David Nouya Zaya

David Nouya Zaya is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Botany at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the Illinois Natural History Survey. His work bridges plant genetics, conservation biology, and ecological modeling, focusing on rare and invasive plant species.

Research Interests:

• Plant genetics and hybridization
• Conservation of endangered species
• Impact of invasive species on ecosystems
• Phenology and climate change
• Ecological modeling and data validation

Recent Publications highlight trends in invasive shrub detection via LiDAR, genetic diversity studies in endemic plants, and long-term phenological shifts linked to climate change. His contributions span peer-reviewed journals in Urban Forestry, Ecology and Evolution, and Natural Areas Journal.

Collaborations include partnerships with Brenda Molano-Flores, Greg Spyreas, and others, emphasizing field validation, conservation planning, and ecological data analysis. No scientific awards or student advisories are documented in the provided data.