Germán Zapata Hernández is a Chilean Marine biologist specialized in the study of benthic systems. He joined the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) in June 2025 as senior researcher in the program of exploration and conservation of the deep ocean. Germán got his PhD in Biology and applied Ecology in the Universidad Católica del Norte, Chile and through the last five years have developed three postdoctoral projects in diverse research centers both in Chile and Italy. His research lines involve the study of benthic biodiversity patterns, community ecology, application of stable isotopes in ecology and biogeochemistry, scientific diving, and data synthesis. He has more than 15 years of experience doing research in diverse benthic ecosystems in both shallow and deep-waters, mainly along the coast and Chilean continental margin, islands and oceanic ridges, Antarctic peninsula and the last years in the Mediterranean Sea. He is also an enthusiast taxonomist of shallow marine sponges and specialist in beekeeping. During his free time, he likes to travel, explore the nature, practice SCUBA diving, attend concerts, and enjoy expending time with family and friends.

Ana de la Torriente joined the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) in May 2025 as a research specialist for the Deep Ocean project, aiming to advance knowledge of deep-sea ecosystems in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, particularly those surrounding the Galápagos Islands. Her work focuses on understanding the ecological processes that determine the status, health, resilience, and conservation value of these unique habitats.
Ana holds a PhD in Marine Conservation and Management from the University of Cádiz (Spain), and her career has centered on the study of deep benthic communities associated with seamounts and continental shelves. Using technologies such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and photogrammetric sleds, she has explored biodiversity through underwater imagery, with a special focus on sponges and corals—key ecosystem engineers in lightless environments.
Before joining CDF, she worked at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, where she studied benthic biodiversity and its interaction with human activities such as fishing, aquaculture, and offshore wind energy. She has also collaborated with organizations like Rewilding Chile and Oceana, promoting applied science projects for marine conservation.

Carolina Torres Trueba is an environmental lawyer with broad expertise in environmental law, governance, and international environmental policy. She joined the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) in 2025 as Manager of the Deep Ocean Project, where she leads efforts to advance applied scientific research and strengthen ocean governance across the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

Carolina’s career bridges law, science, and international cooperation. She has worked with Island Conservation, Aguilar Castillo Love, and the Galápagos National Park Directorate, and has represented organizations in high-level multilateral forums such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Her contributions have helped shape global policy on synthetic biology, invasive species, and protected areas.

She has a solid track record in the administrative management of high-impact projects and fostering collaboration among governments, communities, and institutional partners to advance shared conservation goals. Her work focuses on building effective legal and institutional frameworks to address critical environmental challenges.

Carolina firmly believes in the role of science, technology and innovation as key tools for shaping public policy and addressing critical conservation challenges, through collaborative solutions that protect and restore ecosystems worldwide for next generations.

With nearly two decades of experience, María Auxiliadora Farías has shaped conservation, governance, and sustainability across the Galápagos. From leading national institutions to strengthening scientific partnerships at the Charles Darwin Foundation, her career bridges science and decision-making. Discover how her leadership helps drive conservation impact across the archipelago.

Accounting and Auditing Professional with key experience in comprehensive portfolio management and accounting assistance.

Andrea is an Ecuadorian historian dedicated to preserving and sharing cultural heritage across Ecuador. From archives and libraries to public history, her work at the Charles Darwin Foundation bridges science, memory, and education—bringing Galápagos’ cultural and scientific legacy to life for researchers and wider audiences alike.

Agustín Gutiérrez, is a field biologist with seven years of experience working at the Charles Darwin Research Station. His work focuses on the conservation of native landbirds, especially the Little Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus nanus), a critically endangered species threatened by habitat degradation and the invasive parasite Philornis downsi.

Roberto Javier Maldonado Escobar is the Communications Officer in charge of traditional media at the Charles Darwin Foundation. A journalist and strategic planner, he brings over 20 years of professional experience in Galápagos, combining institutional communication, public management, and planning in environments linked to sustainable development.

Sergio Antonio Vacacela Moscoso is an Organizational Psychologist, graduated from the Peruvian Union University, with a Diploma in Human Talent Management from the Lima Chamber of Foreign Trade. His academic background and professional experience are focused on the Human Resources field, with an emphasis on recruitment, training, and administrative support for talent management.

Carlos Robalino Mejía is a marine biologist from the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, specialized in the ecology and conservation of pelagic species.

Melania García began her career as a volunteer collaborating with the Marine Organisms Collection and the Deep-Sea Project in 2021. She is currently part of the staff of the Natural History Collections, as Marine Collection Assistant, where her work focuses on specimen curation and the documentation of biodiversity from the Galápagos Marine Reserve.

María Cristina believes in supportive leadership as a driver of collaborative behaviors within organizations. Her passion is to drive human development as a key factor in creating better outcomes and achieving strategic goals.
An Industrial Psychologist, María Cristina has more than 25 years of experience working in Human Resources departments across various organizations. At the executive level, she has supported strategic decision-making and the implementation of best practices with a people-centered approach. She has international experience in multiethnic and multicultural environments, as well as in non-profit organizations, including the IUCN.
Before joining CDF, she worked for 8 years as an independent consultant in Human Resources Management, advising organizations in various fields, both locally and regionally. Additionally, she has volunteered as a facilitator providing psychological support and crisis intervention in disasters.