Estelí Jiménez-Soto

I am originally from Chiapas, Mexico. Our research in agroecology is continuously evolving, but we am primarily interested in studying the role of biodiversity in agroecosystems, from both an ecological and social perspective.

Our projects draw 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 our work takes place in Latin America, particularly in Chiapas, Mexico, in coffee agroforestry systems. Our lab also has a project in urban farms and community gardens in Tampa, FL. looking at the drivers of insect diversity in urban farms, in collaboration with the coalition of community gardens.

Current lab members

  • Stephanie Coronado (Postdoc)

    Steph finished her PhD in 2024 at the University of Nevada, Reno with Beth Pringle. She is interested in plant-ant interactions, and is currently working with the arboreal ant community in our Mexican coffee agroforestry system to understand nesting patterns and community assembly processes.

  • Victoria Brown, PhD Student (She/Her)

    Victoria is currently a PhD student in the Geography, Environmental Science & Policy Program at USF's School of Geosciences. Victoria worked in the coffee industry for 6 years before joining the agroecology lab. She's passionate about equality and sustainability in the coffee supply chain and is excited to apply her industry experience to agroecological research. 

  • Briana Wyman (Bri) (She/Her), Lab & Field Tech

    Briana is a University of South Florida graduate with a Bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences and dual minors in biology and studio Art. With a strong interest in horticulture, she’s exploring the intersection of entomology and plant diversity as the Field Tech and Lab Manager. She is focused on deepening her understanding of plant-insect interactions and is eager to pursue further education in botany, with a focus on agricultural research and plant medicine.

  • Coen E. E. McGarrah (they/them/theirs), Bachelor's Student

    Coen joined the lab during the summer of 2024 and is currently a junior at USF. They are working towards a B.A in English and a B.S. in Marine Biology, with a strong interest in crustaceans. Their background is in bioinformatic research and museum education. They plan on working in scientific research and communications, as well as continuing their higher education. They will be focusing their Honors Thesis in isopod ecology in urban community gardens with the agroecology lab.

Previous 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.

  • 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.