Work Team

Sula Vanderplank

Program Director

Dr. Sula Vanderplank is is an arid-lands and coastal ecologist who has studied the plants and animals of the Baja California Peninsula for the past 20 years. Her research interests include a broad suite of applied conservation-science projects and transdisciplinary studies. A botanist by training, Sula has a Ph.D. in Plant Ecology from the University of California, Riverside under Dr. Exequiel Ezcurra, as well as a 100 ton captains license from her work on long-range ecology and whale-watching charters. She has published more than 50 scholarly articles and books, as first author for more than 30%, highlighting her commitment to the protection of rare species and the legal management of ecosystems. Sula has worked with the Mexican National Park Service CONANP and the non-profit environmental sector in Mexico since 2010, and continues to collaborate closely with regional government and the non-profit sector. Sula serves as adjunct Faculty at San Diego State University (SDSU), and the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Learning (CICESE) in Ensenada. She is delighted to join The Ocean Foundation to head Conserva Loreto in its mission to strengthen the conservation areas where she lives, in Loreto, Baja California Sur.

Jennifer Ruelas

Program Manager

Jennifer Ruelas is a professional with a degree in Alternative Tourism from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur campus. Her passion for hiking and her talent for photography and video have led her to know deeply the natural landscapes of the region. With more than five years of conservation experience in Loreto, Baja California Sur, she has worked on projects to protect local ecosystems. Her commitment and innovative approach make her a key figure in the Conserva Loreto program.

Associates

Elvis Soriano

Associate

Biology student at the University of Colima, passionate about Geographic Information Systems, biological interactions and biogeography. He is an associate in the Conserva Loreto program, contributing to the protection and preservation of the environment in the region.

Augusto Olmos

Associate

Studied Renewable Energies at the Universidad Tecnológica de La Paz. He is interested in integral projects for the use and exploitation of renewable energy sources, as well as everything related to the flora of the Baja California peninsula.

Jesús Adame

Associate

He studied Alternative Tourism at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur. His passion for photography and documentary production is combined with his interest in exploring marine life, interaction with rural communities and business administration.

Josuhé Cruz

Associate

Josuhé Miguel Cruz Naranjo, a Biology student at the University of Colima, is passionate about environmental legislation and education. He also shows a deep interest in the reproduction of organisms for conservation purposes.

Hector Sanchez Marquez

Associate

Biologist graduated from UABC in Ensenada. He has collaborated on numerous flora and fauna projects in the Baja California peninsula. His passion is mammals and the management of natural areas for their conservation.

Jonathan Rendón

Associate

A professional graphic designer and illustrator, graduated from UAM-Xochimilco, with a deep passion for nature and the conservation of animals in their natural habitats. He channels his talent toward protecting the planet, blending his love for design with his commitment to environmental care. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with various sea turtle camps in Mexico and worked on the protection of Natural Protected Areas, actively contributing to the conservation of the country's ecosystems.

Project Collaborators

Gerardo Marrón

Pronatura Noroeste

Enrique Flores Garcia

iNarturalist

Shane MacFarlan

University of Utah

Eduardo Davis

Crealifornia

Rocio Godinez

Crealifornia

Nereida Lopez Cruz

Loreto Puerto de la Ciencia

Martín Castro Ramírez

Loreto Puerto de la Ciencia