Juana Cabrera

In 2020, began a research project titled Differences in the Composition of Tardigrade Communities (Animalia, Tardigrada) Present in an Intervened and a Conserved Area in the Páramo de Ocetá, Boyacá, Colombia.
Subsequently, the following complementary research was included in the project: Characterization of Tardigrades (Animalia: Tardigrada) Present in Two Species of Moss in the Páramo de Ocetá, Boyacá, Colombia and Altitudinal Distribution of Tardigrades (Animalia: Tardigrada) Present in Campylopus cf. luteus and Grimmia longirostris in the Páramo de Ocetá, Boyacá, Colombia.

• We were pioneers in research on tardigrades in high-mountain ecosystems in Colombia and their respective characterization.
• We contribute to páramo conservation studies, using tardigrades as bioindicators in the ecosystem and assisting in the implementation of conservation plans for the area.

Activities to be developed within the project:

Taxonomic Identification

• A rigorous taxonomic identification methodology was employed to classify the tardigrade species and other limnoterrestrial microorganisms present in the samples.
• The analysis was conducted using detailed microscopic observation and specialized taxonomic keys to ensure accurate identification at the genus and species levels.In 2020, began a research project titled Differences in the composition of tardigrade communities (Animalia, Tardigrada) present in an intervened and a conserved area in the Ocetá Páramo, Boyacá, Colombia.
  Subsequently, the following complementary research was included in the project: Characterization of tardigrades (Animalia: Tardigrada) present in two moss species in the Ocetá Páramo, Boyacá, Colombia and Altitudinal distribution of tardigrades (Animalia: Tardigrada) present in Campylopus cf. luteus and Grimmia longirostris in the Ocetá Páramo, Boyacá, Colombia.

Identification of the differences in the composition of limnoterrestrial microorganism communities

• A detailed analysis was conducted to identify the differences in the composition of limnoterrestrial microorganism communities, focusing on the variability in the presence and distribution of tardigrade species and other microorganisms in high-altitude areas.
• Systematic sampling was carried out at different altitudes in the Páramo de Ocetá to compare communities in disturbed and conserved areas.

Implementation of Multivariate Statistics for the Evaluation of Ecological Variables Present in the Project

• Multivariate statistical techniques, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), were applied to assess the relationship between ecological variables (such as temperature, humidity, and soil composition) and the distribution of microorganism communities.
• The Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were also calculated to evaluate species richness and evenness within the different sampling sites. These indices provided valuable insights into the diversity and ecological health of the communities in both disturbed and conserved areas.
• Additionally, the species richness and the species density were calculated to determine the total number of species and their abundance across the sampled sites.
• These indices and metrics allowed a comprehensive evaluation of the biodiversity in the studied areas, contributing to a better understanding of community structure and ecological balance.
• The application of these statistical tools helped identify ecological patterns and determine how various environmental variables influence the composition and diversity of tardigrade communities in the high-altitude ecosyste

• Progress in Environmental Licensing and Permits: Responsible for advancing activities and tasks related to the processing, review, and evaluation of applications for environmental licenses, permits, authorizations, and sanctioning procedures, specifically related to the use or conservation of flora resources, in accordance with regional management guidelines, and current regulations.
• Environmental Control and Monitoring: Active participation in the environmental control and monitoring of activities involving the use or conservation of flora resources within the jurisdiction of the regional directorate, following applicable environmental regulations.
• Environmental Disaster Prevention and Management: Contribution to the execution and control of plans, programs, projects, and processes developed or coordinated by the central sector, related to the prevention of natural disasters, such as forest fires, through the planning and execution of mitigation and response strategies.
• Environmental and Conservation Management and Planning: Involvement in the design, development, and implementation of environmental management strategies, conservation plans, and sustainable management of flora resources, contributing to the preservation and restoration of floral ecosystems, with an emphasis on areas of high biodiversity.
• Environmental Education and Community Awareness: Coordination and execution of environmental education programs aimed at local communities, promoting sustainable practices, the conservation of flora resources, and environmental awareness, while working directly with community groups to foster ecological habits.
• Reporting and Submission: Participation in the preparation, consolidation, and submission of reports required by regional management for submission to various agencies, entities, or authorities, ensuring that the information meets established standards, and is delivered to stakeholders.
• Collaboration with Regional Authorities: Coordination with local and regional authorities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and promote collaborative efforts toward sustainable development in the region.

• Taught astrobiology as an interdisciplinary field that explores the possibility of life on other planets, the adaptation of organisms to extreme conditions, and the search for signs of life beyond Earth.
• Principles of astrobiology, explaining how extremophiles, such as tardigrades, can survive in extreme temperatures, radiation, and pressures.
• Covered the practice of astrobiology at NASA, describing the experiments and studies conducted by the space agency to investigate how organisms could survive in extraterrestrial environments.
• Fostered critical thinking among students, encouraging them to research and develop projects on the viability of life on Mars and other moons in the solar system.
• Coordinated hands-on activities in which students simulated extreme conditions in laboratories, recreating environments analogous to those on other planets.

• Provided academic support in the field of marine ecosystems, helping students understand the ecological processes that affect marine habitats and their biodiversity.
• Conducted research on the composition and distribution of marine species in coastal ecosystems, using sampling techniques to obtain accurate data on the fauna and flora in different habitats.
• Cupervised field activities, including the collection of water, sediment, and marine fauna samples for laboratory analysis.
• Developed and presented detailed scientific reports on the results obtained during field trips, contributing to the development of marine conservation projects within the university.
• Assisted in the preparation of lectures and seminars on the protection and conservation of marine ecosystems, highlighting the importance of these habitats for global biodiversity.

• Supported the Zoology 2 subject, which focused on the study of marine animals, covering both the theoretical and practical aspects of the course.
• Collaborated in the development and planning of field activities for the observation and analysis of marine species, as well as in the development of innovative teaching materials to facilitate learning.
• Supported students in the identification and classification of marine species, promoting teamwork and respect for aquatic ecosystems.
• Coordinated field trips to coastal areas for fieldwork, where students were able to experience marine biodiversity firsthand.
• Supervised and supported students' individual research on marine topics, providing them with technical and methodological assistance.