Dr. Estelí Jiménez-Soto
Dr. Estelí Jiménez-Soto is an associate professor in the School of Geosciences. Jiménez-Soto is a Mexican agroecologist with an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of California Santa Cruz’s Environmental Studies program. Her research lies at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food sovereignty, and draws from a variety of disciplines and concepts including community ecology and political ecology. Much of her work takes place in Latin America, particularly in Chiapas, Mexico, where she studies insect communities and nature-human relationships in coffee plantations. She also works with community gardens in Tampa, Florida, to explore similar questions in urban settings. Through her work, she builds alliances among scholars, farmers, students and social movements to foster a more sustainable and just food system. Her goal is to be an inspiration for other women and minorities in ecology through her research, teaching and leadership roles at ESA.
Dr. Jiménez-Soto was recently awarded the Excellence in Ecology Scholars Award presented by the Ecological Society of America (ESA). ESA Executive Director Catherine O’Riordan described the winners stating, “These exceptional scholars embody the talent and dedication that drive ecology forward.” This $5000 award will support Dr. Jiménez-Soto in speaking opportunities at ESA annual meetings and events. This will also assist advancing her research endevours, and furthering her contributions to the field of ecology.
Congratulations Dr. Jiménez-Soto! We look forward to seeing your research continue to thrive!