Born and raised in the Tropical Andes, I am an interdisciplinary ecologist broadly interested in tropical ecology and conservation. My research explores the patterns and processes behind biodiversity across spatial scales in different taxa, and the role of species traits and species interactions (mainly positive interactions) in shaping diversity. I hold a PhD in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida.
I was a postdoctoral researcher at LSU where I mostly focused on macroecological patterns of biodiversity. Currently, I am an Assistant Professor at Louisiana State University and an Associate Researcher at the Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés in La Paz, Bolivia.
Isabel is a conservation ecologist with extensive experience in tropical ecosystems. Her research focuses on unraveling the processes and factors that drive species rarity and using this knowledge to inform effective conservation practices in tropical regions. She worked for several years in the Andes region, where she studied the dimensions of species rarity and explored how these dimensions interact and how this can be used to inform conservation practices.
Tarun is fascinated by mountain ecosystems and species adaptations to living at high elevations. He has worked for over ten years in the Himalayas studying avian responses to anthropogenic change and more recently the patterns and drivers of elevational migration. At Montaño Lab he will be shifting focus to the Andes where he will study the role of mixed species bird flocks in bird community assembly along elevational gradients. Outside of his academic pursuits and birdwatching, Tarun channels his competitive spirit into sports (football and ultimate frisbee), boardgames and trivia.
Karthik has wide-ranging research interests but is most intrigued by macroecology. He enjoys a quantitative challenge, and values principles of open science. Although tropical forests were his first love, he has also grown particularly fond of more open ecosystems. While at work, especially on some code, he tends to catch colleagues off-guard with his intense head-bopping to rap music. When not working, and not entranced by the poetries of language, numbers, and maps, he is probably out on a birding trip or planning his next one.
Kaitlyn is an early career ornithologist interested in movement and migration ecology, as well as research that promotes conservation while involving local communities. Growing up surrounded by deciduous forests in the midwestern United States, she fell in love with cloud forests after visiting several Central and South American countries. When she isn’t working, you can catch her playing roller derby under the pen name Kestrel (#56), cuddling with one (or all) of her four cats, birding on the fly, or trying a new dish.
Rounak is an aspiring ecologist, interested in understanding how bird species interact with each other within different communities and how these relationships are evolving in a rapidly changing world. In particular, he is fascinated by large frugivores, mixed-species flocks and just birds in general. When Rounak is not busy with his research work, he enjoys wildlife photography, writing, and supporting his favorite soccer team- Arsenal.
Nathan is an undergraduate Biological Sciences major planning to focus on ecology. Growing up hiking and camping throughout Louisiana and much of the southern United States, he has always had a great interest in natural ecosystems and hopes to get involved in plenty of field work in research and conservation. When he isn’t studying for exams or working as a part-time EMT, he enjoys hiking, gaming, hanging out with his two dogs, and attempting to skateboard.
Sara is a biologist interested in plant ecology, tropical mountain ecosystems, and adaptive conservation strategies. Her research focuses on understanding how environmental factors influence plant performance and community structure in tropical forests. She is also actively involved in community-based conservation and environmental education initiatives in Bolivia, combining scientific research with science communication. Outside of research, she enjoys swimming, concerts, exploring food from around the world, spending time with her pets, and visiting museums.
Explore community ecology with us, focusing on species interactions and community assembly in tropical ecosystems. Join our team and contribute to impactful ecological research.
