I earned my Ph.D. at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, where I currently serve as a Staff Researcher working on questions related to marine conservation and resource management. After finishing my B.Sc. in Marine Ecology and an M.Sc. in Oceanography, I taught for four years at the University of Baja California in Ensenada, Mexico. I earned the Mexican Oceanography Award and the Ichthyology National Award for my Master thesis research on biogeographic regionalization of the Baja California peninsula. My current research focuses on the effects of political borders on our understanding of marine resources, management, and conservation efforts. I'm the founder of and lead scientist for the Giant Sea Bass / Mero Gigante Project, a team of early-career scientists and fishers conducting science-based marine conservation initiatives to improve fisheries management. I have over five years of experience teaching college-level courses and more than 10 years tutoring and advising students. I'm skilled in translating complex scientific concepts into easily understood ideas and connecting academia with fishers, civil organizations, and government.