New year - it’s all about pollen!
Happy New Year, everyone! After a refreshing break, I’m back in full swing, and it’s been a whirlwind start to the year with new challenges and exciting tasks.
Pollen analysis has really taken the spotlight this month. I’m tackling samples from ecosystems I’ve never worked with before—white sand forests and terra firme. It’s a mix of fun and challenge, as I learn to identify hundreds of new pollen types. Double-checking every ID has been time-consuming, but it’s incredibly rewarding and definitely sharpening my skills.
We’ve also welcomed a new member to our team—Giulio, a master's student. He’s diving into morphometric measurements of palms and coca (Erythroxylaceae), and his proactive attitude has already made a noticeable impact. It’s always great to bring in fresh perspectives, and I’m excited to see where his research goes.
Meanwhile, Encarni and Mari are out in Ecuador, and their stories from the Amazon have been a breath of fresh air, especially as it’s Mari first field trip to the rainforest. Their excitement and new experiences remind me of just how amazing the Amazon is. I can't wait to hear more once they’re back, and to receive all the new samples they collected! More pollen for me, woo!
Beyond the lab, I’ve had some truly inspiring experiences. I visited Sebastião Salgado’s AMAZÔNIA exhibition here in Barcelona, which was nothing short of breathtaking. His black-and-white photographs beautifully captured the raw and complex beauty of the Amazon, and it left me reflecting on the fragility of the ecosystems and communities there. Many of the places Salgado documented in the 1990s have already been altered by outside influence, and some no longer exist as they once did. It’s a stark reminder that our photos, much like his, may one day become historical records of a changing world. But, echoing Salgado’s sentiment, I hope these images won’t merely serve as a record of a lost world, but that the Amazon and its indigenous communities will continue to thrive.
In connection with the exhibition, I also attended an enlightening talk by Mireira Campanera on the indigenous Kukama-Kuamiria (or Cocama-Cocamilla) communities of the Marañon River, whom I’ve also worked with. Hearing about their traditions and beliefs from an anthropologist’s perspective was both fascinating and thought-provoking. We discussed the challenges they face in the context of climate change, and I found her insights very inspiring. I’m hopeful this connection will lead to future collaborations!
Looking ahead, we’re in full prep mode for the “Science is Wonderful” fair in Brussels this March. Our booth is shaping up to be a real highlight, and we’re printing some fantastic 3D pollen models for interactive activities. I’m really looking forward to engaging with visitors and sharing our research in a new and exciting way. Thanks to Giulio for printing these, and especially to Oli Wilson for providing the models! Check out Oli’s 3D pollen project here.
The year is off to a strong start, and I’m energized about what’s to come.
Stay tuned for more updates!
-Dael
