The ocean fascinates me—not just for its beauty and biodiversity but also for the hidden connections its currents create.

For my undergraduate research (Marine Biology-University of the Sea, Mexico), I used numerical models to explore how geographically distant coral reefs remain connected through the passive dispersal of gametes and larvae. Eager to delve deeper into marine connectivity, I pursued a master’s in marine sciences at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), focusing on commercially important lobster populations in the Gulf of Mexico. Lobster larvae have a long pelagic duration, migrate vertically, experience high mortality, and can only settle within narrow time windows. To accurately model these traits, I developed a custom particle-tracking algorithm, strengthening my expertise in designing computationally optimized tools for simulating complex marine processes. I later joined the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate Change, where I worked on oil spill dispersion models for the Gulf of Mexico. Windage effects and degradation mechanisms were key factors in the simulation of oil transport.

As Sargassum landings on coastal areas emerged as a growing and persistent issue, I decided to pursue a PhD in marine sciences to investigate the transport of Sargassum toward Mexican Caribbean shores. For this research, I combined numerical modeling, satellite detection, and fieldwork—including measuring currents, deploying drifting buoys, and using drones for aerial observations. Now, at the University of Victoria, I’m developing a digital tool to monitor and predict massive sargassum landings. My work bridges biology, oceanography, and computation, transforming complex data into actionable insights to tackle pressing environmental challenges.