I have a robust and diverse professional background in developing science-based environmental and analytics programs. I have a PhD in marine science and ecological economics. I have worked at respected universities and non-for-profit organizations, such as the Environmental Quality Center at Monterrey Tec University and as Director of Pronatura’s Conservation Data Centers, in Mexico.  I was a Research Associate at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University, and for 10 years, an Associate Director with The Nature Conservancy leading the Marine Science Program in the Gulf of Mexico. I also have a record of accomplishment of program development and successful project completion, as well as of building collaborative national and international networks, and communicating results and other scientific outcomes in either technical reports, peer-reviewed publications and general communication pieces. I am currently the Executive Director of the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS.org).

My career goal is to leverage technological innovation and science-based management in leadership of strategic environmental and integrated sustainability initiatives. I aim at driving environmental management from evidence-based project design to evaluation, while applying climate risk intelligence and robust science-based solutions that reduce potential present and future threats to people and nature. I enjoy leading and building highly efficient teams, and an student inspirational mentor with reputation for building and leading results-focused, innovate with technology, and creative problem-solving. 

Highlights:

• Executive Director

• 15 years of experience leading environmental science and geospatial data science throughout the Americas and Spain

• 15 years of experience in bridging conservation science and practice  in support of evidence-based decision-making

• Skilled strategic planner and collaborative partnership catalyst

• Integrated and transformational social-ecological vision of sustainability

• Technology innovator 

ORCID

ResearchGate

Google Scholar

Gulfbase

LinkedIn

Atlantic Shark Advisory Panel, Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR), Highly Migratory Species - National Marine Fisheries Services, NOAA

Center for Ocean Leadership, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research - Strategic Advisory Committee

Coastal Resiliency Master Plan - Texas General Land Office (TGLO) - Technical Advisory Council

Integrated Ocean Observing System Association - Board Member & Finance Committee

Plan 2021-2025 Working Group-Quality Assurance of Real Time Oceanographic Data (QARTOD)-Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)-NOAA

Professional Science Masters of School of Natural Sciences - Rice University - Board of Affiliates

SCUBA Diving Control Board - Texas State Aquarium

Texas OneGulf Center of Excellence - Consortium Leadership

Underwater Glider User Group (UG2) - Steering Committee