I am interested in biodiversity and conservation issues in Central America, especially El Salvador which has suffered extreme habitat fragmentation and environmental degradation, yet is located in one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. My doctoral thesis includes studies of biodiversity in coffee plantations and adjoining natural forest habitats. Among my research questions are (1) what kinds of habitat structure in shaded (or forest-grown) coffee plantations permit conservation of biodiversity within these plantations? and (2) how are forest bird species distributed through natural and man-made habitats in El Salvador? The answers to these questions may contribute to the design and management of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.