Early Work

I have loved the ocean since I have had memories. However, my passion for coral reefs started when I first saw them while scuba diving in Ecuador during my early days studying marine biology. I studied the corals of Ecuador while volunteering in fisheries science in the Galápagos in 2014. It shocked me to learn that the Galápagos lost over 85% of its coral reefs due to El Niño.

I started digging into the corals that still survive along the coast of Ecuador, like those in Isla de la Plata and in the Marine Protected Area Galera San Francisco. Moved by my passion, I secured a travel grant from the Conservation Leadership Programme to attend the International Coral Reef Symposium in the U.S. state of Hawai‘i, where I met the leading scientists in coral reef research, including Dr. Pricila Martines, Dr. Fernando Rivera and Dr. Peter Glynn, whose work on corals on the Galápagos and the coast of Ecuador, inspired me. Later, I rejoined the Charles Darwin Research Station and began to work on deep-sea corals, which expanded my understanding of how corals thrive in the deep ocean. I then moved to the Caribbean to work on coral-reef restoration, collaborating with both biologists and fishermen who had shifted from fishing to conservation. Leading daily restoration efforts, we achieved an 80% survival rate for transplanted corals.

However, the 2017 hurricane season caused significant damage in our efforts to restore coral reefs. That was a turning point for me. I realized that restoration alone wasn’t enough. I wanted to focus on the bigger picture, understanding the effects of climate change and how we can protect marine ecosystems through sound science that promotes conservation actions. This led me to pursue a master’s degree in marine ecology, where I studied the combined effects of climate change and eutrophication on corals. As I work toward my Ph.D., I’m focused on how deep-sea corals may be affected by the expansion of oxygen-minimum zones due to ocean warming in the Galápagos and Isla del Coco.

Most Exciting Part of Your Work

I absolutely love fieldwork, especially underwater monitoring of marine ecosystems, visiting remote places and witnessing spectacular marine ecosystems. I enjoy scuba diving in general, but night diving in coral reefs is the most magical experience. Because of that I enjoy collecting coral gametes during spawning events, because I get to work long hours diving at night in shallow reefs and experience the thrill of observing these ecosystems and all the marine creatures that are active at night. Waiting quietly in the dark for the corals to spawn feels like witnessing a secret world come to life. It’s like sitting silently in a forest, but instead of rabbits and moose, you see octopuses, reef sharks and all kinds of marine creatures that reveal themselves at night. In deep-sea exploration, the excitement comes from discovery. Using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), I’ve had the privilege to be among the first to witness hidden marine ecosystems. During recent expeditions, we discovered the largest cold-water coral reef in the Galápagos and even hydrothermal vents that had never been seen before. These moments of discovery make the work so rewarding. Knowing I am one of the first to witness these hidden worlds is beyond thrilling.

Most Demanding Part of Your Work

Deep-sea science has its challenges. Imagine being in the middle of the Pacific with no access to extra resources or equipment. You either have what you need or you don’t, so cruise planning can be intensive. Every single day costs and counts a lot, so there were times I didn’t sleep because I couldn’t miss the chance to to study coral morphology while the polyps are still alive or gather needed data. With tight rooms and shared bathrooms, life on a boat can also be tough.

For many, seeing the same folks every day for months can be challenging. And while I’m grateful I don’t often get seasick, that can be tough for some people. At sea, I do miss my alone time. The hardest part for me, however, is being at a desk for months—writing and analyzing videos is tiring for me. I enjoy data analysis, and it is an important part of the work, but if you aren’t a fan of statistics, that can be hard.

What Being an Explorer Means to You

I’ve always been driven by a deep love for the ocean and a sense of justice when it comes to protecting our planet. Before becoming a National Geographic Explorer, I was already committed to conserving marine ecosystems. To me, being an Explorer is about curiosity, perseverance and being unafraid to take risks for the things that matter. It is also an honor to be part of the same Explorer family as my heroes, such as Dr. Sylvia Earle. I believe in doing whatever it takes to leave this world better than I found it, even if that means taking the harder path. I see my work as a way to help make justice for the ocean on which health we all depend. I also see my work as a way to light the way for others, especially women like me, who dream of working in marine science and need role models on whom they can project themselves. I want to show them it’s possible, and I’m here to help clear the trail for those who follow.

Explorer Work Showcase

I am studying cold-water corals across oxygen-minimum zones in Isla del Coco and the Galápagos Islands, which are both Marine Protected Areas and UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their rich biodiversity and endemism. These deep-sea regions harbor pristine coral communities, but as sessile organisms, many corals may struggle to adapt to the expanding oxygen-minimum zones, threatening the biodiversity of these ecosystems. Understanding cold-water corals' resilience and susceptibility to oxygen depletion is crucial. One of the most memorable moments of this National Geographic grant was when my team and I explored an uncharted seamount at Isla del Coco. With the R/V Falkor crew, we mapped the seamount and sent an ROV down 450 meters (1,476 feet), discovering a vast yellow coral reef thriving in near-zero oxygen, whose identity is still to be determined; it could be a species new to science. Being the first to uncover this hidden world was surreal and reinforced how vital this work is for the future of marine conservation in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. I hope my research supports the efforts of Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama and Mexico in establishing regional marine conservation corridors to protect these critical ecosystems.

So, You Want To Be a Marine Biologist

If you’re a girl dreaming of becoming a marine biologist to protect the ocean, like I was, don’t let anything hold you back; your passion will take you far. No matter where you are, dive into what interests you most about marine biology and get involved as early as possible. For me, volunteering before I even finished my bachelor’s degree was the key to discovering where my heart truly belonged. The ocean needs you now more than ever. The path won’t always be easy, but every challenge will push you closer to making a real difference. Trust me, the journey and motive is worth it.

Get Involved

The best thing you can do is advocate for climate action as it will help to create policies that ensure a reduction in CO_² emissions. Raise your voice to support the implementation of marine protected areas. Ocean warming, acidification and deoxygenation are massive threats to coral reefs everywhere. If you live near coral reefs, engage in restoration efforts, push for sustainable tourism, and initiate action to ensure the correct management of local waste and reduction of fertilizer runoff.

Even if you don’t live near the ocean, support conservation projects especially in developing countries. Educating yourself and others about the causes of climate change can make a difference. It’s crucial to recognize that although big industries are a main source of CO_², climate change is also shaped by many aspects of our daily lives beyond car emissions. Our diet, clothing choices and consumption habits also play a role in affecting coral reefs. If we don’t take responsibility and act, how can we expect the world to change for the better? Each of us can make a difference in protecting these vital ecosystems.