Titles

• PhD Student, Environmental Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Biography

I grew up in a coastal town in Venezuela where I witnessed first-hand the importance of ocean preservation. As in any coastal community, and especially in a developing country, ocean health directly impacts people’s livelihood, health, and enjoyment. In my quest to become a marine ecologist, I obtained a B.S. Degree in Biology with a Music Minor from Northeastern Illinois University (Chicago, IL), did a year of post-bacc research in marine ecology at the University of Chicago, and volunteered at the John G. Shedd Aquarium’s Marine Mammals and Education Departments. I am currently pursuing my PhD degree at Arizona State University’s Environmental Life Sciences Program, where I am focusing my studies in marine ecology and marine conservation biology as part of the Gerber Lab. I continuously participate in outreach activities because I am committed to educating the public about marine welfare affairs, as well as serve as a mentor to future generations of marine scientists, and especially those from underrepresented communities.

My research interests involve the study of the ecological impacts that anthropogenic (human-caused) activities have on marine ecosystems, and particularly on cetacean populations. I also look to combine my music studies with my scientific studies to better understand cetacean acoustics and communication, and how these relate to other aspects of cetacean life. My ultimate goal is to pursue the knowledge that will allow us to understand these species in a way that will facilitate their conservation.

Education

• BS, Biology (with Music minor), Northeastern Illinois University, 2012
• AA (with high honors), Harry S. Truman College, Chicago, IL, 2010

External Links

• Website