I am interested in combining scientific research with community knowledge to serve local communities. While working in many small fishing communities I have recognized the invaluable practical knowledge that they hold which is often learned and passed down through generations. In many cases there is a lack of coexistence between scientific communities and local ones, and it is my goal to work towards bridging this gap throughout my career.

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With Grupo Puntacana, as the coordinator for the Sea Turtle Monitoring program, I was able to recruit local volunteers to monitor the beach for sea turtle tracks or nests. I arranged sea turtle releases, where the public could hear about the importance of sea turtles and the steps they could do every day to help their conservation. The turtle releases were hands on so that the public could see and experience the release up close giving them a lasting impression. 

 

Additionally, I was very involved with Ridgeway Hawk Day, Carol Morgan International School, and numerous local groups. During this time, I was able to speak to all ages, tourists and locals, about coral reefs, their importance, and how everyone can help our environment. Lastly, I’ve lead tours and conducted TV interviews about the coral Micro-fragmentation project I was spearheading, and its implications.