My name is Riley. I'm a tropical botanist, photographer, and conservationist currently pursuing my Ph.D. at the University of Miami in the Jungle Biology lab. 

As a researcher, I'm interested in tropical forests and how they are affected by climate change. To approach this challenge, I use botanical inventories across time and space to characterize changes in community composition across environmental gradients, to investigate changes in functional traits through time, and to explore patterns of plant endemism to inform conservation strategies. Read more about my research here.

As a photographer, I enjoy using imagery to showcase the wonder and beauty of tropical plants. Browse my photos here.

As a conservationist, I work with organizations such as the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon to promote and engage in conservation in the Amazon and beyond.