As the Director of Global Tree Conservation, Silvia’s science-informed, stakeholder-inclusive conservation projects support the Arboretum’s goal of protecting trees worldwide.
Silvia’s research focuses on using long-term monitoring, experimentation, and basic ecological techniques to understand how changes in climate, land use, and soil nutrients impact plant communities, particularly trees. She strives to translate her research into better policies, improved management practices, or restoration actions that will aid in saving tree species from extinction.
Most of Silvia’s work has been carried out in Latin America, where she is originally from. However, as a member of the IUCN-SSC Global Trees Specialist Group, the Global Trees Campaign, and the Global Conservation Consortium for Oak (GCCO)—which the Morton Arboretum leads—she collaborates closely with partners all around the world, working together to prevent the extinction of the world’s tree species, particularly oaks.
Silvia also works closely with students, as part of the Integrated Mentorship Program, and serves as Co-PI in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program at the Arboretum.
