DVM. PhD. CASANDRA GÁLVEZ
Research in Marine Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics at Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (UABCS), Mexico.
Thesis: “Gastroenteric pathologies in South American sea lion (Otaria byronia) stranded in Lima, Perú (2010).”
Master’s Degree
Management of Marine Resources at CICIMAR-IPN (National Polytechnic Institute).
Thesis: “Causes of mortality in Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) neonates” (2013–2015).
Ph.D.
Marine Science at CICIMAR-IPN.
Thesis: “Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) health assessment (2016–2020) by hematological parameters.”
Key contributions
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Developed the first Mexican program for Guadalupe fur seal management and conservation, adopted by CONANP (National Commission of Natural Protected Areas).
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Conducted the first health assessment study of the species at Guadalupe Island, collaborating with The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) and NOAA (U.S.).
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Presented research at national and international marine mammal conferences.
Research Interests
Conservation
medicine.
Health of free-ranging wildlife populations.
Wildlife policy
and management.
Professional Experience
Researcher in Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI, Level 1).
Part-time Professor at Universidad Veracruzana (Tuxpan campus).
Previous Roles
Officer at the Mexican Marine Mammal Society (SOMEMMA, A.C.).
Student representative on the IPN General Advisory Council.
Goals & Approach
Apply health science to enhance wildlife conservation and management programs in Mexico.
Advocate for multidisciplinary collaboration in wildlife population conservation.
SUCCES IN CONSERVATION IS THE RESULT OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY EFFORT - Casandra