Estelí Jiménez-Soto, PI

I am originally from Chiapas, Mexico. My research in agroecology is continuously evolving, but I am primarily interested in studying the role of biodiversity in agroecosystems.

I am a Latin American agroecologist working at the intersection of ecology, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and food sovereignty. My research draws from a variety of disciplines and concepts including community ecology, political ecology, anthropology, and critical food geography to have a complex and encompassing understanding of social and ecological dynamics within agroecosystems. Much of my work takes place in Latin America, particularly in Chiapas, Mexico, where I study coffee plantations and agroforestry systems. However, I also have agroecological projects in urban farms and community gardens in Tampa, FL. Specifically, our lab is looking at the drivers of insect diversity in urban farms, in collaboration with the coalition of community gardens and the sustainable living project.

Current lab members

  • Ruby Haswell

    Lab and field manager

    Ruby joined the lab in 2024 after she finished her BS in Environmental Science and Policy from USF. She is keen on exploring the biodiversity of Florida and she has goals to work with parks and natural areas through scientific research, environmental education and citizen communication. She will be involved with ecosystem management and terrestrial habitat restoration, as well as create interactive curriculum for children that combine her love for art and for the environment. She will begin her MS in Plant Biology and Conservation at ASU in 2025.

Previous lab members -Syracuse University

  • Gabe Smith

    Gabe joined the lab in 2021, and he is currently finishing an MS in Food Studies at SU. His thesis examines the social and ecological drivers of black walnut tree health in the city of Syracuse and his work emphasizes the importance of forest conservation in the urban landscape to foster a more environmentally and socially just urban food system. During his time at SU he has been the farm manager at SU, check a Spectrum News featuring his work here. He has recently accepted an extension position at Cornell Cooperative Extension!!

  • Frank Sarfo

    Frank Joined our lab in 2023. He is originally from Ghana and has a Masters from University of Padova in Italy. Frank’s research aims to address social implications of solar farming on farming livelihoods and land access in CNY. By conducting interviews and surveys with the solar industry, small-scale farmers, and policy makers, his work deals with an important problem affecting farmers, and our regional food system. His work makes an important intervention in political ecology necessary for social change.