Members in Action: Susy Lewis, University of Guyana

Susy Lewis is a lecturer in the Department of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Guyana. For the past 15 years, Susy has given lectures on Forest Ecology, Dendrology, Silviculture, and Geographic Information Systems, and Remote Sensing. She is also a Biodiversity Ph.D. candidate at the same university.

What projects are you working on right now?

I am currently working on my doctoral research project. The project aims to evaluate the plant colonization process of bauxite mine lands in the Demerara-Berbice river basins of Guyana. Even though bauxite mining and its infrastructure is associated with deforestation and landscape fragmentation, it is good news to know that plant colonization occurs in abandoned bauxite residue storage area. Familiarizing with the post-bauxite mine landscape is my task right now. And in order to accomplish this task I am preparing land cover maps and using landscape metrics to be able to understand the landscape structure.

What do you find most rewarding about working for your organization?

The unique opportunity to interact with students from different ethnic groups is the most amazing part of my job at the University of Guyana. For the past 15 years as a lecturer, I have enjoyed the opportunity to lecture several courses and supervise many undergraduate research projects.

How long have you been a member of SER? What’s your best experience thus far?

I became an official member of SER one year ago. I was encouraged by my colleagues to become a member of SER and follow the society's work since my field of study is in restoration. So far, the level of information sharing and the webinars is appreciated.

What was your childhood dream job?

When I was a little girl, I used to study between the branches of mango tree. My hobby was reading aloud while I was eating mangoes. I also wanted to cultivate flowers and fruit trees thus my interest in Silviculture.

What’s your favorite moment of your career so far?

My favorite moment is when I learning something new by doing it.

Why would you encourage others, particularly young people, to get involved in this field?

The future of the remaining tropical forest lies in the hands of young people. Young people in the field of Forestry are passionate about controlling deforestation and restoring forest loss. The future of the remaining tropical forest lies in the hands of the young generation. Guyana presents a host of opportunities for studies in Restoration and Forestry as whole.

Guilty pleasure: What can you not live without?

Walking. Preferable in a park.