Deep Sea Expeditions
National Geographic Pristine Seas – R/V Argo (2025)
Marine Scientist
Worked for National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition conducting deep-sea exploration using manned submersibles, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, and advanced imaging systems.
Lead eDNA collection and video transect acquisition to document deep-sea fauna on board Argonauta submarine. Contributed to BRUVS and deep-sea camera deployments supporting biodiversity assessment and marine conservation.
Photo: Jhonny Holden
Photo: Manu San Félix / National Geographic Pristine Seas
Dynamics of Vertical Cold-Water Coral Reefs of the Galápagos – R/V Falkor (too) (2023)
National Geographic Explorer, Grant Lead
Marine Biologist lead for a National Geographic funded research project as part of a multidisciplinary deep-sea expedition involving multiple principal investigators. Responsible for expedition planning, research design, logistics coordination, and biological sampling. Led cold-water coral processing, including genetic tissue preservation for DNA and RNA analyses in the Galapagos.
Developed site maps and planned ROV dive targets for Isla del Coco. This expedition resulted in the mapping of an underexplored seamount and the discovery of a coral garden. Coordinated biological operations, delegated scientific tasks, and contributed to expedition reporting and biological data management.
Ultra Fine-Scale Seafloor Mapping – R/V Falkor (too), Galápagos Hydrothermal Vent Expedition (2023)
Scientific Observer, representing the Charles Darwin Foundation
Represented the Charles Darwin Foundation during deep-sea exploration of hydrothermal vent ecosystems in the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Oversaw compliance with Galápagos National Park regulations, facilitated coordination between international scientists and Ecuadorian institutions, and supported biological sampling.
Led the processing and transfer of specimens to Ecuadorian scientific collections and contributed to biodiversity documentation of previously unexplored deep-sea habitats.
Other Relevant Experience at Sea
Benthic Ecosystem Mapping and Engagement Expedition – R/V Leeway Odyssey, Nova Scotia 2023
Marine Scientist
Conducted CTD deployments, sample collection, and data management during benthic habitat mapping expedition. Assisted in drop camera operations and multibeam data processing supporting seafloor habitat characterization.
Coral Reef Assessment and Restoration – Caribbean 2017
Lead Coral Restoration Biologist
Led coral reef monitoring, transplantation, and spawning assessments. Developed restoration protocols, conducted scientific diving surveys, and contributed to reef conservation and ecosystem recovery efforts.
Shark Ecology and Conservation Research 2016
Field Scientist
Contributed to shark conservation research including BRUV deployments and support for satellite and acoustic tagging.
Galápagos Seabird Monitoring Expedition – R/V Queen Mabel 2014
Field Scientist
Participated in scientific monitoring of seabird populations in the Galápagos Marine Reserve, contributing to marine biodiversity conservation research.