Conservation Network Advisors serve as advisors for Hispanic Access’s programming and advocacyefforts by providing recommendations and input. Also help advise Hispanic Access on best practices for actively involving the Latino community in meaningful discussions and events, ensuring that their perspectives are integral to our conservation initiatives. Takes on a key supporting role in driving the growth of Hispanic Access' Conservation Network, contributing to its development, growth, and impact. Involvement as a Network Advisor is a pathway to making a lasting difference in both the organization and the communities served.

As an independent contractor with Hispanic Access, the role includes serving on the advisory committee for the Senderos a la Ciencia/Pathways to Science Hispanic Role Model and Mentoring Project, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA). The project aims to build awareness and value among Hispanic parents, guardians, and youth in under-resourced Hispanic communities, encouraging them to pursue careers in health research. Responsibilities involve providing feedback on project components, reviewing materials related to youth development, mentorship, health research, STEM education, and place-based programming. The committee, composed of Hispanic pastors, STEM educators, informal STEM outreach experts, and health research scientists, meets bi-monthly to guide the project’s direction and ensure its alignment with community needs. Additionally, contributions are made to public outreach efforts in New London, CT, where bilingual programming is conducted at a Hispanic-serving church to inspire high school students through role model talks and near-peer mentoring.

As a contractor of the Olas y Acción (OyA) D.I.V.E.S. (Deepening Inclusion Via Engagement Support) mini grant program, assisted in the selection of the first cohort of new Open Water Scuba Divers. Additionally, provided guidance and workshops to cohort members about using their skills for ocean conservation actions.

As a Olas y Accion (OYA) contracted general body member, helps Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF) plan ocean programming, advocate for the protection of oceans and waterways, engage local communities in through advocacy efforts and advise on best practices for engaging the Latino community around ocean and coastal protection.OYA members serve as advisors for Hispanic Access’ research, advocacy, and programs on ocean conservation, as well as be strong advocates for advocacy efforts that represent the Latino community HAF works with. The purpose of the Council and HAF work in general is to elevate Latino voices in ocean conservation advocacy, educate the Latino community on the importance of taking action to protect our oceans and coasts, and activate Latinos as a crucial constituency in favor of climate action.

As a Habitat Restoration Programs biologist, supports activities of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (PFW), Coastal Program (CP), Fish and Aquatic Habitat Conservation, Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership-East, Shade-Grown Coffee, and several other initiatives with Federal and non-federal partners. Additionally, serves as a liaison between the US Forest Service (USFS), the Service and private landowners and municipalities of watersheds adjacent to the El Yunque National Forest (El Yunque National Forest Public Participation Advisory Committee, USFS Forest Health Protection working group). Helps endangered Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program on monitoring and feeding efforts at El Yunque National Forest. Completed the Regional Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Training encompassing various topics such as Overview of Listing/Recovery, Species Leads Roles and Responsibilities, Recovery 3-part framework, SSA Overview, RTM Listing, Kicking off Recovery RPN, Recovery Planning (Preparing to Plan, Stakeholder Engagement, Recovery Team, Threats Assessments), Recovery Plan (Recovery Outline, Recovery Strategy, Recovery Criteria, Recovery Actions, Estimates Time and Costs, Recovery Plan and Implementation Strategy - Recovery Actions vs Activities), Recovery Implementation Strategy, Partnerships and Outreach, Measuring Success in Recovery, Keeping plans Current and Useful, 5-Year Reviews (e.g. Puerto Rican Plain Pigeon), Delisting/Reclassification PDM/RTM, and Managing information/508/peer review.From October 2022 to August 2024 was acting as the Biologist and Project Officer of PFW and CP on the US Virgin Islands until the Biologist vacancy was filled.Since July 2023, became the Wellness Team Representative for the Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office. The Wellness Team is composed of representatives from the southeast region that meet monthly and watch and troubleshoot employee wellness within their different work environments.

As Acting State Coordinator for the Caribbean's Coastal and Partners Programs, assumed role for 60 days commencing March 4, 2024. Collaborate closely with program staff to ensure effective execution of both Coastal and Partners Programs, overseeing a team of two biologists, facilitating management meetings between programs locally and regionally, and contributing to cross-program collaboration and knowledge sharing efforts.

Founder of Conservation Opportunity, a 501(c)(3) and 1101.01 volunteer-led nonprofit organization that helps the community connect with conservation opportunities in Puerto Rico and the United States. Works on business management plans, budget administration, community outreach, grant writing, and relations, project management and creation, supervision, recruitment, training and development, among other areas.Supervise effective working of personnel, approves student practice and Work-Study timesheets, and prepare effective project tasks and schedules. Supervised up to 9 part-time personnel. Developed and maintained effective relations with organization's personnel, partners, and community members.

Taught the Refresher and Open Water Scuba courses as a freelance instructor. Provided pool and open water course sessions to students, supervised diving activities, served as a mentor to students, maintained a positive attitude and demeanor towards students who struggled, showed positive attitude towards caring for the environment and encouraged students to do the same, and managed dive site and set up. Served as a scuba diving tour guide at Catalina Island in California and multiple areas around Puerto Rico to customers unfamiliar with the areas. Always ensured diving was done in safe conditions and within PADI safe diving parameters, according to the customer’s level of certification and experience. Additionally, guided prospective divemasters on how to deal with a group of students and other main duties they will have to fulfill as divemasters in the future.

Served as a member of the Southern Region of the United States Forest Service (USFS) to reach underserved and historically excluded populations by influencing and informing regional funding decisions on culturally considerate projects. To reach this goal, HAF, in partnership with USFS, brought diverse partners representing underserved populations to the table, educate them on Forest Service decision-making processes, and facilitate their input into project funding decisions (for fiscal year 2024 and beyond). In the process, HAF and USFS created educational materials that are suitable for wider use and develop criteria and metrics for equitable project decision-making that engages and benefits underserved communities.

As the fellow for Puerto Rico, worked with the Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources to promote the use of citizen science to fill coral reef knowledge gaps and encourage local participation in ongoing monitoring of reef health, especially regarding Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). Served as the main coordinator for Coral Reef Week by encouraging community members to lead events, created a schedule of events, collected information for press releases, and managed social media posts and engagement. Additionally, facilitated conversations between research, education, rescue, and management groups to maximize collaboration in SCTLD response efforts in the Archipelago.

Part-time job as part of the Mangrove Coast Collaborative Project Team to assist with stakeholder outreach and collaborative support at Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Salinas, Puerto Rico. Assisted with facilitated processes for decision makers and environmental professionals for meetings, workshops, and collaborative research. Maintained partnerships with stakeholders and networks to achieve the Science Collaborative project objectives. Kept current on Reserve initiatives, goals, and issues and helps maintain aspects of effective Reserve operations. Also assisted with the following: the collection of field data in mangrove habitat, preliminary studies and prepares preliminary research reports, prepares news and feature stories and technical articles for publications. Conducted tours and demonstrations, give talks to stakeholders and other interested groups, performed essential duties of the position in case of emergencies such as hurricanes and public health emergencies and other related duties as assigned.

The first academic year (September 2019 – June 2020), EEB 100: Introduction to Ecology and Behavior was the course that was taught. Lead online and in person discussion sessions regarding introductory topics in ecology and behavior to undergraduate juniors and seniors that are seeking a BS in Biology. The main topics include biogeography, organization of communities and ecosystems, growth and regulation of populations, and behaviors animals use to find food, choose mates, and interact in social groups. Beginning September 2020, EEB 109: Introduction to Marine Science taught online. Groupwork assignments and techniques such as think-pair-share activities are used in class to motivate students to become more engaged in the topics discussed. Main topics include an introduction to the physical and biological world of the oceans. The course focuses on geological evolution of seas, physical and chemical properties of water, and how these abiotic processes shape ecology and evolution of marine organisms and environments.Beginning January 2021, EEB 151A: Tropical Ecology online. Broad introduction to biodiversity, community structure, and dynamics and ecosystem function of range of tropical forest habitats. Discussion of such themes as biogeography, forest structure, plant growth forms, animal communities, herbivory, forest dynamics, and disturbance regimes. Created assignments such a guideline for student’s annotated bibliography, literature reviews and project proposals assignments. Guided students to think critically about project ideas and how to do graduate-level research.Beginning March 2021, EEB113A: Herpetology online. Exploration and summarization of evolution, ecology, life history, and conservation biology of world's reptile and amphibian fauna. Topics include conservation assessments both globally and in California. Guided students to think critically about project ideas and how to conduct their own research.

As part of the Directorate Fellows Program (DFP), with funding through the Hispanic Access Foundation, worked for the USFWS during the 11-week fellowship on projects that support efforts to conserve the endangered Lost River and Shortnose suckers as part of the Klamath Basin Sucker Rearing Program. The mission of the Klamath Basin Sucker Rearing Program is to raise Shortnose and Lost River suckers to a size or age at which they can survive and reproduce in Upper Klamath Lake to prevent extinction. Contributed to the program by researching the succession of plankton and macroinvertebrate communities within ponds filled with sterile geothermal well water that vary by fertilization type and amount. The goal of the project was to determine a method for rapid culture of these communities that correspond with the availability of empty ponds and with juvenile fish of stocking age into the ponds, and to compile this information into a standard operating procedure for use at the Klamath Falls National Fish Hatchery. The majority of the tasks involved research and writing of fertilization techniques, and (secondarily) thiamine deficiency symptoms and treatments, that can be applied to the geothermal aquaculture facility. Additionally, summarized the experimental results and used the findings to create an experimental design for fertilization and exploration of thiamine deficiency practices that will be used by USFWS staff the following year to improve growth and survival of reared fish.Aside from those duties, wrote and published three blog posts as part of the experience on the Hispanic Access Foundation webpage.

Provided crucial staff support across a suite of programs focused on volunteer-based restoration of native habitats in San Francisco Bay (mostly on/near Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary), and engagement of community members in the work of the program and Center. Coordinated the volunteer program for restoration events, waterbird surveys, and managed the plant nursery. Was responsible for boat maintenance, navigation and transporting people to Aramburu island for restoration events. Recruited additional volunteer support where needed (e.g. through outreach to local and area businesses/schools), and ensured that volunteers were properly trained, onboarded, and retained. Developed a volunteer training program to elevate volunteers to a position of leadership. Created partnerships with other local organizations, schools and donors.Other duties also included grant writing, rental support, serving as day-of on-site point person for rentals at the Center and Sanctuary, leading tours to potentials clients and vendors, establishing partnerships with local groups, social media management, and writing content/providing information for reports to funders as appropriate.

Served as a Monument Management Resource Assistant, conducting land management practices from two federal agencies as part of Monument Management Planning. Trained to collect field data for a visual resource inventory and assist crews conducting wilderness characteristic surveys, and identifying native and non-native plants from California with botanists in the field. Other main tasks included supporting the development of a self-sustaining conservation education program; supporting public programs, volunteer workshops, and monument planning meetings; assisting with volunteer coordination and recruitment; assisting reviewing resumes for potential seasonal interns; serving as crew lead for a team of interns; developing of recreational maps, handouts, forest app, and websites; working with constituency groups and mailing lists; developing a series of summer outreach/educational programs; conducting field surveys; and recreation management and supporting facility maintenance at campgrounds, overlooks and trails. Installed kiosks, and helped in proposing new trails. Created a portal sign proposal to install the first portal signs of the monument. As part of the summer outreach/educational programs, created and hosted three events for Latino Conservation Week by reaching out to the Latino community by conducting presentations, tours, workshops and activities in their native Spanish language. As part of these events, there were new partnerships established.

Tracked small Indian mongooses (herpestes auropunctatus) via radio telemetry during daylight hours. Multiple bearings obtained and locations estimated using LOAS software. Mongooses were first captured, affixed with GPS tags or radio collars using VHF collars, pit-tagged, blood drawn, hair sampled, measured, weighed, and released. Blood samples were centrifuged to separate serum for lab analysis. Conducted bait longevity study and camera surveys to monitor bait acceptance by mongooses and see if there are other animals that feed on the same bait. Set up data loggers next to each camera. Set out Onset HOBO RH/Temp Loggers during dry and wet season and used BoxCar Pro software to analyze the data compiled. Conducted tracking tunnel surveys to identify tracks left on paper ink strips by rats, mice and other animals. Set rabies-virus free carcasses on the salt flats and the refuge with motion detection video and photo cameras pointing at it in order to document whether mongooses or other animals scavenge dead mongooses. Carcasses and memory cards were checked daily. Completed mongoose density studies on new sites, recovered collars from mongooses at old sites by conducting intensive trapping.Trapped rats using snap traps and identified them to estimate the rat population density. Sherman traps were also used to conduct thread bobbin and telemetry studies during night hours to see rat home range. From the data we collected on this study, I also participated in the writing and analysis of a manuscript presented at the 28th Vertebrate Pest Conference in Rohnert Park, California.Trapped mosquitoes using CDC and BG traps with the purpose of detecting Zika virus infection rates, and identifying the blood source of engorged specimens.

Performed a diversity of tasks that include field technical assistance, visitor services, education and outreach, and work related trainings. Received the training needed to serve as a Fire Prevention Firefighter for the refuge; obtained knowledge, skills and abilities to operate fire equipment, as well as to perform collateral duties such as a wildland firefighter.Assisted USFWS biologists and graduate students in research projects by compiling and organizing field ecological data using Excel. Produced maps for tropical bird species like the American kestrel and the Troupial with the use of GPS and compass. Also volunteered at the refuge greenhouse to plant/transplant native and endangered species, collect seeds and seedlings in the field, and conduct general nursery maintenance. This contributed in knowledge about biological characteristics and ecology of plant and wildlife resources.As a Park Ranger, coordinated visitor and volunteer groups; co-lead reforestation activities, conducted interpretative tours and hikes; and provided orientation and services to partners and the general public mostly about endangered, migratory, resident, and invasive/exotic species issues. Assisted a higher-level park ranger and assumed that role when she was not present, sometimes taking written instructions and working remotely without having her direct supervision. Assisted in the coordination of refuge events and conducting education programs such as Junior Duck Stamp, arts and crafts, reading corner for kids, and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) badges. Created a nature drawing workshop for kids, and the Art is Conservation program that involves partner agencies and local artists. Designed and completed flyers, brochures, fact sheets, and Caribbean Islands NWR Newsletter in both Spanish and English. Work also included utilizing Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to produce maps for interpretative panels of refuge trails.

Worked within the Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorp in a road and trail inventory team of five that collected data on roads, trails, and dispersed campsites. Took photographs and GPS coordinates of each site to input into GIS to identify new and old roads for later analysis of which ones should be closed and which ones should be kept open. The task entailed keeping detailed and precise records of work activities, observations, and data collected.This work also included recording biological data while conducting stream surveys and amphibian surveys; collecting samples of chytrid fungus from boreal toads and wood frogs, and mapping samples with GPS. Measured water and air temperature, and filtered water from ponds for DNA samples of amphibians. Conducted electro fishing surveys including identifying, measuring and weighing the fish captured. Recorded the temperature of water and air, measured the length and width of a stream, conducted weed monitoring transects (using the cover/frequency transect method and parker three step transect method). Conducted raptor survey of the Northern goshawk, and used GPS to locate sites to install day and night motion activated cameras to survey American marten mammal activity (filled data sheets, and set up a bait and lure site for the research).Worked maintaining campgrounds, roads, and trails while using All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) by weed spraying, clearing them with the use of a bow saw, crosscut saw, and a chainsaw (limbing, felling and bucking). Installed campgrounds signs, built and leveled tables at a campground, installed a boat dock, improved a water bar and stream crossing, built a bucking rail fence, sharpened and cleaned chainsaws, collected campground fees responsibly, and reported a fire found at the forest.