Pioneering Rangeland Ecologist and Environmental Scientist
Associated with :
The University of IcelandIsabel C Barrio serves as an Associate Professor at the Agricultural University of Iceland, where she has established herself as a leading expert in rangeland ecology and management, with a particular focus on studying the ecological impacts of sheep grazing in Iceland's unique landscape. Her academic journey began with a PhD studying rabbit population management in Southern Spain, followed by enriching postdoctoral experiences at the University of Alberta and the University of Iceland, which helped shape her comprehensive understanding of ecosystem dynamics. At the Agricultural University of Iceland, she combines her teaching responsibilities with groundbreaking research on tundra ecosystems and plant-herbivore interactions, making significant contributions to understanding how grazing impacts vegetation patterns and soil stability in Iceland's highland ranges. Her work extends beyond the classroom as she actively participates in the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme under UNESCO, collaborates with international researchers, and supervises students while conducting vital field research to understand ecosystem responses to environmental changes. Operating from the university's distinctive campus within the Hvanneyri nature reserve, she continues to advance sustainable development in agriculture and environmental sciences, bringing together practical experience and academic expertise to address critical environmental challenges in Iceland's unique ecological context.