Congratulations to PhD student D. Vanessa Luna-Celino for receiving a prestigious UF International Center Research Abroad Grant for her dissertation work on fire management and governance in the Andes of Peru.  Vanessa’s research will explore how local Quechua communities govern the use of fire for agricultural practices in  the high Andes, including understanding measures to prevent uncontrolled burns, adaptation to changing climates, and sanctions. Her theoretical framework builds from Elinor Ostrom’s design principles for governance of common pool resources.  Vanessa’s project will include participant observation and surveys of key informants from communities, NGOs and the government.  To learn more about her project click here. Vanessa is beginning her third year in the PhD program in Interdisciplinary Ecology in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment; she is also active in UF’s Tropical Conservation and Development Program.