Dragons educational programs for teenagers, which have cultural awareness, global citizenship, and leadership skills as core values. The Peruvian program, called ‘Sacred Mountains,’ involves mountain trekking and cross-cultural immersion in diverse rural communities. I led four-week programs in 2017 and 2019, a six-week one in 2018.