Catherine Cardelús, professor of biology and environmental studies, has been named as the next faculty director of the Upstate Institute, beginning July 1, 2021.
Cardelús earned her PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Connecticut. At Colgate, she teaches courses on biodiversity; evolution and ecology; tropical ecology, with extended study to Costa Rica; ecosystem ecology; and conservation biology and practice. Cardelús’ research has focused primarily on tropical forest canopies, asking the essential questions: what are the patterns of biodiversity, and how will biodiversity respond to a changing environment? She has conducted research in the rainforest of Costa Rica, where she studies the factors that control species richness and distribution. Most recently (June and October 2020), she has researched and published widely on the vulnerabilities and conservation of the sacred church forests of Ethiopia.
Cardelús has also focused significant research on the upstate region, examining the effects of acid rain in the Adirondacks, climate change in our region, and, through quantifying the local deer population annually and working with local officials, she has evaluated ways to address deer overpopulation. Cardelús has a longstanding commitment to having students explore areas of Madison County to study the complexities of our local ecosystem, understand the biological impacts and governmental policy in place, and work with them to provide data and ideas for the benefit of the local community, supporting the mutually beneficial goals of the Upstate Institute.