Felícitas Chaverri Matamoros

Felícitas Chaverri Matamoros

Felícitas Chaverri Matamoros (1913-2012) was a prominent Costa Rican botanist and educator. She is best known for her extensive research on the flora of Costa Rica and her efforts to promote environmental education in the country.

Early Life and Education

Chaverri was born on February 2, 1913, in San José, Costa Rica. She developed an interest in botany at a young age, which led her to pursue a degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Costa Rica. After completing her undergraduate studies, she went on to earn a Master's degree in Botany from the University of Michigan in the United States.

Career

Upon returning to Costa Rica, Chaverri joined the faculty of the University of Costa Rica as a professor of botany. She was instrumental in establishing the university's Herbarium, which houses a vast collection of plant specimens from across the country. Chaverri also played a key role in the creation of the university's Botanical Garden, which serves as a valuable resource for both research and education.

In addition to her work at the university, Chaverri conducted extensive field research on the flora of Costa Rica. Her studies contributed significantly to the understanding of the country's biodiversity and led to the discovery of several new plant species.

Chaverri was also a passionate advocate for environmental education. She believed that fostering an appreciation for nature among young people was crucial for the conservation of Costa Rica's rich biodiversity. To this end, she developed a number of educational programs and resources aimed at promoting environmental awareness.

Legacy

Chaverri's contributions to botany and environmental education have had a lasting impact in Costa Rica and beyond. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, and several plant species have been named in her honor. Today, the University of Costa Rica's Herbarium and Botanical Garden continue to serve as important centers for botanical research and education, thanks in large part to Chaverri's pioneering efforts.

See Also

• List of botanists
• Flora of Costa Rica
• University of Costa Rica