Biography
Nilver Tovar-Ospina is the first Colombian Ph.D. candidate in Anthropology and the first in his subfield, Environmental Anthropology. His research is at the forefront of climate justice and environmental inequality, focusing on the impacts of sea-level rise and adaptation disparities through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI), Participatory GIS (PGIS), and qualitative research methods.
With a Bachelor of Science in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering and Management from Surcolombiana University in Colombia, Nilver’s work extends far beyond climate research. His interdisciplinary expertise, rooted in the fundamental sciences, includes assessing the socio-economic and environmental impacts of large-scale construction projects; investigating the effects of tourism on Indigenous communities and cultural preservation; examining the dangers of carcinogenic pesticides in vulnerable rural populations and their implications for global food security; and conducting biodiversity assessments to inform conservation strategies and urban development plans.
His pioneering research and interdisciplinary impact have earned him two consecutive TCAEF awards at UCF. In 2025, he was chosen as one of only three students to receive the prestigious Faculty Cluster Initiatives (FCI) Award for his groundbreaking contributions. Beyond academia, Nilver is a passionate advocate for decolonizing knowledge production and making research accessible to everyone, especially those outside traditional academic institutions. He challenges the dominance of Western educational frameworks, acknowledging that while education is a powerful tool for progress, it has historically marginalized diverse knowledge systems and cultural perspectives. His mission is to bridge this gap, ensuring that environmental research benefits the communities most affected by climate change. Through public engagement, environmental advocacy, and educational outreach, Nilver is dedicated to building climate and environmental resilience, promoting sustainability, and inspiring future generations to take action to protect our planet’s biodiversity.
Research Interests/Specializations:
- Environmental Anthropology
- Sea-Level Rise (SLR) impacts and adaptation disparities in Southeast Florida area
- GIS, VGI, & PGIS
- FEW (food, energy, water) nexuses philosophy
- Identification of carcinogenic pesticides