Laia Andreu-Hayles is a Research Associate Professor at the Tree-Ring Lab of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University and a lecturer at the School of Professional Studies of Columbia University. Laia has been a researcher at the Observatory since 2009. She holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Barcelona and defended her Ph.D, which received a European Doctorate award mention, in October 2007 in Barcelona.
Laia is a tree-ring scientist that uses the data contained in tree rings and isotopic geochemistry to reconstruct past climate conditions and study the interactions between forests and the environment. Her research is focused on the study of past, current and future environmental changes. She seeks to understand the interactions between forests and the environment to provide a long-term context for the study of current anthropogenic change, its impacts on the terrestrial ecosystem, and the Earth’s climatic system. Her investigations are ongoing at sites located in the Mediterranean, Boreal and Tropical regions, which are ‘hot spots’ where some of the most dramatic environmental changes are already occurring. Laia has received fellowships and research awards, published more than 40 scientific peer-review papers and a book chapter, presented her findings at numerous international venues, and has been invited to international and national scientific panels.