Nauka inspiruje - dr Izabela Stachowicz

The scientist we are presenting today as part of the "Science Inspires" series has dedicated her life to Venezuela. As a biologist, she studies wild and rare animal species inhabiting this South American country. However, the open mind of Dr Izabela Stachowicz does not allow her to focus only on the local fauna and flora, but on the entire spectrum of the environment, which also includes people and the economy of the country. The researcher from the University of Lodz wants to implement behaviours based on the principles of sustainable development, so that all parts of the ecosystem function together and not against one another. She has started initiatives promoting the establishment of private nature conservation areas. She also supports local communities, especially women in a very difficult financial situation, in which they found themselves due to the great politics that takes place beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Dr Izabela Stachowicz against the background of cocoa fruit hanging from a branch

Dr Izabela Stachowicz is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Geobotany and Plant Ecology of the University of Lodz and a postdoctoral researcher at the Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas in Venezuela, where she has obtained her PhD degree. She came to Venezuela for the first time in 2009 and .... fell in love with the local nature, people and culture.
She studies the impact of human activities on the distribution and diversity of neotropical mammals. In her research, she uses the methodology of camera traps. She has founded the Network of Conserved Areas in Venezuela to support private and social environmental initiatives by applying sustainable development principles to cocoa and coffee production, and actively engaging the local community.
She was a co-organiser of the National Geographic expedition to Tramen Tepui, during which she discovered new species of butterflies. 

She believes that nature conservation is in the hands of each of us, every day.

What inspired you to become a scientist?  

 Honestly? I don't remember :) When I found myself in Venezuela pursuing my PhD I was so fascinated by the nature, people and culture that I couldn't imagine any other choice. Now I feel that I would like to translate the results of research into real nature protection programmes.

What impact does your work have on the surrounding reality?

I am guided by a motto taken from Gary Snyder: "Find your place on the planet, dig in, and take responsibility from there". I am involved in conservation in South America, which means a very comprehensive approach. It's not just focusing on the endangered species themselves, but their whole environment, including people.

How do you understand the term: profession of a scientist? 

It is an explosive combination of passion and work, unlimited creativity, and finally the ability to make changes and implement them. For me, this practical dimension of scientific research is crucial. However, this explosive combination poses a significant risk: the difficulty in separating work from private life, and this can detonate a whole different bomb.

Dr Izabela Stachowicz sitting comfortably in a boat sailing on a river among the jungle. She is holding a camera in her hand.

More information about Dr Izabela Stachowicz’s work

 

 

Chocolate, a tapir and the problems of single mothers in Venezuela. These are three important issues that Dr Izabela Stachowicz deals with. The biologist studies the endangered mammals on a daily basis, but during her eight-year life and research in Venezuela, she has also become involved in activities for the benefit of the local community.

Biologist from the University of Lodz Helps a Community in Venezuela

We encourage you to support the campaign for Venezuelan women who, thanks to the production of chocolate and handicrafts, are able to earn a living and restore faith in their abilities. The collected funds will be used to purchase polycarbonate molds and other necessary articles so that the women can produce and sell unique pralines resembling various animal species, e.g. American tapir, puma, ocelot or capuchin monkey. To get more details use the link:

"Chocolate with a mission" – a link to the fundraiser for women in Venezuela

Instagram profile of Dr Izabela Stachowicz

Vist the researcher’s blog – izolinia.pl

Ukryte życie Gran Sabany oczami dr Izabeli Stachowicz [The hidden life of Gran Sabana through the eyes of Dr Izabela Stachowicz] (in Polish)

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Source: Dr Izabela Stachowicz (Department of Geobotany and Plant Ecology), 3PR Agency

Edit: Michał Gruda (Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz)

The mission of the University of Lodz is to conduct reliable research and actively disseminate facts and research results so as to wisely educate future generations, be useful to society and courageously respond to the challenges of the modern world. Scientific excellence is always our best compass. Our values include: courage, curiosity, commitment, cooperation and respect.