SPATIAL ECOLOGY OF WORKING LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Dr. Osorio Leyton leads the Spatial Ecology for Working Lands Laboratory, which conducts research in spatial ecology within agricultural systems. He uses data-driven methods to study ecological processes across diverse landscapes and scales. He collects data using advanced techniques such as drone and satellite imagery, integrating these with field measurements, geospatial tools, and statistical models. This approach directly enhances land management practices, promotes sustainable agricultural productivity, and builds resilience to environmental challenges. His research leverages process-based models, machine learning, and information systems to analyze data, assess risks, adapt management strategies, and measure the impact of decisions on the ecological and economic outcomes of working lands. Through spatial and temporal analysis, Dr. Osorio Leyton deepens understanding of cropland, pastureland, and rangeland ecosystems to support sustainable land management. The lab’s work helps land managers, agencies, and policymakers manage risk, maintain productivity, adapt management practices, and support conservation planning. In addition, his research experience includes the development and application of simulation models to support data-driven decision-making for agriculture and natural resource management. Dr. Osorio Leyton leads a USDA-funded project focused on improving carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emission estimation in agriculture. He also oversees data analysis and modeling research for USDA's conservation and economic divisions, informing agricultural and conservation policies related to climate adaptation, water and soil quality, food security, and rural stability. Dr. Osorio Leyton collaborates on two key projects: The Prairie Project (USDA NIFA), addressing ecological challenges in grasslands using sensing technologies and modeling, and the Predictive Livestock Early Warning System (PLEWS) in East Africa (UN FAO), which aims to improve livestock management through early warning systems. Dr. Osorio Leyton received his Ph.D. in Biological Systems Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, his M.S. in Animal Production from the National Agrarian University La Molina (Peru), and his B.E. in Agronomy from the University of San Simón (Bolivia). He serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of International Soil and Water Conservation Research (ISWCR). He is a member of Alpha Epsilon (Honor Society of Agricultural, Food, and Biological Engineering), the Society for Range Management (SRM), the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), and the Bolivian Society of Engineers (SBI).

Undergraduate Education

B.E., Agronomy Engineering, University of San Simon

Graduate Education

M.S., Animal Science, National Agrarian University

Ph.D., Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech