Research Areas of CATEC
Molecular, Ecology, Evolution and Genetics
Annabella and Jossian in the Molecular Ecology Laboratory
This thrust area was directed by Dr. Jason Rauscher from the Department of Biology, UPR-Rio Piedras will be the MEEG thrust area leader. Dr.Rauscher, assistant professor, was hired as part of CATEC’s strategy to reinforce the molecular genetics and evolution area of the department of Biology. The Molecular Ecology, Evolution and Genetics (MEEG) area will address conservation issues using molecular markers to understand the phylogeny, the spatial distribution of genetic diversity, and species interactions in the Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
Species and Population Management
Mona Island route
The Species and Population Management area (SPM) is to develop a multidisciplinary research program that addresses significant questions in Applied Tropical Ecology and Conservation issues that provide conservation solutions for the management of species and populations. The SPM is particularly focused on management of exotic species that impact native flora and fauna and, close the knowledge gap on rare and endangered species in the Caribbean. Our goals are consonant with the mission of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) Center for Applied Tropical Ecology and Conservation (CATEC), which addresses key issues for the conservation of regional and global biodiversity. Student research training is a fundamental component of our program, and represents one of the long-term impacts of the SPM.
Ecosystem Process and Function
Jorge Ortiz and Master studies
taking the test water in the
quebrada
The Ecosystems Processes and Function (EPF) area is to support and advance a highly collaborative, competitively funded research program that applies ecosystem level knowledge to focal questions about the ecology and conservation of tropical organisms and ecosystems. The continued development of a highly competitive research program in ecosystems processes and function is critical to the scholarship, training and educational objectives of the Center for Tropical Applied Ecology and Conservation.
