Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research proposal focuses on three nature reserves located in the north of Mexico, in the Chihuahuan Desert. These areas are: 1) La Reserva de la Biosfera de Mapimí, which is located in the most arid and torrid zone of the desert; 2) El Sitio Sagrado de Huiricuta, which corresponds to a semi-desert area and houses sacred territory for the Huichol indigenous population; and 3) La Reserva Estatal Real de Guadalcázar, located in the southern limits of the desert, in the transition zone towards the temperate forest mountain ranges. The objective is to identify patterns of change in vegetation cover in these reserves, understand the causes that trigger the changes, and evaluate the effects of these dynamics on local inhabitants and on biodiversity due to the decrease in habitat for wildlife.
Arid zones are highly fragile environments, which are sensitive to disturbances because the reproduction rates of flora and fauna species are relatively low and their development is slow. In this context, the loss of habitat represents a great challenge for the conservation of biodiversity, which is one of the primary objectives of these nature reserves. On the other hand, local inhabitants maintain a close relationship with their environment and have a high dependence on it; therefore, environmental degradation can generate changes that impact the social structure of the communities. It is necessary to expand knowledge in the field of nature conservation and deepen the analysis of socio-environmental relationships from an integral perspective.
Have you presented or published your research somewhere? Tell us about the experience.
Since entering the doctoral program, I have presented my work in different conferences: 1) The Southwest Division of the American Association of Geographers held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (October 2018); 2) The American Association of Geographers based in Washington, D.C. (April, 2019); and 3) The Southwest Division of the American Association of Geographers held in Fort Worth, Texas (October 2019). In April of this year my research proposal was distinguished by the American Geographical Society, so this November I will attend the AGS Fall Geography Symposium, based at Columbia University in New York.
My participation in these events has been possible thanks to the support of the Department of Geography and the Environment and has had a positive impact on my professional development. In these meetings, I have interacted with scientists working on topics related to my research interests, from whom I have received very useful feedback. The diversity of the works that are presented has given me a theoretical and methodological frame of reference on the geographic tendencies in the Anglo-Saxon tradition. Likewise, I have managed to expand my network of contacts in this scientific community.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people don't know?
The three selected nature reserves stand out worldwide for their biodiversity and the high concentration of endemic species. However, a large number of the flora and fauna species that they harbor are classified as at-risk. In America, these enclaves play a crucial role in the conservation of biodiversity. For example, at different times of the year they are habitats for migratory birds that move between different areas of North and South America.
Worldwide, since 1980, the study of nature reserves has increased gradually; however, the number of investigations on reserves in arid and semi-arid environments is considerably lower compared to spaces in tropical and temperate zones. Also, there are not many studies from the perspective of the humanities.
The vegetation of arid zones is highly efficient at storing carbon from the atmosphere, so it has the ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. However, the expansion of this type of vegetation, as in the case of tropical forests, has been considerably reduced. In arid and semi-arid zones, the change in precipitation patterns due to the loss of vegetation and other factors can generate extreme drought events.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
Related to this research project, on an academic level, I established a collaboration with Dr. Miguel Aguilar Robledo, Director of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP). At UNAM, Dr. Manuel Suárez, Director of the Institute of Geography, has supported me in the collection of geographic data. At the governmental level, I am collaborating with Cristino Villarreal, an engineer who serves as the director of La Reserva de la Biosfera de Mapimí.
My collaborations with Mexico also expand to other areas. Regarding scientific dissemination, I have eight publications co-authored with Mexican colleagues; two articles were just published this year. At UASLP, I am the director of Fernando Balderas’ thesis. At UNAM, I have collaborated as a reviewer for a journal for the Institute of Geography.
What attracted you to Texas and UT Austin?
My decision to study in Texas at The University of Texas at Austin was based primarily on the characteristics of my advisor and the doctoral program, as well as the opportunity of being part of the ConTex program.
My advisor, Dr. William E. Doolittle, is a prominent geographer with a solid academic background and extensive research experience in the northern region of Mexico. This gave me confidence, which has been strengthened since then, because he has given me his full support from the beginning.
Additionally, a Ph.D. at the Department of Geography and the Environment offers the opportunity to integrate different subfields of geography for a focus on human-environment relations. This flexibility was key, because in every area of geography the actions of humans affect the natural elements of the landscape. This generates unique dynamics due to the inherent complexity that arises from this type of interaction.
The final factor was the announcement of the ConTex program, which offers an extraordinary fellowship, as it provides five years of support for students in a doctoral program. The combination of factors I was looking for came together at this university, and each factor was critical in my decision.
What have been some positive things that you didn't expect from Texas or UT Austin?
Since my arrival at this university, many things continue to surprise me. Primarily, the leadership and professionalism of its academics. In addition, the multiple infrastructure and information resources available to develop the maximum potential of the students. On the other hand, it has been very gratifying to find such wide cultural diversity among the community of students.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT Austin and living in the United States?
Studying a Ph.D. in the United States meant I had to face a process of profound change. At first, the biggest challenges were the language and adapting to different systems in educational and cultural areas. Since this is my first time studying abroad, I lacked perspective, so everything seemed interesting and complicated at the same time. In these circumstances, I had to adapt quickly to meet the required academic standards. It was difficult for me to cope with the stress from an endless list of activities that consumed all my time and energy. The adaptation process is still ongoing, but it has definitely made me stronger and now I have a better grasp on all my activities. I am very proud to be part of the community of students at The University of Texas at Austin.
In what way has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
The support of ConTex and Conacyt represents a cornerstone in my academic training and professional development. The funding I receive has allowed me to access a high-quality education at a highly prestigious university, which has enabled me to delve into various currents of geographic thought and to acquire new tools and skills based on my professional interests. Being a fellow in these programs has been a privilege and I thank both organizations for the distinction.
What kind of work do you hope to do in the future? In what ways do you hope your research will benefit people in the United States and Mexico?
I want to contribute to the development of science from my discipline, geography. I hope to work in institutions dedicated to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, where the benefit to humanity is promoted. The fields of research, human resource training, and environmental education are some of my priorities. I would like to be proactive in linking academic work with various government institutions and contribute in the design of public policies.
Conserving habitats for wildlife helps biodiversity, which has a positive impact on people around the world. This is because animal and plant species provide stability to ecosystems on which human existence depends. Mexico and the United States share the Chihuahuan Desert biological region that is home to a wealth of flora and fauna species. The selected nature reserves, although located in Mexican territory, involve both nations as they are enclaves linked to migratory routes of native birds from the Americas. I hope that this research will form synergies or awaken a greater interest in the scientific community to deepen the study of human-environment relationships, within the framework of nature reserves. This topic has the potential to transcend political, economic, cultural, and linguistic barriers.
What advice would you give other Mexican students considering studying in Texas?
First, they must deeply reflect on their motives for studying abroad. These reasons will become your greatest strengths to overcome any obstacle. Second, I recommend that they apply to the Conacyt and ConTex calls. The process is long and exhausting, but every minute invested will be rewarded if they are selected. Finally, entering a high-quality institution will demand absolute dedication from you. Make sure that your chosen research topic relates to a genuine academic interest.
