Jolene Saldivar
NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow San Diego State University |
Hi, I'm Jolene! I study plant–insect interactions, with a particular focus on butterflies and native plant communities. I earned my PhD in Plant Biology from the University of California, Riverside, and previously held a UC Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Davis.
My research explores how environmental change reshapes ecological interactions and biodiversity, with a focus on butterfly–plant networks. Working in Mediterranean-type ecosystems—particularly California’s endangered coastal sage scrub—I integrate field ecology, community science data, and climate analyses to uncover the drivers of insect populations and inform conservation in rapidly changing landscapes. As a first-generation college graduate, disabled US Air Force veteran, the granddaughter of migrant farm workers, raised by a single-mother in a system-impacted family, I'm deeply committed to advancing the recruitment and retainment of members of groups historically underrepresented in STEM. Through active mentorship and outreach, I share my research, provide training in technical skills, and offer guidance and resources to those navigating higher education, working to make science more inclusive and accessible. |
UpdatesFebruary 2026 Our newest paper, "Endemic Castilleja grisea support diverse pollinator assemblage with implications for promoting local plant communities", has been published in the Journal of Pollination Ecology. Read it open access here! December 2025 I wrapped up my research talks for 2025 this month. I was invited to six talks for audiences ranging from K-12 teachers, the general public, community college students, and various universities throughout California. Thank you to the Biology Department at Sonoma State University; the Department of Biological Sciences at MiraCosta College (Oceanside); the North American Monarch Institute at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park; the Biological Sciences Department at the University of the Pacific (Stockton); the UC San Diego Natural Reserve System Spring Research Symposium team; the UC PPFP Spring Academic Retreat in Lake Arrowhead; and the Department of Biology at SDSU for the opportunity to share my research and my personal journey to and around academia. September 2025 The Rancho Encinalito biodiversity and conservation evaluation I was involved in during graduate school has been published! The binational project, involving University of California researchers, multiple Mexican organizations, and local landowners, was conducted in the Sierra La Laguna of Baja California Sur, Mexico. This effort is part of a broader initiative to protect a conservation corridor connected to the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve while supporting local communities in transitioning to sustainable livelihoods, developing ecotourism opportunities, and establishing a research station in partnership with the UC Natural Reserve System to support long-term research and conservation that benefits the local community. As part of this work, I documented the butterfly community and authored a section outlining my findings, along with recommendations for Lepiodoptera-specific conservation efforts (pp. 95-96). Learn more about the project and read the full report here. August 2025 My UC Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Yang Lab at UC Davis wrapped up in June, and I started my NSF PRFB in the Barber Lab at SDSU this month. I'd like to thank the Yang Lab for a great first postdoc experience! |
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