Dr. Emily Hollenbeck
Costa Rica
Tropical Biologist
Emily is a biogeographer and conservation biologist, rooted in tropical biology but with an interest in large-scale questions about environmental sustainability. She has been based in Monteverde, Costa Rica since 2011, where her field work has allowed her to deeply explore the tropical mountains that inspire her. Her dissertation research demonstrated the high vulnerability of tropical montane species (specifically epiphytes, or plants that grow up in the canopy) to climate change, and she received a PhD in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Brown University.
Since finishing her PhD, Emily has chosen to continue research and teaching outside of traditional academia. Emily is passionate about preparing the next generation to confront pressing environmental problems, and her path follows a strong conviction that being open to a variety of experiences makes her a better scientist, teacher and person. Professionally, she wears many hats: she teaches in the field, in the classroom, and online; collaborates on research documenting the impacts of climate change on tropical forests; and develops experimental curricula for innovative courses about sustainability and conservation around the world. She also works outdoors whenever possible, travels extensively, reads voraciously, climbs trees, grows food, and ultimately strives to understand and address the connection between humans and nature.