Daniela is a doctoral researcher and environmental scientist specializing in freshwater ecology, water governance, and political ecology in Andean regions affected by extractive industries. She holds a BSc in Biology (PUCE, Ecuador), an MSc in Ecology (University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands), and a Specialization in Policies of Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Ecosystem Services (Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, Ecuador). Her work explores how environmental knowledge is generated, shared, and applied in decision-making, with a focus on equity, justice, and sustainable management. Using mixed methods—field ecology, quantitative analysis, and policy research—she partners with communities, regulators, and agencies to drive evidence-based, socially responsive water governance.