A tropical ecologist’s bookshelf

Tropical forests as sources of inspiration for design and innovation.

As a scientist who studies tropical forests, reading helps me connect to the past, present, and future of tropical forests and the people whose livelihoods and experiences were shaped by and dependent on these biodiverse landscapes, including my own.

As a Mexican American, these books help give my life context and meaning and help me understand my family’s deep roots in Texas, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, and, of course, our colonial roots in Spain and Holland, too.

This is my mix of books for the coffee table, poolside, cocina, and laboratory.

I’m always searching for and adding new finds.

Inspiring Design - Nouveau Tropical