Researchers

As Executive Director of the Vermilion Sea Institute, I am honored to lead an organization with a long history rooted in Bahía de los Ángeles, nestled within the UNESCO-designated Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve. Since the 1970s, our field station has served as a hub for scientists, educators, and conservationists dedicated to fostering sustainable relationships between human communities and the remarkable marine and desert ecosystems that surround them.
At VSI, we embrace the complexity of these relationships by addressing ecological, cultural, economic, and sociopolitical factors in our programs. Central to our work is our year-round youth initiative, Aventureros, which inspires local students to explore and protect their environment through hands-on learning—from swimming and snorkeling to wildlife surveys and community science. Aventureros cultivates leadership, teamwork, and stewardship skills that empower the next generation of conservation leaders who are now becoming active voices in the community.
Supported by decades of partnerships with universities and researchers worldwide, VSI continues to serve as a dynamic community and learning center, dedicated to creating lasting impacts for both people and wildlife in the Sonoran Desert region.