Embedded Files
We apply advanced quantitative and computational tools to understand the variation in the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems globally, with a focus on the Neotropical region.
While we have a clear focus on understanding nature and providing information for better ecological management, we are a research group committed to serve our global community to its best.
This page is a changing document that guide us in our mission, listing our core values and perspectives and helping us to return to actions that follow these ideas whenever we deviate from them.
1. Science is a (global) community effort
1. Science is a (global) community effort
The amount of information we need to handle is massive and the natural world is complex. It is fairly impossible to keep track of all the advances, techniques, and specific information. We can only do it if we view it as a group effort so we can take advantage of the knowledge and skills of the community, both at the local and the global scales. Also, nature is interconnected in multiple scales and we are all responsible of the way we are using our natural resources; and the solutions for the issue we are facing do not require only local solutions, but global solutions. Unfortunately, resources are not equally distributed, and several of us and colleagues abroad face multiple challenges to make their science. Thus, it is our duty to create and maintain the bridges.
a- Take part and support work in groups
b- Support a more equitable distribution of resources
2. Scientific information should be accessible
2. Scientific information should be accessible
Scientific information should serve the society and help us as to tackle global issues. In this sense, we need to engage meaningfully with researchers elsewhere and produce reliable and open information to support management and research in other places through open science values and actions.
a- Publish our research open science
b- Take part in science communication
c- Make data and scripts available
3. Education is for everyone
3. Education is for everyone
Education is a transformative journey in symbolic and material means. We do not see any good pathway for society that does not cross a high quality education for all. Everyone should have equal opportunities to access postsecondary education and a health space during their education, but this is not reality. High tuition fees or low public investment keeps people from pursuing postsecondary education everywhere. Sometimes, even if the person is able to access the institution, other socioeconomic barriers push people out of the university or make them to have a poor experience. Our lab makes an effort to reduce barriers and improve the experience of people in our academic community.
a- Seeking the resources you need to thrive
b- Recognizing and respecting differences
c- Improving ourselves to create a healthy environment
4. Work is only a part of life
4. Work is only a part of life
Academia is often known as a highly demanding work environment with a high rate of burnout and unhappinness. This comes from a complex underfunded system sustaining unfair power hierarchies and sometimes outdated models. When we decide to join academia, we face this already settled landscape. While we cannot change it on a blink, we can make our own mechanisms to deal with the challenges as a community until we are able to change the structure.
a- Good communication is key. A lot of things might happen and sometimes we are forced to postpone our projects to make a good work. Other times, we have specific circunstances that require accomodations. Be concious about your circunstances and be gentle on yourself. Just let us know as ahead of time as you can when you are not able to meet a deadline and if you need any specific resources or help from your advisor or lab mates.
b- Adjust your working time. We have different day-to-day activities and circadian rhythms, so members of our group are welcome to adapt their working schedule in a way that best first their other activities. Since we do work in a variety of ecosystems outside the Canadian prairies, our members and collaborators are not able to join us in person, so we are comfortable with remote work and our meetings are hybrid. This also means that we are in different time zones and it is often hard to find a good timeslot for all of us to be together, so being with the group might require effort from some of us. Also, it means we work in different times and e-mails might be sent outside someone working hours and it is your job to manage your communication venues responsibly during your working times.
c- Giving back to our community. Conceiving the scientific work being only one part of life allow us to better adjust our life to work demands, but also requires some extra-effort in other axes. We deem it important for our members to interact within our group, and to be a support for their colleagues and the community around them. This might mean giving a hand in data analysis sometimes, volunteering in campus activities, elevating the voice of our members. Find your way to make our communities strong and be present.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse