She has conducted research and worked toward reversing the negative effects of deforestation in Costa Rica.

“Tropical deforestation is occurring rapidly … the tropics are well known for having high levels of biodiversity,” Lindell said.

Lindell’s research also focuses on birds and how they work to help the ecosystem and prevent deforestation.

“It’s a snowballing process. The birds bring more trees in,” Lindell said.

Lindell also said she enjoys working with birds because they have a large role in restoring the ecosystem.

“(Birds) are active during the day which makes it easier to conduct observations,” Lindell said.

A typical day of researching for Lindell includes field sampling, conducting observations and using mist nets to capture birds and mark them before setting them free.

“Species perform functions that we are not even aware of, like the species found in streams that provide food for fish,” Lindell said.