Perfecto Lab

M.S. Student

(2019 - Present)

I am interested in the impacts of land-use change and agriculture on local communities and native species. Prior to joining the Perfecto Lab, my research was focused on pollinator communities. I studied how local-level management and landscape composition impacted bee biodiversity in tree plantations throughout the southeastern US. Outside of research, I enjoy exploring new cities, art, and the natural world.

Keywords: Sustainable agriculture, land-use change, communities, biodiversity

B.S. in Environmental Science and Biology, Emory University (2017)

miljanic@umich.edu

Ph.D. Student

(2019 - Present)

I am broadly interested in complex ecological interactions that maintain diversity in agroecosystems such as trait-mediated indirect interactions (TMII’s), mutualisms and keystone species. My research is conducted in coffee agroecosystems in Mexico and Puerto Rico where these types of ecological interactions are embedded in complex networks of community interactions. For my Ph.D., I plan to develop a series of projects that explore the role of TMII’s in permitting coexistence of species and in the biological control of pests of coffee. Outside of research, I enjoy going to the movies, dancing and trying new places to eat in Ann Arbor.

Keywords: TMII’s, agroecosystems, diversity, agroecology, Mexico, Puerto Rico, ants, coffee

M.S. in Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan (2019)
B.S. in Engineering of Agroecology, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo (2015)

iriveras@umich.edu

Ph.D. Student

(2018 - Present)

I study the community ecology and management of natural pest control in agroecosystems. My research is driven primarily by two questions: First, how do complex communities of natural enemies regulate pests? Second, how does agricultural management impact that ecology? I have investigated these questions primarily by chasing around ants in the coffee farms of southern Mexico. I also use ecological theory to model pest control community dynamics with the aim of understanding how more realistic levels of diversity, interaction complexity, and spatial components of the agricultural landscape impact pest control function. Beyond research, I find joy in exploring the scientific wonder of the cosmos and sharing this wonder with others through teaching and outreach. I also struggle to advocate for environmental and social justice but sometimes get distracted by the good food and drink in Ann Arbor and Mexico.

Keywords: Community ecology, natural pest control, ecological networks, biodiversity, coffee, Mexico

M.S. in Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan (2016)
B.S. in Environmental Science, University of Florida (2010)

jonno@umich.edu