Alonso Ramírez

Professor

Ph.D., University of Georgia (2001)

Tropical streams are diverse and complex ecosystems inhabited by great variety of organisms. My laboratory group works on four main topics:

Understanding the dynamics of tropical streams and how they are affected by climate change. The research is based in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. In Puerto Rico, we are assessing the effects for droughts and hurricanes, both forecasted to become more intense. In Costa Rica, we are studying the importance of episodic acidification, climate patterns, and inputs of solute-rich groundwater on stream ecosystem processes and on aquatic macroinvertebrates.
Understanding urban streams as ecosystems. We study urban streams in Puerto Rico, a highly urbanized tropical island, which provides valuable information of relevance to other tropical locations. We are also starting a research program focused on urbanization and streams in North Carolina.
Understanding the aquatic biodiversity and stream ecosystem function in fragmented tropical landscapes. We mostly work in cloud forest in Mexico, where streams drain a mosaic of forest and agricultural land uses.
Advancing the taxonomy of aquatic insects, in particular dragonflies and damselflies (order Odonata). We focus on describing the larval stages of Odonata and also in creating identification tools (e.g., manuals, photographic guides) to facilitate research with aquatic organisms.