Paulina Sepa-Egas, a native biologist of the Galápagos Islands, completed her studies and earned her degree from the University of Guayaquil in 2021. Her trajectory, which began in 2018, spans both the academic and professional realms. Initially, she volunteered at the Galápagos National Park Directorate (DPNG) and the Charles Darwin Research Station (FCD). During this period, she specialized in Fisheries, Submarine Mountains, and Deep Ecosystems. Subsequently, she played a significant role working in the program for vulnerable species at the Public Institute of Aquaculture and Fisheries Research (IPIAP).

With experience in fisheries and the technical management of marine species, Paulina has contributed as both an author and co-author in scientific publications. In her ongoing commitment to research, she rejoined the Charles Darwin Foundation in February 2022. Currently, as the person responsible for the Marine Collection, she actively contributes to the management, conservation, and documentation of Galápagos' marine biodiversity. Additionally, she is pursuing a Master's degree in the Deep Sea Exploration & Consevation program.
Her professional goal is to persist in conducting research that not only enriches knowledge but also produces tangible results to promote conservation and sustainable management in the Galápagos Marine Reserve.

Pelayo is a biologist, explorer, and underwater photographer committed to ocean protection and shark conservation. He has been a senior marine ecologist with CDF since 2012, and from 2016 to 2021 he was part of National Geographic Pristine Seas, contributing to its mission of helping to protect our ocean’s last wild places. He is currently combining his role as Principal Investigator of CDF’s shark ecology project with his work with several international foundations.
Pelayo earned a Master's degree inhttps://ec.linkedin.com/in/pelayo-salinas-de-le%C3%B3n-884b9512 environmental management in 2007 and a Doctorate in marine biology in 2010 from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Before fulfilling his dream of working in the Galapagos, he worked in Indonesia, New Zealand, and Cuba.
Author of over 70 scientific publications, Pelayo explores the biodiversity and beauty of some of the most remote places on the planet during his international expeditions, contributing to their protection. Some of his recent expeditions include the Ogasawara Islands and the Marshall Islands.
Pelayo is a passionate advocate for ocean conservation and science communicator. His scientific work has been featured in documentaries and articles in international magazines, including ‘NatGeo Wild Galápagos’, ‘BBC Galápagos’, or ‘The Shark Side of the Moon’.

Gustavo has been part of the Charles Darwin Foundation since 2001. His work has focused on the health and welfare of the Galapagos endemic species. Understanding the dynamic population of Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, waved albatross, and flamingos, against their threats (climate change, pathogens, pollutants, introduced species, human interactions) is the main objective for the conservation of seabirds.
In addition, Gustavo is an advisor to the Galapagos National Park Directorate and the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency. Her next project is to understand the health of animals, humans, and ecosystems in an integrative and holistic method. Currently, he leads the monitoring of avian influenza in the Galapagos in collaboration with the ABG and DPNG.
With more than 50 scientific manuscripts to his credit, he has also participated in national and international presentations. Gustavo is a Member of the Association of Veterinarians of Pichincha Ecuador, Member of the Working Group of the Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, Founder and Member of the Association of Wildlife Veterinarians of Ecuador, and Member of Flamingo Specialists of the IUCN -SSC.
Also, Gustavo likes sports such as triathlon, races, and cycling, where he has obtained podiums, but that is another story!

Camila holds a degree in Graphic Design with a minor in Interactive Media and Web Design from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri and a Masters degree in Design and Media Management from The Art Institute of Miami, Florida.
Camila has 8 years of experience in the communications area having worked for different institutions in Ecuador and United States. She joined the Charles Darwin Foundation with the goal of providing her knowledge and experience in the communications department in order to encourage the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. 
Her activities include the creation of creative content for all our social media platforms, website, monthly newsletters and promotional emails.