Christine is a marine conservation biologist and science communicator with close to two decades of experience researching sea turtles and fighting for their protection. After studying biology in Tübingen and Würzburg, she earned a PhD in marine biology from Texas A&M University. Christine has lived and worked in Costa Rica since 2007.Her research focuses on applied behavioural physiology employed to inform active conservation measures.When her video of the painful removal of a plastic straw from a sea turtle's nose went viral, it sparked her start in science communciation and catalysed the global debate about single-use plastics that led to plastic bans in many countries. For her science communication and outreach efforts, Time magazine honoured her as a 'Next Generation Leader' in 2018. She founded and leads the non-profit organisation COASTS (the Costa Rican Alliance for Sea Turtle Conservation and Science) and the consulting firm Namaka Conservation Science, both devoted to researching and conserving sea turtles with a focus on community-centred, science-based conservation strategies and environmental education."As long as I am breathing, I will try to make a difference." Christine Figgener, Time magazinehttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Christine_Figgener