Doctor Arbo

Dr Arbo is a curious and enthusiastic arborist, a tree doctor. There are many like her living inside the trees. They are the guardians of the forest, and help the trees stay healthy and happy.

Dr Arbo and her friends use an amazing underground fungal system, called the mycorrhizal network, to navigate the world and reach all forests, from boreal to tropical.

They communicate with each other, and with all the creatures living in and on the trees, the soil and under it. They can also communicate with children and whoever still keeps the magic inside their hearts...So pay attention next time you are in a forest, or near a tree...listen carefully, you might hear Dr Arbo. Bring a magnifier, you might also see her and her friends!

cartoon character, Dr.Arbo, dressed as a lab arborist holding a book.©2024.IvónHassel
cartoon character, Dr.Arbo, dressed as a lab arborist holding a book.©2024.IvónHassel
Cartoon letters Dr.Arbo. ©2024.IvónHassel
Cartoon letters Dr.Arbo. ©2024.IvónHassel

About the Author

Ivón is a passionate explorer and researcher with a heart full of curiosity. From land rich in trees but scarce in resources, she left her hometown in Argentina, family, and familiar comforts to embark on a journey of self-discovery and adventure.

She is a building engineer, who throughout her travels, has immersed herself in diverse cultures, savoring new tastes and sights. Briefly lived in Israel, where she witnessed firsthand how agriculture transformed a landscape and changed lives. Backpacked through almost all of Southeast Asia, as well as India and Europe, where she met incredible people and formed bonds that transcended distance and experiencing the powerful connections that bind us all.

Her academic journey took her to Kyoto, Japan, where she earned her master’s and PhD from the Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, RISH. Fascinated by the unique blend of tradition and innovation, she found Japan to be her magical land. She got fascinated by sustainability and cultural preservation, including the study of traditional architectural techniques. Committed to conservation goals, helped developing a unique device to test mechanical properties of materials using digital image analysis. This device, which optimizes resource use by requiring only one sample, has been instrumental in projects like the Vasa ship restoration.

Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys illustrating, writing, and storytelling. She loves creating fun environments through building projects that incorporate diverse materials and refurbishing various items, from furniture to fabrics. A passionate advocate for children's education, she designs engaging activities related to science and experimental discoveries with her own children as main sources of inspiration.

She believes strongly in the interconnectedness of all things and aims to inspire hope and unity among children worldwide. The world's beauty is diverse and magical, and she is committed to helping protect it for future generations.

Currently, she is focused on developing projects aligned with sustainable development and sustainable project management, while also seeking opportunities for collaboration and research.

Photo of Ivón Hassel with a background of yellow autumn leaves
Photo of Ivón Hassel with a background of yellow autumn leaves