What drew you to community science?
I’ve had a passion for the natural world and sharing it with others from an early age. My mom is an elementary school teacher, and she definitely inspired me to pursue environmental education and demonstrated the value of bringing nature into more formal learning spaces. I also studied geography as an undergrad, which views the world through an interdisciplinary lens—biology, urban planning, policy, etc.—and so much of that involves building strong community collaborations across many different people and institutions. Working in community science is the perfect blend of connecting with nature, learning about ecosystems, policy and decision making.
Why is community science important?
Community science acknowledges expertise beyond the scientists who have formal degrees. Anyone with a passion for nature and an interest in documenting the world around them can contribute to this critical bank of biodiversity knowledge. Observation data is not only analyzed by scientists for research purposes, but also by the policymakers deciding which lands and species to bolster and protect. It is really empowering to know that every time you upload something to a community science platform like iNaturalist or eBird, you’re actively contributing to conservation and a place for fellow community members to access biodiversity data.
What was your most memorable bioblitz experience?
The inaugural Solstice Sea Star Search at Pillar Point in December of 2022. There was a stunning winter solstice sunset, and I documented five sea star species, several nudibranchs, and much more on iNaturalist. I had just joined the Center for Biodiversity and Community Science as the community science coordinator, so it was exciting to be out on the reef in my new role with both my team and the greater community, including some friends from the surfing world. Though we didn’t find any critically endangered Sunflower sea stars that day, it has been special to be a part of the movement to save this species since then.
What is your favorite part about the City Nature Challenge?
This year, the Bay Area is hosting so many bioblitzes in San Francisco thanks to our amazing partnerships through Reimagining San Francisco. We also have more than 600 cities participating worldwide—a huge jump from the 485 we had last year! I’m particularly excited to continue building our relationship with Latino Outdoors, which will now be hosting events in seven different cities over the Challenge weekend. As a member of the Latine community, it’s inspiring to see the effort and growth they’ve had as an organization and all the ways they’ve increased participation in the outdoors for the Latino community nationwide. This year, you can find me tidepooling at the Pillar Point bioblitz in Half Moon Bay on Monday, April 29 from 8:00 - 11:00 am. Come say hi!
What are you most excited about at the Academy?
I’m particularly excited about the work we’re doing in the Indigenous Solidarity Group. I was part of the founding core group for the committee in 2020 to prioritize Indigenous partnerships and commit to land acknowledgment practices here at the Academy, and it’s pretty incredible to look back on four years of working to strengthen relationships with the Ohlone people in the Bay Area. We’ve had big and small wins across the Academy: adding land acknowledgments on the public floor, donating our space for the American Indian Film Festival, and spotlighting Native stories in upcoming exhibits, to name a few.
What is your most memorable Academy experience?
Attending the California Natural Resources Agency and California Biodiversity Network’s 30x30 Partnership 2023 Gathering in Downtown Riverside, California, with my team and Academy colleagues was incredible. This was a highlight because I grew up in the Inland Empire. It was a sweet homecoming and full circle moment to reflect back on my amazing childhood memories at the library, museums, and conference center where this gathering was held, and to honor how far I have come in my career. I loved getting tacos at Tio’s Tacos (my favorite taqueria growing up) with my team! The public library I spent so much time at as a child was transformed into The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture in June 2022 as a public-private partnership between RAM, the City of Riverside, and comedian Cheech Marin—one of the world’s foremost collectors of Chicano art. It was extraordinary to visit this new museum. Above, I am standing next to my favorite piece titled Gaiatlicue, 2022, Lenticular.