Patricia Reyes is a Peruvian molecular biologist, born in Trujillo. From an early age, Patricia was in contact with nature, a bond that was born in a small family farm. Through her curiosity for the natural environment and her desire to find answers to the unknowns presented by wildlife, Patricia decided to pursue a career in biology, graduating from the National University of Trujillo. “As a child, I watched a lot of scientific documentaries and tried to replicate them at school, at home. My reference in life is my mother, who always motivated me to continue and supported my career,” she says.
Although her first professional steps were in the food and veterinary industry, Patricia's interest in conservation biology led her to apply for a scholarship offered by the in 2022. This experience impacted her career and propelled her work towards the Manu Biological Station, where she discovered her true calling: the study and protection of insects in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. “I feel proud. There are few Peruvian women who are involved in science and who can work in this area that is so rich in biodiversity,” she says.
Today, Patricia leads key projects in the Manu Biosphere Reserve in Peru, such as monitoring coprophagous beetles to assess their vulnerability to climate change. Her work focuses on the thermal tolerance of these insects, a crucial line of research to predict how they will be affected by global warming and which species will be able to adapt to environmental changes. Using innovative technologies such as respirometry, Patricia and her team evaluate the physiological responses of beetles to gradual increases in temperature, simulating the effects of climate change.
One of the highlights of his career has been participating in the implementation of the molecular biology laboratory at the Manu Biological Station, which allows researchers to perform molecular identifications of various species. This achievement not only fosters local research, but also opens new opportunities to study Amazonian biodiversity from a cutting-edge scientific perspective.
Patricia recognizes that working in the rainforest presents great logistical challenges, from problems with electricity supply to the difficulty of obtaining specialized reagents and equipment. However, her commitment to science and resilience have allowed her to overcome these obstacles. “I am proud to be part of a team that shares the same passion for conservation. That's why we want science to be generated in our country,” she says.
Her trajectory in the Manu Biosphere Reserve has been a testimony to her dedication to conservation. Through her work, Patricia not only seeks to generate scientific knowledge, but also to promote environmental education in local communities, demonstrating that science and society must work hand in hand to protect biodiversity.
Patricia plans to continue her research, engaging more students and communities in conservation science. She continues to face the challenges of climate change in Manu, one of the most biodiverse places in the world.
