The PhD Race’s Spotlight Series highlights the research journeys of PhD students from around the world. Our stories of discovery and resilience deserve to reach far beyond the small circle of our advisory committees. Read on and celebrate the inspiring work of those pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
Meet Sofia Moreno-Piña, a passionate researcher from the University of Alberta, who is dedicated to understanding how tropical dry forests cope with droughts. From Mexico to Australia, the UK, and now Canada, Sofia’s global experiences have shaped her unique perspective on the environment, water crises, and the connection between ecosystems and climate change. Today, we’re sharing her research, her journey, and what keeps her motivated through it all!
When asked what sparked her PhD journey, Sofia’s response was simple yet profound:
I realized that water is all that matters in the world, but the world is facing water crises.
This realization led her to explore how nature might hold solutions to these challenges. By studying the drought-resilience of tropical dry forests, forests that play a critical role in biodiversity and support local communities, Sofia hopes to understand how these ecosystems survive and thrive despite water stress.
Why Sofia’s Research Matters
Tropical dry forests are vital for biodiversity, and they provide essential services to both humans and wildlife. However, these ecosystems are facing growing threats from droughts. Using satellite data and environmental models, Sofia tracks how vegetation changes over time due to water stress, helping us learn how these forests respond and recover, or in some cases, struggle to recover after repeated droughts.
Forests provide multiple environmental services and natural goods, and they could be the key to regulating the impacts of climate change.
However, there’s a serious concern: if droughts become more frequent or intense, these forests may not recover completely, potentially leading to lasting changes such as the loss of important species or even a shift to a different type of ecosystem. This research has major implications not just for these forests but for climate change adaptation worldwide.
An Eye-Opening Discovery
Did you know that even though droughts are common, natural vegetation is often left out of drought studies? That’s right. Forests, which play such an important role in our environment, are sometimes overlooked! Sofia’s work is pushing into new territory, exploring these forgotten aspects to help us better understand climate resilience. The methods she’s developing could even be applied to other ecosystems around the world.
Her PhD Journey
Like many PhD students, Sofia’s experience has come with its share of challenges. From learning new tools like programming to managing the ups and downs of impostor syndrome, procrastination, and perfectionism, her story is one of persistence. While she hasn’t had an “epic fail” moment, Sofia acknowledges the emotional challenges that come with PhD life.
Her secret weapon? Organization! Sofia is great at using different apps to stay on top of everything, from keeping track of her research to managing everyday tasks like her grocery list.
I don’t forget anything, and I don’t waste time looking for that key paper I read two months ago because everything is recorded in one of my apps or a spreadsheet
A Passion for Exploring New Places
Something that might surprise you about Sofia is how much she’s traveled. She’s lived in several countries – Mexico, Australia, the UK, and now Canada – and has managed to explore the world on a budget. Her love for traveling and experiencing new cultures has given her a broad perspective on both life and her research.
When Sofia isn’t studying forests or working on her PhD, you can find her relaxing by taking peaceful walks along the river valley that runs through her city or getting cozy at home with a good book or movie. These moments help her unwind and recharge for her next steps in research.
Sofia’s Advice for Fellow PhDs
Sofia’s journey is a great reminder of how important it is to stay organized, keep perspective, and take time for yourself. Whether it’s finding tools to help manage your workload or taking breaks to enjoy the outdoors, balance is key to thriving during the PhD process. Remember, your work matters. As Sofia says, “Nature could help us mitigate water problems,” and her research is paving the way for more sustainable solutions.
To learn more about Sofia’s work, check out her research on Google Scholar and LinkedIn.
Here’s to resilient ecosystems and researchers like Sofia who are helping protect them!
Follow Sofia on Instagram @sofiam_ore for more behind-the-scenes updates on her work and adventures!
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