Science trails of a White Latinx into tropical rainforest biogeochemistry

Daniela Cusack, Ecosystem Science & Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Ancon, Panama

The trajectory of a woman with no aspirations or background in science into the world of ecosystem ecology was a winding path, driven by the allure of a loved ecosystem and region. This talk will scan the trail from ecological impacts of ecotourism and reforestation in Costa Rica, into a surprise and deep love of tropical forest biogeochemistry. Along the way there were roadblocks, pitfalls, perhaps some good questions and hypotheses, and many lucky mentors, advocates and circumstances. Hopefully, going forward luck and circumstance won’t play such a central role in Latinx women becoming successful scientists.