ABOUT
Picture of an Andean landscape taken in the place where I learned to love nature and first had the dream of being an environmental scientist (Supata, Colombia 2008)
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I am an environmental and social scientist, artist, enthusiast for nature, global cultures, use-inspired research, community service and social change. I work at the nexus of science, communications and policy, joining efforts with multidisciplinary teams to develop projects that aim to create solutions to some of today's most pressing environmental issues. Through my work I also aim to advance public engagement in science and sustainability.
I am currently the research development officer for the Institute of Water and Environment at Florida International University (FIU) and have previously worked as a program manager of environmental education and outreach programs at the university. I have also worked in government agencies (US Agency of International Development and Florida Department of Transportation) in policy, conservation and research projects. . A sneak peak of my journey: I was born and raised in Colombia, a beautiful country in South America nestled between Andes and the Amazon. I grew up climbing mountains, crafting art projects, loving animals, writing, and asking questions. Somewhere in between those interests, grew my passion for science – a world that I see to this day as the perfect opportunity for both creativity and exploration. Best of all, it lets me take some steps to protect the living things that I have always felt so connected to. With the help of awesome mentors, my extremely dedicated parents, and lots of teenage courage, I made the decision to move to the US when I was 16 years-old to pursue my dream of becoming an environmental scientist. Life ever since has been roller-coaster ride (nothing like my 16-year-old-self imagined!) and along the crazy ride I have fallen in love with community service, learning about people and cultures across the world, and harnessing the power of the arts to communicate and market science. This has transformed my view of what I want to achieve as a scientist and the potential of transdisciplinary and cross-cultural pursuits to create solutions. Today, I’m building a career path where leadership, education, service, art and the natural and social sciences converge. It has proven to be a challenge and creative endeavor on itself! But I am hoping my journey will open doors for others aspiring to purse transdisciplinary careers and bring scientists, decision-makers, and communities together to innovate and create sustainable change. I am a vegetarian, obsessive traveler, huge fan of citizen science, coffee aficionada (no escape when you’re Colombian), animal-lover, and enthusiast for all things cultural and artistic, especially theater, museums and music. |