We’re excited to announce the latest recipient of our Seed Fund, a student scholarship program dedicated to empowering Puerto Rican students in ocean science. This year, we selected a deserving undergraduate student exploring the "ridges to reefs" concept in her research. Join us as we learn more about Sofía Velazquez and the important research made possible through the Seed Fund!
What is your name, where are you from, and how did you develop a connection to the ocean?
My name is Sofía Velázquez Sierra. I was born in Ceiba, PR, and I grew up in Bayamón, PR, where I have lived all my life. I am 22 years old and I am in my fifth and final year of my Bachelor's in Biology at UPR Río Piedras. Having lived all my life on an island, the ocean has always been present. From a very early age, my parents instilled in me love and respect for nature and we enjoyed outdoor activities a lot. Being close to the ocean aroused in me a curiosity, but more than anything, a sense of belonging that prompted me to want to take care of it and protect it. Hence my connection with the ocean, a connection that has only grown and has been strengthened since then.
Your research focuses on phytoremediation in a terrestrial system like the Juan Mendez Creek. In what ways does your research illustrate the critical link between land and sea ecosystems? How do you see it contributing to our mission to promote holistic island science?
Many times the obvious connection that exists between humans, the land and the sea, goes unnoticed, as well as the damage we can cause to the ocean from several miles inland. The water that runs through the land, as in rivers and ravines, carries nutrients but also pollutants, garbage, etc., which eventually flow into the ocean, depositing all that waste in the marine ecosystem. This impacts all marine life and, in the long term, affects many other industries such as fishing, tourism, the economy, etc. A holistic way to heal the ocean is to take this connection into consideration, especially on an island like Puerto Rico, and address the problem in a more comprehensive way, thereby preserving all these estuaries, rivers and ravines that flow into the ocean. Highlighting this connection and the importance of taking care of the oceans by starting in the mountains is essential. The use of phytoremediation reflects this link.
For those who are not familiar, can you explain to us what phytoremediation is and why you selected the species Cissus verticillata for your study?
Phytoremediation uses the absorption properties of a plant to remove, transform or stabilize contaminants, such as heavy metals, from an impacted space. It is a non-invasive and low-cost way that can be implemented in different natural spaces to preserve them. I decided to use the species C. verticillata in my research since it is a very prevalent species of vine throughout the Americas - and Puerto Rico - and has been observed growing close to bodies of water.
What do you hope to discover or achieve with your research on phytoremediation in this stream?
With my research, I hope to be able to answer whether this species has the ability to be a phytoremediator of heavy metals like cadmium and lead. If so, it could be considered as an option for improving the water quality of local streams, like the Juan Mendez Creek.
What do you hope to achieve in the future with your research and career in science?
I aspire to do a Master's degree in Environmental Management with a concentration on marine ecosystems. I want to focus on the interconnection between humans, the land and the ocean, and how our actions on earth can impact and harm the ocean. With my research, I will begin to delve into what will be my future career in a more professional way.
How can ordinary people get involved or support efforts like yours to protect ecosystems in Puerto Rico?
There are numerous non-profit organizations around Puerto Rico that focus on many topics related to the environment, for example the conservation of sea turtles, birds, river conservation, beach cleaning, hiking, beekeeping, community gardens, coastal plantings, etc. We have the blessing of living on an extremely diverse island with many different ecosystems in which we need to educate ourselves to become the voice of these spaces and protect them from destruction. There is something for all interests, the important thing is to look for the group or organization and participate either by giving workshops, volunteer work, etc. Throughout my life, I have participated in numerous groups around the Island and I have been able to develop my leadership in them. Definitely doing volunteer work in a group or environmental organization is an experience that I recommend to anyone regardless of age!
We have the blessing of living on an extremely diverse island with many different ecosystems in which we need to educate ourselves to become the voice of these spaces and protect them from destruction.
Sofía's Seed Fund project is supported by Isla Mar through the donations received by selling our merchandise. Follow along here and on our social media to watch for more updates on her project!
Comentarios