Mountain Ecology & Biogeography Lab

Exploring anthropogenic impacts on high-elevation ecosystems & communities

Explore Our Research
Pink geometric abstract pattern with repeating zigzag shapes inspired by Ecuadorian textile designs common in the Andes. Logo for Sisimac Duchicela's Mountain Ecology & Biogeography Lab, which studies Ecuadorian alpine plant ecology.

What We Do

Studying plant communities in the context of people, ecosystems, and societies

Dr. Sisimac Duchicela’s Mountain Ecology and Biogeography Lab study how humans impact landscapes from a vegetation perspective. Many factors can be human impacts, including climate change, land use change, and even management plans or ecological restoration. One of our goals is to merge theoretical and applied science, working with indigenous and local communities, land managers, and other stakeholders, to translate scientific knowledge into practical action.

Repeat pattern of yellow Ecuadorian flowers. Logo of Sisimac Duchicela's Mountain Ecology & Biogeography Lab which conducts alpine plant research in the Andes and Colorado with CU Boulder
Browse our projects
Horizontal pattern of teal and gold flowers, logo for Sisimac Duchicela's Mountain Ecology & Biogeography Lab, reflecting alpine paramo and puna flora.
Horizontal pattern of teal and gold flowers, logo for Sisimac Duchicela's Mountain Ecology & Biogeography Lab, reflecting alpine paramo and puna flora.
Learn more about joining the lab

Why This Work Matters

High-alpine ecosystems provide goods and services for millions of people

Our goal is to understand how human impacts alter fragile ecosystems, in terms of their function and the services they provide. It is important to know what will happen to them in the future, but also what we can do to help these ecosystems continue to function in a way that benefits society in a balanced way.

Join The Lab
Pink geometric abstract pattern with repeating zigzag shapes inspired by Ecuadorian textile designs common in the Andes. Logo for Sisimac Duchicela's Mountain Ecology & Biogeography Lab, which studies alpine plant ecology with CU Boulder.