I came to the UPRRP Herbarium in August of 2005 to work on the database project; since I have been interest in the technological aspects of the herbarium and access to information. I coordinate databasing and scanning; review data quality for BRAHMS database and for images; and design and update the Internet page.

As a biologist, my primary interest is in Bryophytes. My master dissertation, under the advice of Dr. Inés Sastre from UPR Mayaguez, was on the development of paraphyses in the moss Neckeropsis (Neckeraceae). 

In the herbarium, I collect and identify the bryophytes with the help of undergraduate student Silvia Galva. We are preparing a preliminary checklist for the mosses of Cahrco Azul, Carite Forest (poster).

Also I’m concern about science education in school, specifically the K- 3 level. Since 2004 I participate with AlACiMa in workshops and other activities for teacher of primary school.

Collecting plants for the Herbarium

Fissidens from Carite Forest

Fertilize archegonia with paraphyses in Neckeropsis disticha

Bryophytes from Charco Azul, Carite Forest Reserve

Articles:

Merced-Alejandro, A. & I. Sastre-DJ.  2009.  A sequence for the development of paraphyses in Neckeropsis (Neckeraceae). The Bryologist. Vol. 112, Num 2. 2009.

Resources:

Internet page Presentation

Photo Album

Mosses of North Carolina