The successes of the UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences are largely due to its dedicated employees who are passionate about their work. Our “Getting to Know SAFHS” series highlights some of our talented faculty and staff and lets you know a little more about them.
Where is your hometown?
Bogota, D.C., Colombia.
Where did you go to college?
I received my bachelor’s degree in marine biology from Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Bogota, Colombia. Later, I pursued a specialization in business administration at Universidad de Cartagena in Cartagena, Colombia. A few years later, I returned to academia and earned my master’s degree in biological oceanography at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. In 2007, I obtained my doctoral degree with a focus in fish nutrition at the Auburn University Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures in Auburn, Alabama.
What is your job role at UAPB?
I am the manager of the Aquaculture Experimental Research Station.
What do you like most about your job?
I like that I am able to interact with many people including students, faculty, staff and the general public.
Describe your career before you came to UAPB.
After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I worked as a biologist and then as a production manager for a shrimp farm for eight years. I then pursued my master’s and doctoral degrees. After that, I did some work as a visitor exchange scholar for Auburn University and as a research associate for the University of British Columbia, but I gained most of my work experience as an international aquaculture consultant for a U.S. company while I was based in Canada.
If you weren’t working at UAPB, what would your dream job be?
I am enjoying my current job at the station, but also like the idea of helping farmers in a more active way through Extension.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I like to go camping with my wife and kids, reading and watching movies.
Do you have a favorite movie or book?
My favorite movie is “Deep Blue” and my favorite book is “Tuareg” by Alberto Vazquez-Figueroa.
If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go and why?
I would like to visit the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to go diving and to experience the diversity of corals, fish, turtles and dolphins among other marine plants and animals.
What is one goal you’d like to accomplish during your lifetime?
I would like to see my kids happy and successful.
Who is your hero?
My hero is Kaliman, a superhero from a Mexican radio drama that my dad used to listen. His interest was passed on to me when I was still a child.
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