On October 24th, WINGS WorldQuest will induct five new Fellows during our 2024 Women of Discovery Awards Gala in New York City. In a special Q&A series, we are sharing a little bit about each honoree. Ruthmery Pillco is a Peruvian biologist who works on conservation and biodiversity projects in the rainforests of Costa Rica and Peru. In Costa Rica, she has led conservation projects for rare and threatened trees on the Osa Peninsula, conducting inventories of flora and germinating threatened trees for use in restoration projects.
WINGS: Tell us your story. How did you get involved in science and your field specifically?
RUTHMERY PILLCO:Growing up in the serene embrace of the Andean province of Paruro, Cusco, I spent my childhood surrounded by the vibrant whispers of nature. My father dedicated his life to reforestation projects, and from an early age, I was by his side, gathering seeds and planting trees. Meanwhile, my mother, a healer influenced by her lineage, introduced me to the wonders of medicinal plants. Together, we would wander the lush landscapes, collecting herbs infused with the essence of our ancestors’ wisdom.
As my grandmother shared her tales, I was captivated by the dreams she had once harbored—of adventure and exploration, stifled by familial responsibilities and the hardships of single motherhood. Her stories fueled my curiosity about the wider world. I often found solace in quiet conversations with animals, feeling a connection to all living things.
While my parents envisioned a future for me in human medicine—a prestigious and lucrative career—I felt an undeniable pull towards biology. When I finally enrolled at the University of Cusco and made my choice, I knew I was forging my own path. My first expedition into the jungle was transformative; the vibrant ecosystems breathed life into my dormant dreams and deepened my affection for all flora.
My journey took a pivotal turn when I met Dr. Andrew Whitworth, a mentor who illuminated the path of research and collaboration on an international scale. As I embraced opportunities beyond Cusco, I focused my undergraduate thesis on the endangered choro monkey, leading me on two years of adventurous fieldwork across Peru.
During my explorations for endangered species—birds and frogs alike—I developed a profound connection with local communities. Climbing trees and navigating forests, my fascination with plant-animal interactions grew deeper. This culminated in my role at Conservacion Osa in Costa Rica, where I spearheaded a project to conserve rare trees.
However, my dreams soared higher when I received a call that would change everything: a chance to work with Andean bears in Peru, the majestic creatures I had dreamed of since childhood. Now, I’m leading a vital conservation program in the buffer zone of Manu National Park, intertwining scientific research with community engagement and education.
In these mountains, I’ve found my purpose. With every tree planted and every lesson shared, I am committed to conserving the rich tapestry of life that connects us all. Through collaboration with communities, scientists, and government agencies, I am determined to protect our ecosystems for generations to come. My journey continues, and I invite others to join me in this relentless pursuit of harmony with nature.
WINGS: What is something you would like people to understand about your work?
RUTHMERY PILLCO: I work in the conservation of Andean montane forest and high-altitude grassland ecosystems through scientific activities, environmental education, and community restoration projects. It is my hope that people will appreciate these vital ecosystems for their critical role in the water cycle. By doing so, current and future generations can continue to enjoy the ecosystem services they provide to our home.
WINGS: What are the greatest barriers to more women working in science?
RUTHMERY PILLCO: One significant barrier woman face in science is the pressure to decide on starting a family as their biological clock ticks. This challenge is even more pronounced for those working in remote locations, where family pressures make it tough to balance career and personal life. Often, it’s not possible to manage both. However, being a woman is also a tremendous strength. Our resilience, maternal instinct, and nurturing nature make us excellent at teamwork and dedicated to protecting and conserving the natural world and all its living beings.
WINGS: What gets you up in the morning?
RUTHMERY PILLCO: What gets me up in the morning is knowing that my work helps animals continue to roam the forests, plants keep blooming, insects keep pollinating, and fungi keep connecting the trees. It’s the thought that children and adults can enjoy nature, and that I can wake up to see mountains draped in clouds while sipping my tea. I am driven by the hope that future generations will cherish this natural world as we do.
WINGS: What’s your next challenge?
RUTHMERY PILLCO: My next challenge is to create a foundation dedicated to supporting environmental education by empowering children in remote highland and native communities. The aim is to provide opportunities for them to connect with nature and inspire them to be open-minded. We want them to see that there is a path and a future beyond our village bubbles, and that they can achieve more after finishing school. Our goal is to prepare leaders who understand threats and can be resilient in the face of climate change.
WINGS: Describe yourself in three words.
RUTHMERY PILLCO: I describe myself as resilient, passionate and innovative
