I just attended a symposium at Tulane University organized by Kris Lane and Jason Nesbitt of the Center for Latin American Studies. “Andes + Amazon, Shared Pasts and Shared Futures” was an amazing interdisciplinary experience, with talks from scholars in disciplines ranging from law and history to paleoecology and paleogenetics. But we all had a common goal, which is understanding how human-environment interactions have shaped, and will continue to shape, the immense biological and cultural diversity of Andean and Amazonian ecosystems.
I enjoyed seeing colleagues, meeting new colleagues, and speaking with PhD students who are eager to work in tropical ecosystems. One of my highlights was meeting Bill Baleé, whose work I’ve read since I was a PhD student. He is a historical ecologist who studies how Indigenous people modify Amazonian forests. His knowledge is immense, and he is also an incredibly warm and welcoming person. I am really looking forward to our future collaborations. I think there is strong momentum coming from this symposium, and we plan to put out a volume of articles that show the importance of a multidisciplinary lens for understanding the future of Andean and Amazonian ecosystems. Stay tuned!
Display of work by local artist Linda Morgan. Photo: Crystal McMichael
I forgot to mention that this experience occurred in New Orleans – a city full of personality! The art, music, food, architecture and people were amazing. I loved the art at the Disco Warehouse and ended up with a print from local artist Linda Morgan. I also really enjoyed having some drinks and listening to Big Joe Kennedy and the Mahogany Hall Swingsters at the Mahogany Jazz Hall!
Art outside the Disco Warehouse. Photo: Crystal McMichael
Ecology of the past 