Isabel Rivera-Collazo

Isabel Rivera-Collazo is a distinguished academic leader at the University of California-San Diego, where she spearheads the Climate Action Lab. Her work is at the intersection of climate action, justice, and resilience, with a particular focus on understanding the complex interactions between humans and their environment. As an Associate Professor, she delves into the realms of Biological, Ecological, and Human Adaptations to Climate Change, integrating disciplines such as earth sciences, archaeology, and marine ecology. Rivera-Collazo's research is deeply rooted in exploring how human societies adapt to catastrophic events and the implications of climate change on cultural heritage and coastal environments. Her expertise in geoarchaeology and marine science allows her to investigate submerged landscapes and the social vulnerabilities that arise from environmental changes, especially in coastal and marine regions. A significant aspect of Rivera-Collazo's work is her commitment to community engagement and collaboration. She actively partners with indigenous communities, including the Borikua/Taino in Puerto Rico and the Tongva community of Catalina Island in California. Through these collaborations, she aims to co-create research questions that are relevant to these communities and foster resilience against climate-related challenges. The Climate Action Lab under her leadership is a vibrant hub of interdisciplinary research, comprising faculty, researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, and a chief citizen scientist. Together, they contribute to a deeper understanding of the anthropological and ecological dimensions of climate change, striving to develop actionable insights that can inform policy and community practices. Rivera-Collazo's dedication to integrating scientific research with community needs exemplifies her holistic approach to addressing the pressing issues of climate change. Her work not only advances academic knowledge but also empowers communities to build resilience and adapt to the evolving environmental landscape. Through her innovative research and collaborative efforts, Isabel Rivera-Collazo continues to make significant contributions to the fields of anthropology, archaeology, and marine ecology, paving the way for sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.