NAYA VALLECILLO

Major: Biology

Project: Spatiotemporal Variation in Soil Accretion and Carbon Accumulation Rates in Biscayne National Park’s Mangrove Forests: Assessment of Resilience in the Face of Sea Level Rise

Naya Vallecillo is a sophomore in the Honors College at Florida International University pursuing a degree in Biology with a focus on Ecology. Her research examines mangrove soils in Biscayne National Park, assessing soil accretion rates and nutrient levels. Her project explores the spatiotemporal distribution of these factors to better understand how and why they vary, as well as the impacts of past and present disturbances, including hurricane activity and canal discharge, on mangrove ecosystems.

Inspired by a lifelong interest in environmental systems and disturbance processes, Naya has focused her academic work on understanding how ecosystems respond to events such as storms, flooding, fire, and pollution. Growing up in Miami has further shaped her perspective on the challenges of balancing environmental conservation with community well-being. She aims to contribute to a broader body of knowledge surrounding this dynamic urban landscape.

In addition to her scientific pursuits, Naya values creative expression and spends her free time reading and painting landscapes connected to her research. She plans to continue her work through advanced study in disturbance ecology.