ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION AND PEOPLE
IN URBAN AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
Piatã Marques, Dr.
A Black ecologist curious about how cities affect aquatic systems, the things that live in them and the people.
WHY STUDYING URBAN AQUATIC SYSTEMS ?
We live in an increasingly urban world and ecologists are being called upon to provide thorough information on the effect of urbanization on ecosystems and species adaptation. At the same time, urban species interact with people and provide benefits for humans.
My research goal is to advance our understanding of how urbanization affects the ecology and evolution in aquatic ecosystems with special attention to socioeconomic dynamics in this process and the consequences for human wellbeing.
English subtitles available
English subtitles available
WHAT I AM ABOUT ?
Here are my most recent research projects
Here are some recent public presentations
ADAPTATION OF THE BIOTA IN URBAN AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
2019 - ongoing
Urban ecology has historically focused on describing species loss in cities. Such focus has restricted our understanding of the mechanisms through which the biota adapts to urbanization. In my research I assess how the characteristics (traits) of the biota can change in response to urbanization to expose mechanisms for adaptation.
UNDERSTANDING URBAN GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
2020 - ongoing
Sometimes, aquatic ecosystems in cities are man made. Green infrastructures such as stormwater management ponds serves multiple purposes providing habitat to aquatic biota. In this research I work with conservation agencies, consultants, developers and the community to better understand such man made habitats and the its effect on species persistence and success.
CO-PRODUCING KNOWLEDGE WITH THE COMMUNITY FOR ADVANCING MANAGEMENT
2021 - ongoing
People are a fundamental component of urban ecosystem. However, in way too many cases, the perspective of urban communities is left out of urban planning and management. In my research I work with communities to co-produce knowledge on urban ecosystems. In this process I learn multiple perspectives and work together to empower local communities.
UNDERSTANDING SOCIOECONOMIC EFFECTS ON URBAN AQUATIC BIOTA
2022 - ongoing
Urban ecosystems are the result of complex human-nature interactions that are ultimately determined by socioeconomic aspects which define wealth and power. In this research I explore how social aspects shape the biota in urban aquatic ecosystems
MY PHILOSOPHY
I integrate multiple players on my research. I have the privilege to work with and learn from conservation agencies, managers, consultants, developers, and communities. My research is a transdisciplinary effort to build actionable knowledge for advancing towards the sustainable cities of the future.
As a Black Latin scientist, I experience the struggles of minorities within and outside academia. I am strongly committed to raising awareness of such struggles to facilitate the inclusion of minoritized groups into academia.
I also lead the Odu initiative for supporting BIPOC students in STEM. Odu helps BIPOC students fighting systemic racism to persist and succeed in academia. Learn about the initiative. Get in touch. You are not alone!
RESEARCH GROUNDED ON INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
I am fortunate to have ongoing collaborations with exceptional scientists around the world
Dr. Andrea Pilastro
Università degli Studi di Padova - Italy
CONTACT ME
