Dr. Alejandra Valdés-Uribe

I work at the interface of ecology and data science, using satellite-derived indicators together with forest structure and environmental data to understand how tropical landscapes function and respond to disturbance. My focus is on understanding how topography, climate variability, vegetation structure, and fragmentation/edge environments shape spatial and seasonal patterns in ecosystem functioning—often through variables linked to water and energy exchange (like ET), but with the broader goal of informing questions about microclimate regulation, drought sensitivity, ecosystem resilience, and other ecosystem functions across heterogeneous forests. I apply spatially robust, interpretable models (e.g., machine learning with spatial validation and explainability) to map these processes and identify the key drivers.

Courses Taught

Bachelor:
Plant Ecology
Master:
Methods in Silviculture
Project: Development of a forest region

Interested in a Bachelor's or Master's thesis?
I'm happy to discuss potential projects. Please contact me - ideally with some initial thoughts on:
Your general topic of interest
Your preferred methodological approach (e.g., field work, modeling, literature review)

Work:

2023- To Date: Research Associate University of Göttingen
2019-2021: Project Director Alianza BioCuenca Water Fund, Santander-Colombia
2018-2019: Researcher Universidad San Francisco de Quito
2013-2016: Environmental consultant for WWF, Galápagos-Ecuador

Education:

2025- now: Forest and Climate Change Diploma, Oregon State University
2021- 2025:PhD in Forest Science and Forest Ecology, George August University of Göttingen
2016-2018: Master in Forest Science and Forest Ecology, George August University of Göttingen
2013-2016: Master in Geographic Information Systems, Salzburg University
2007-2012: Environmental Engineering, Universidad San Francisco de Quito

links:
ORCID