
Nereyda Falconi, Ph.D.
Quantitative Ecologist | Spatial Ecologist | Mission-Driven Scientist
About Me.
I began my journey in biology in Peru, driven by a deep commitment to contributing to wildlife conservation in my home country. Faced with limited local opportunities at the time, I sought paths outward, finding invaluable spaces to learn and grow as a scientist and conservationist in neighboring, megadiverse countries such as Colombia and Brazil, before my academic and professional path ultimately led me to the United States. While my core training is rooted in wildlife biology, my research has evolved to rely heavily on advanced quantitative analysis and GIS to address ecological problems. As an interdisciplinary scientist, I specialize in integrating field data with robust computational frameworks—specifically fusing Individual-Based Modeling (IBM), animal movement ecology, species distribution models, and Bayesian hierarchical modeling. Looking ahead, I aim to continue pushing the boundaries of spatial ecology by developing innovative workflows to address global conservation challenges, and I welcome inquiries about international collaborations, multi-institutional research initiatives, and funding partnerships.
Education
2015-2021
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
Ph.D.Department of Environmental Conservation, Concentration in Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology, and Massachusetts Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit
Dissertation: Data access, distribution models, and stable isotopes: merging approaches to improve bear distribution estimates and bear carnivory for conservation.
2011-2013
Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
M.Sc.Department of Ecology and Conservation
Thesis: Home range and habitat selection for the maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus) in southern Bahia.
2008-2014
Universidad Nacional Agraria la Molina, Lima, Perú
B.S.Department of Biology
Thesis: Activity patterns of Xenarthra (Orders Pilosa and Cingulata) in the department of Madre de Dios, Peru