About me

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I am an interdisciplinary conservation scientist currently working as an Assistant Professor of Conservation Science at the University of California Berkeley.

 

I study how people's behaviors towards the landscape (such as habitat conversion) impact the species that are able to persist in such landscapes. I also study the social and psychological perception of animals, by looking at the factors involved in peoples’ motivation to protect biodiversity. I also love co-developing environmental policy, and have worked with the Colombian and Costa Rican governments to guide environmental policies on biodiversity and conservation planning.

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I have a BSc degree in Biology from Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá, Colombia), an MSc in Resource Management and Environmental Studies from The University of British Columbia (UBC, Canada), and a PhD in Resources, Environment, and Sustainability (UBC, Canada). I was also a postdoctoral scholar at the Natural Capital Project at Stanford University.

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I have worked as a tropical ornithologist in environmental consulting firms in Colombia (Plyma S.A. and AmbientalMente). I have also volunteered doing sustainable development work and peace education in Norway, Colombia, and other countries (with CISV International, the Norwegian Peace Corps, The Norwegian Youth Council, CISV Colombia). 

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As an advocate for the engagement of youth in environmental issues, I represent Colombian and Global youth at the United Nations Convention of Biological Diversity. I am also a National Geographic Young Explorer, and a Stanford Rising Environmental Leader (2021). 

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