Lectures

October 9th, 2026 | 12 a.m.

Online Only!

Species invasions pose a serious ecological threat to the arid and semi-arid regions of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. Effective monitoring and management of these extensive, topographically diverse drylands require advanced spatial technologies. This presentation presents a two-part framework for analyzing invasive plant behavior using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and Species Distribution Modeling (SDM). The first part covers the key methodological principles of geospatial science in invasion ecology, emphasizing the use of multitemporal satellite imagery to detect seasonal phenological changes and SDM workflows for ecological niche modeling. The second part showcases two research questions focused on high-impact Cenchrus species. The first focuses on the geographic distribution of buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) habitat suitability across the biotic communities of the southwestern United States. The second assesses habitat suitability and invasion risk of fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus) across different elevations and microclimates. By combining spatial technologies with ecological field data, this approach underscores how GIS and remote sensing improve early detection, pinpoint vulnerable ecosystems, and guide cross-border management efforts in shared desert landscapes.

Fabio Suzart de Albuquerque obtained his doctorate in 2009 from the Universidad de Alcalá (Spain). His dissertation focused on the biogeographical patterns of plants. As a postdoctoral scholar, he examined the role of climatic and human factors in governing the spatial distribution of tree species in Mesoamerica. In addition, he helped develop new approaches to identify priority areas for conservation on broad and local scales. He is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Applied Sciences and Arts in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University.

He is a conservation ecologist and a biogeographer. His research is aimed at (i) developing modeling tools to identify the drivers of species diversity, (ii) developing new approaches to identify priority areas for conservation, and (iii) evaluating innovative geostatistical approaches that account for the complexity in structure and composition of ecosystems to mitigate disturbance and climate change impacts.

Fábio also aims to identify and remove systematic barriers (e.g., self-aggregation, stereotyping, and stigmatization) that prevent people from accessing resources and progressing in their careers.

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