I am a landscape architect and researcher specialising in novel ecosystems, particularly in urban environments. My PhD, “Towards a New Nature in Cities: Understanding Novel Urban Ecosystems in the Anthropocene” (University of Porto, 2022), combined conceptual research, ecological assessment and research on human perceptions and preferences.
My expertise includes: • The conceptual foundations of novel ecosystems, including definitions, debates and applications in urban and non-urban contexts. • Developing and applying methods to assess ecological novelty in urban green spaces. • Investigating attitudes and preferences towards novel ecosystems, including native, non-native and spontaneous vegetation. • Integrating ecological novelty into landscape planning, design and management, with particular attention to climate adaptation.
My doctoral research used urban green spaces in Porto, Portugal, to connect conceptual development with empirical assessment and practical applications.
I am seeking to join a consortium as a research partner contributing dedicated expertise in novel ecosystems. Having focused my PhD on this topic, I am particularly interested in projects that connect a robust understanding of ecological novelty with empirical research and practical questions about how changing ecosystems are perceived, valued and managed.
I can contribute to the conceptual framework and research design, the development or adaptation of ecological novelty assessment methods, and research on perceptions and acceptance. I am especially interested in urban ecosystems and green infrastructure, while also welcoming comparative collaborations across different ecological and geographical contexts.
I would welcome contact from teams seeking to connect ecological and social perspectives with landscape planning, design and management, through a clearly defined contribution within the consortium.