- MEM Environment Concentration: Coastal and Marine Systems (CAMS)
- MEM Management Concentration: Business and Environment (BE)
- Expected Graduation Date: May 2026
What is your previous work experience, if any? Please describe briefly.
Over the past years I founded and directed the first coral restoration initiative of the Galápagos Islands, while working as an Associate Researcher for Universidad San Francisco de Quito and a Marine Restoration Consultant for Fundacion Jocotoco. Prior to this, I worked as a researcher in several conservation projects, ranging from satellite tagging marine megafauna to assessing biodiversity corridors for spectacled Andean bears. Additionally, I have experience as project manager in the agricultural sector, working to develop projects that emphasize biodiversity conservation, rural development and agricultural productivity.
Why did you choose the Nicholas School's professional master's degree program(s)?
I have identified the Nicholas School as the ideal institution to support my career aspirations due to its comprehensive focus, recognizing the interconnected nature of the environment with the economic and social dimensions. Its integrative curriculum provides the broad set of skills which I believe are essential to address the complexity of current environmental issues. I find the opportunity to combine robust environmental science with the practical focus of management as a truly unique blend, and essential to generate effective solutions.
Do you have any areas of interest or special focus you plan to undertake during your time at the Nicholas School and 51±¬ÁÏ?
My interest lies in bridging the gap between effective environmental action and sustainable financing solutions. I hope to gain understanding of financial markets and their increasing role in natural capital investment, especially regarding the strategies necessary to leverage the private sector as a key actor in tackling the biodiversity crisis. I aim to learn about innovative financing mechanisms to support nature-based solutions, biodiversity credits, green bonds and debt-for-nature swaps while integrating robust management skills to drive effective environmental action.
What are your career aspirations?
My future career aspirations are centered on leading the involvement of private investment to support effective conservation solutions. Inspired by initiatives like The Nature Conservancy's NatureVest, I aim to discover innovative methods to mobilize private capital for impactful conservation efforts. I envision myself as a Conservation Finance Specialist, collaborating with private industries, governments, and organizations to create impactful investment opportunities, while managing teams on the ground to support effective conservation action.