From the mountains and valleys of Cusco, young scientist Susan Rodriguez has taken her passion for biodiversity to the Manu Biosphere Reserve in Peru. A graduate in Biological Sciences from the National University of San Antonio Abad in Cusco, Susan has dedicated her career to exploring the diversity of ants and how these tiny insects can help us understand the impacts of climate change.
With family roots in Apurimac and Cusco, Susan has always had a deep connection to nature. From a young age, her interest in ecosystems and animals guided her towards the study of biology. Although much of her childhood was spent in the city, occasional visits to rural areas and reading about wildlife inspired her to investigate the biodiversity of her homeland.
Currently, Susan is developing her thesis project thanks to a research grant from the, which focuses on ant diversity in the altitudinal gradient of the Kosñipata Valley from the Manu Biological Station. Her research is part of a larger project that seeks to understand how insect biodiversity responds to altitudinal gradients and the effects of climate change.
Through her study, Susan seeks answers to key questions: What ant species are found at different altitudes? What role do ant species play in the balance of biodiversity? How do they adapt to changes in temperature and ecosystem?
What makes her research special is that it not only contributes to pure science, but also to conservation in one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. For Susan, understanding how ants and other insects respond to climate change is essential to guide future conservation decisions. “We must first know what we have, and then we can understand how changes in climate are affecting our species and ecosystems,” she says.
Her life at the Manu Biological Station is as intense as it is fascinating. For days, Susan and her team roam the valleys, collecting samples and analyzing the ecosystems, with special attention to the entomological diversity of this valley. Working in such a remote environment presents physical and emotional challenges, but for Susan, the opportunity to contribute to scientific knowledge and conservation overcomes any obstacle. “Manu is a megadiverse place, and being part of a team studying and protecting this biodiversity is an invaluable experience,” she says.
Susan also highlights the importance of communicating science. One of her major goals is to share her discoveries with local communities and the public. “It is essential that the knowledge we get from our research does not stay in the labs. Not only local communities or the scientific community must understand the importance of conserving these ecosystems; it is super important that the public also knows what they have and values the need to protect nature,” she explains.
Through her work, Susan hopes to inspire other women and young people to follow careers in science and to get involved in environmental protection. For her, women have a crucial role in science and conservation, and she is determined to be part of the change that balances gender representation in these fields. “Don't be afraid. We women are very skilled. We are in the capacity to be able to solve any problem, to break any barrier,” she concludes.
