patina.mendez@berkeley.edu
Website: www.patinamendez.com
229 Mulford
I am an aquatic ecologist studying life history, community ecology, and evolutionary history in benthic macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects and other bottom-dwelling freshwater fauna). My research examines how physical and environmental habitat variability affects the growth and phenological timing of life stages of aquatic insects and how the life history traits of ecological communities are reflective of the physical habitat. I also work on evolutionary biology of Trichoptera (caddisflies) and have a strong interest in coordinating collaborative web resources for scientists.
I received my Ph. D. from the Department of Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management from the University of California Berkeley in 2007 and researched as a University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Fellow in the University of Minnesota Insect Collection from 2007-2009. My undergraduate degrees are in Zoology (B.S.) and Studio Art (B.A.) from the University of Texas at Austin. Since 2009, I have taught ESPM 175 (formerly ES 196): Senior Seminar in Environmental Sciences. At UC Berkeley, I have also have taught a number of courses in my research area, including research methods in environmental sciences. More details are available on my research site.