Maria Velez

Maria Velez is a Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Regina, Faculty of Science. She serves as the Geology Seminar Series Coordinator and is actively engaged in research and teaching in paleontology and Quaternary geology.

Her research interests include:

• Paleoclimatology and paleoenvironmental reconstruction
• Quaternary environmental change in the Neotropics and Saskatchewan
• Diatom-based analysis of aquatic ecosystems
• Impacts of climate and human activities on lake systems
• Cretaceous microfossils and lower Paleozoic trilobites

Maria Velez's recent publications (2013–2021) demonstrate a strong focus on Holocene and Pleistocene environmental dynamics, particularly in tropical and temperate regions. Her work integrates micropaleontology, sedimentology, and isotope geochemistry to understand long-term ecosystem responses to climate variability and anthropogenic pressures. Key themes include drought impacts on shallow lakes, post-colonial environmental degradation, and the paleoecological effects of European arrival in the Neotropics. Her research spans diverse geographical areas including Colombia, Argentina, Panama, Saskatchewan, and Mauritius, often in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams.

She has contributed to high-impact journals such as Quaternary Science Reviews, The Holocene, Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, and Journal of Paleolimnology. While specific scientific awards are not listed, her extensive publication record and leadership in international research collaborations reflect significant scholarly recognition.

Maria Velez advises students and leads research projects related to paleoenvironmental reconstruction, though no specific student names are listed. She teaches undergraduate courses including GEOL 201 (Internal Processes of the Earth), GEOL 241 (Paleontology), GEOL 240 (Earth’s Systems History), GEOL 414 (Geology of Siliciclastic Rocks), and specialized courses on Quaternary environments and micropaleontology. Her work contributes to both academic knowledge and practical applications in ecosystem conservation and water security.

She is involved in field-based research and has worked on projects involving Cenozoic and Cretaceous stratigraphy, lake sediment analysis, and paleoclimatic modeling, often in collaboration with researchers across Latin America and Canada.