About Me & My Work
As a Mexican-British biologist, social scientist, multimedia artist, and science communicator, I've built my career around my passion for the natural world. Growing up in rural Oaxaca, Mexico, one of the world's most biodiverse regions, I witnessed firsthand how the climate and biodiversity crises uniquely impact vulnerable communities.
My academic journey reflects a conscious shift from a BSc in Biological Sciences to an MSc in Environment, Culture and Society. While my initial studies gave me a deep understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity and species taxonomy, I realised that true, lasting conservation isn't just about nature but about people. This led me to a social science degree, which has allowed me to gain a more intersectional understanding of conservation.
My approach is guided by the principle of intersectionality, recognising that environmental issues are deeply connected to social and economic justice. I focus on community-based conservation and human-wildlife coexistence, blending scientific knowledge with creative communication to transform conflicts into shared solutions. I am committed to co-creating ethical, community-led projects that help both people and nature thrive and coexist.
Previous Work…
2025
A POLICY BRIEF FOR SCOTTISH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
“Human-Wildlife Coexistence in Scotland: A New Funding Mechanism “
For my postgraduate thesis at the University of Edinburgh, I collaborated with Rewilding Britain and the Scottish Rewilding Alliance (SRA) on a research project titled "Encouraging human-wildlife coexistence in Scotland." This work, part of a series of projects supporting their Rewilding Nation Charter, involved extensive interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers and crofters. These insights were essential in illuminating the significant gap between the Scottish Government's environmental policy commitments and its practical implementation, revealing a complete absence of targeted policies for human-wildlife coexistence.
Based on these findings, I was tasked with developing a policy brief to inform members of the Scottish Parliament. The brief is currently in its final stages and will be publicly available on the SRA’s Website in October. The direct input from stakeholders, such as farmers and crofters, ensures the brief is grounded in real-world challenges and opportunities.
2025
THE ETHICS OF CONSERVATION FOR THE MORE-THAN-HUMAN
“ Did Anyone Ask the Beavers? “
During my Masters degree at the University of Edinburgh, I took a course called 'Creativity and the Environment,' where we studied how different multimedia formats can communicate complex information to diverse audiences. For my final project, I developed a satirical comic-zine addressing the importance of considering the voiceless, specifically animals, in rewilding initiatives. comic-zine about the ethics of beaver reintroductions in rewilding initiatives to address the importance of considering the ‘more-than-human’ perspectives in conservation, aiming to challenge anthropocentric thinking and encouraging the reader to empathise with the beaver’s perspective.
2023
Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Argentine Patagonia
“ Chasing Shadows: Protecting Patagonia’s Pumas “
As a Darwin Leader I researched the conservation of the native Puma concolor within Patagonia’s Chubut Province in Argentina. I delved into the conflict between local sheep farmers and the perceived threat of pumas on their livelihoods. In partnership with CONICET and Fundación Vida Silvestre (a local conservation NGO) we spoke to farmers who are being assisted in the training of sheepdogs that protect their cattle to reduce the persecution of these wild cats.
This three-part documentary investigates how livestock conflicts have led to devastating government concessions to kill "problematic" pumas and negative media portrayals. I partnered with local scientists, farmers, and conservationists to explore coexistence solutions, including guardian dogs and forensic research. Emphasising creative storytelling, the series highlights interdisciplinary efforts to create human-wildlife coexistence which considers local livelihoods.
2021
Sustainable Solutions
“ Bioengineering bioplastics to tackle single-use plastic waste and save lives ”
In my final year of my undergraduate Biology degree at the University of Sheffield, I directed this short video as the final product for my science communication module. I interviewed Dr Ipsita Roy from the Engineering Department at the university who told me about her revolutionary work which can not only help to improve people's health and livelihoods but also contribute towards the Planet's health by reducing single-use plastic waste which has ravaged our world, particularly since the COVID-19 Pandemic.
2020
Climate Conversations
“ A Letter from the Future “
I participated in a pilot study by Dr. Bill Finnegan for his doctoral research at the University of Oxford. His work, focused on digital storytelling, explores how young people in the UK and Ireland envision climate futures.
The project asked young people to write letters imagining their lives in the year 2050. This video is one of the final products of his research, which I helped create.
2018
Climate Change Education
“ We can all be environmental superheroes ”
I created this stop-motion animation, inspired by Aardman-style claymation, to produce an educational video that all audiences can understand, emphasising the importance of individual action in combating climate change. It was chosen to be exhibited within the Digital Green Zone at COP26 in Glasgow, as part of the collaborative “Pupil Power Roadshow”.
