acknowledgements.qmd

# Acknowledgements {.unnumbered}

Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to Arturo Sánchez for providing me
with the opportunity to contribute to the Tropi-dry project in Santa Rosa
National Park, Costa Rica. Climbing the towers and delving into the remote
sensing field for the first time was both an enjoyable and enriching experience.
I am especially thankful for the encouragement to pursue graduate studies and
the invaluable assistance in facilitating my journey to Canada, allowing me to
become a part of the CEOS lab. Also, I want to thank Richard Fernandes whose
guidance has been instrumental in pushing me further and navigating through a
research area that has become truly fascinating to me. I appreciate your
patience in answering my questions and explaining several concepts. Your
mentorship has been incredibly helpful to me.

Also, thanks to the many individuals who supported me before and during this
journey. To my friend J. Antonio Guzmán Q. who helped me a lot in my transition
from Costa Rica to Canada and for all his advice in an academic career path. To
my ixpantia colleagues, who generously took the time to assist me when I
encountered coding puzzles, and especially to my friend Frans Van Dunné who took
the time to not just explain me technical programming concepts but also took the
time for advising me on career path decisions and life. Your support was
invaluable. To my CEOS lab partners, thank you for helping me navigate the
various aspects of graduate studies and for all your constructive feedback on my
research.

Finally, heartfelt thanks to my family, who believe in me more than I do. To
María, a constant source of happiness and support despite the distance,
navigating with me through all the ups and downs. To my mother, whom I strive to
emulate in many aspects of my life. Your resilience in facing life, even in
challenging moments, is truly admirable. Thank you for taking care of me, even
when I knew you were carrying so much on your shoulders. Special thanks to my
grandmother, Abi, who always encouraged me to study. She knew that, regardless
of circumstances, education was our path to a better quality of life.

My Master’s culmination was made financially possible, thanks to the Canadian
Centre for Remote Sensing through its Research Affiliate Program Bursary
Agreement, and the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department, which supported me
through teaching assistantships. Addition- ally, I had the opportunity to
participate in the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting 2022 to present my
research, thanks to funding provided by the University of Alberta through the
Mary Louise Imrie Graduate Student Award and the Graduate Students’ Association
Academic Travel Grant.

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