Tell us about yourself

 I am Melody Zarria, a PhD candidate in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, though I just passed my final examinations (Yay!). I am from Lima, Peru, where I grew up and earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I love nature, quiet spaces, cats and dogs, and, of course, Peruvian food. My research site is the Arhuaycancha Valley in the Huascaran National Park, Peru.

When did you realize that you wanted to become a scientist? What do you like most about your research field?

 I decided to become a scientist during the last year of my undergraduate studies in Peru. I remember feeling frustrated because it seemed that there were only problems, such as climate change, the unsustainable use of natural resources, and economic instability, but no solutions at all. I guess I was able to channel that frustration into something constructive.

How would you explain your research to someone who is not a scientist? Summarize it in five sentences.

For my dissertation, I analyzed the potential ecological impacts of climate change and land management on a valley in the Andes of Peru. To achieve this, I built a simulation model of land management that I coupled with a model of the natural system. Additionally, part of my analysis involved designing land management scenarios to study their impact on ecosystems, livestock performance, and the economies of agropastoral families.

What are your hobbies and preferred activities when you are not doing science?

 I would say hiking is one of my favorite activities when the weather is nice (not too hot or cold/snowy). Depending on the season, I enjoy gardening in the spring or summer and coloring and cross-stitching in the winter and fall. However, most of the time, I’m fine just watching movies, series, or listening to podcasts.

What are some of the challenges you have faced in your research?

 During my research, I faced several challenges. First, there was limited funding to conduct studies in a remote mountainous area abroad (the Andes of Peru). Second, Covid-19 presented major challenges on multiple levels. For instance, Peru’s borders were closed, so traveling was not even an option. Third, learning a new topic and analytical approach (programming and modeling) was challenging. Finally, language barriers made it difficult at times to communicate (orally and in writing) my research as effectively as I would in my native language (Spanish).

What are some of the challenges you face as an international student?

 When I first arrived, I found it challenging to feel like part of a community (friends and classmates). Although I initially felt there were not many initiatives fostering this kind of community building, over time, this gradually changed. The cost of living is quite expensive and has been one of the main challenges I have faced since coming to the US.

Can you describe a city or place in your country that everyone should visit, and what would you recommend doing there?

 There are many beautiful places in Peru. Cusco is a must-visit if you go to Peru. However, there are also other cities and places, such as the Cordillera Blanca (Andes), Pucallpa (Amazon), and Tarapoto (Amazon), that are definitely worth visiting. I also have other destinations on my bucket list that I hope to visit soon, such as Tambopata National Reserve, Manu National Park, and Kuelap Fortress.