 |
Rolando Célleri Alvear |
About
I do research in water resources in the Tropical Andes, combining modern field techniques, sensors and lab analyses to understand hydrological and hydrometeorological processes as well as the impacts of global change.
My first goal is to advance the understanding of the hydrological cycle in Andean ecosystems, from rainfall formation to runoff generation. In the tropical Andes, people rely on water generated at small to medium size headwater catchments; so, soil water regulation and the feedbacks between weather and vegetation are key.
My second goal is to reduce the vulnerability of tropical Andean communities to climate variability and change as well as land use change. Climate projections predict an intensification of the water cycle with drier summer periods. If water demand for irrigation and drinking water continues to increase, this will lead to water scarcity and conflicts. The open question is how to achieve the SDG given our changing conditions; and for this we have to understand our socio-ecological systems.
Currently my projects focus on topics such as spatio-temporal rainfall variability, discharge forecasting, ecohydrological processes and integrated water resources management. In all of them there are fieldwork and modelling activities.
I am also interested in ecosystem services and integrated rural development.
Academic appointments
Head of GCTA (2009 – 2013)
Head of iDRHICA (2013 – 2019, 2021-present)
Director of the Doctoral program in Water Resources (2015 – 2018)
Teaching
Undergraduate: Hydrological processes; Watershed management; Research methodology
MSc: Hydrology of Andean ecosystems; Ecohydrology; Environmental modelling; Hydrological modelling; Academic writing
PhD: Integrated water resources management; Academic writing
More details are in my CV