Talks, Trailers, and Teamwork
As I move into the latter half of my first year, the project’s dynamic has shifted from an intensive phase of preparation to one where several key elements are converging.
In the lab, I wrapped up the final stage of sample processing this month. I now have the first set of surface samples from our July fieldwork ready for analysis. The time spent training in handling hydrofluoric acid and processing these challenging samples, particularly the white sand forest samples, has paid off. Now begins the quieter but equally intensive phase of sitting down at the microscope to count and identify pollen grains. It’s the kind of work where you can lose yourself for hours, with a good podcast in the background and an ever-growing spreadsheet of data in front of you.
One of the most significant highlights this past month was the international networking workshop for the AMAPOLLEN project, which we hosted at GEO3BCN-CSIC and was attended by collaborators from Peru and Ecuador. It was an invigorating experience to be part of such an interdisciplinary gathering where minds came together to think about new research questions and exchange ideas, specifically about the recognition of cultural forests in Peru and Ecuador through the implementation of advanced satellite mapping techniques and species recognition, archaeological information and, of course, modern pollen assemblages.
Earlier this month, I also had the opportunity to present my project at our institute and share my fieldwork experiences with my colleagues and friends. This talk was a rewarding experience; it allowed me to reflect on how far the project has come and share insights with fellow researchers who are mostly geologists, which also gave me a chance to explain my project from the basics of pollen transport and idenfitication to the intricacies of climate modelling.
A major moment of excitement came with the completion of the production and editing phase for Echoes of the Rainforest, my documentary exploring the Amazon's importance and the role palaeoecology plays in conservation. The project has been close to my heart, involving filmiing during fieldwork, many interviews, and countless hours editing on Premiere Pro. Last week, we released the official trailer, giving a glimpse into what audiences can expect from the film. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out here.
Looking ahead, I expect November to be equally packed, with the analysis phase continuing and preparations for the documentary premiere ramping up. Stay tuned for updates, and don’t forget to follow along on our social media channels to catch behind-the-scenes glimpses of Echoes of the Rainforest and more.
Until next time,
–Dael
