Dr. Giulia Curatola Fernandez

Research Associate

Unit Land Systems and Sustainable Land Management

Phone
+41 31 684 32 93
E-Mail
giulia.curatola@unibe.ch
Office
107
Postal Address
Universität Bern
Geographisches Institut
Hallerstrasse 12
CH-3012 Bern

My research topic is the detection and analysis of landscape transformations through mixed quantitative and qualitative methods based on remote sensing and GIS. Specifically, I focus on the patterns and drivers of land use/cover change in tropical regions. By applying a transdisciplinary approach, the ultimate goal of my work is to improve current land management practices towards more sustainable production systems, protecting cultural and natural landscapes and preserving pristine ecosystems.

 

Research

Research focus

  • Land use/cover change detection
  • Deforestation drivers
  • Forest fragmentation
  • Mapping of tropical mountain peatlands
  • Vegetation spectroscopy
  • Community-based conservation

Further professional interests

  • Ecosystem function and services
  • Invasive species
  • Land degradation
  • Food systems

Field experience

Madre de Dios, Amazonas and Ancash (Peru), Loja and Zamora (Ecuador)

Publications

Publication Year Type

Other

Curriculum vitae

Education

2018:

PhD in Natural Sciences, Laboratory for Climatology and Remote Sensing, Faculty of Geography, University of Marburg (DE)

Dissertation on the spatio-temporal distribution patterns an of an invasive species linked to human-induced fires and deforestation in southern Ecuador

2009:

Licenciatura in Geography, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PE)

Dissertation on the spatial distribution patterns of a native amazonian tree as indicator of anthropogenic forest disturbance in Madre de Dios, Peru

2007:

BSc in Geography, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PE)

2006:

Academic exchange year at the University of Fribourg (CH)

Professional experience

09/2020-06/2022:

Scientific Advisor, Peruvian Society for Environmental Law, Lima (PE)

01/2020-08/2020:

Postdoctoral researcher, Institute for Nature, Earth and Energy, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Lima (PE)

03/2019-12/2019:

Scientific Advisor, Peruvian Society for Environmental Law, Lima (PE)

09/2018-03/2019:

Returning Expert, GIZ / Peruvian Society for Environmental Law, Lima (PE)

03/2010-05/2018:

Scientific assistant, Laboratory for Climatology and Remote Sensing, University of Marburg (DE)

03/2008-06/2009:

Lecturer and teaching assistant, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PE)

12/2007-03/2008:

Research assistant, Resident Naturalist program, Explorer’s Inn Lodge, Madre de Dios (PE)

11/2005- 04/2006:

Pre-professional intern, GIS department of the Ministry of Education, Lima (PE)

01/2005- 04/2005:

Pre-professional intern, NGO Practical Action, Huaraz (PE)

 

Languages

Spanish, Italian, German, English and French

Teaching

Herbstsemester

  • Kolloquium Geographien der Nachhaltigkeit
  • Forschungspraktikum Geographien der Nachhaltigkeit

Frühlingssemester

  • Feldkurs Integrative Geographie
  • Vorlesung + Übungen Geographien der Nachhaltigkeit
  • Kolloquium Geographien der Nachhaltigkeit
  • Forschungspraktikum Geographien der Nachhaltigkeit
  • Vorlesung Sustainability in the Anthropocene

Activities and Services

Memberships

Reviewer

  • Environmental Conservation
  • Ecology and Society
  • Geocarto
  • Land

Activities and Services

Memberships

Reviewer

  • Environmental Conservation
  • Ecology and Society
  • Geocarto
  • Land