Dr. Luis Carlos Beltrán

My research image

The Researcher

I got my BA in Biology & Environmental Studies from Lake Forest College (2011-15) and my PhD from the University of Illinois, Chicago (2016-21), working with Dr. Henry F. Howe on how initial tree species composition influences the recovery of biodiversity, forest structure, and ecological function in a tropical restoration experiment. I then moved back to my home country of Colombia for my postdoctoral training with Dr. Lilia Roa-Fuentes, working on a forest chronosequence study in Caquetá as well as continuing studies from Los Tuxtlas, Mexico, where the aforementioned restoration experiment is located. To learn more, please click on the Research tab.

Natural Photography

Natural photography is an integral part of my research and lifestyle. Regarding the former, a prerequisite to developing an effective strategy for ecological intervention is having a deep knowledge of local species and their natural history; photography is a great step towards obtaining that insight. Regarding the latter, simply put, I love the excitement behind photographing wild species!

Included below are some of my Award-Winning Photographs from the 2016 UIC BIOS Research Photo/Art Competition.

A Galapagos Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis ssp urinator) soars over the foamy waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Pelecanus
Species: Pelecanus occidentalis | Date: Dec 16, 2015 | Location: Galapagos Islands
A female, variegated squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides) hangs upside-down and enjoys a fruity meal from an American Black Nightshade.
Sp: Sciurus variegatoides | Date: May 18, 2016 | Location: Monteverde, Costa Rica
A trio of marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus ssp venustissimus) bask together over the volcanic rocks of Isla Española.
Species: Amblyrhynchus cristatus | Date: Jan 30, 2016 | Location: Galapagos Islands
A troop of the shimmering golden sugar ants (Camponotus sericeiventris) traverses leaf litter in Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico.
Sp: Camponotus sericeiventris | Date: May 18, 2017 | Location: Los Tuxtlas, Mexico

iNaturalist Sightings

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eBird Sightings

ebird-sighting-1 ebird-sighting-2

Redbubble Shop

For those who share a mutual interest for natural photography and want to support my work, a selection of my photos is available as postcards, on clothing, mousepads and many more through Redbubble!

Here's a sample! Click below to see my full portfolio.

Please ignore pricing above. Widget randomly references one of several products available, not the value of the photograph.