Valeria Calderon Triana Summer Research Fellow 2022

"Scaling the effects of green space on urban biodiversity in temperate versus tropical cities."

"The purpose of this study is to research certain species in different cities around the world and classify their appearances throughout the years and the number of individuals in a timeline. Comparing this data with the years when these green spaces were created, might be able to set a relationship that may or may not be favorable. It is known that many species in a certain ecosystem are considered “umbrella species “ because they protect and are an essential part of the food chain. In some countries, the creation of green spaces is done without proper knowledge of native species, resulting in invasive species damaging the ecosystem throughout time."

Q. FINISH THIS SENTENCE:   "I enjoy research because....."

A. "I enjoy research because it gives us the opportunity to learn something we haven't yet discovered."

Q. How did you first get interested in undergraduate research at UK?

A. "I have laways been interested in research, it is the opportunity humanity has to evolve and to discover the answers to questions that aren't yet solved. I applied to research as soon as I got to UK to find how the research experience was."

Q. What has been the most exciting aspect of your research experience so far?

A. "The most exciting part of the research experience is getting to be doing hands-on field research for a project I wanted to research, and for questions I wanted to solve. It is really interesting the things you learn when you investigate what you want to investigate."

Q. How has undergraduate research impacted your college experience at the University of Kentucky?

A. "Undergraduate research in Uk has increased my chances of meeting new people in the academic aspect, of meeting new places, and getting to think more critically about issues I had not known before. Also, I get to think more critically about issues presented to me daily."

Q. What advice would you give to UK students who are considering starting research?*

A. "My advice to students who are considering research is to not get discouraged by not having any experience, research labs are places meant to built experience, meant to keep the laboratories full of students wanted to learn ad to teach."