Dr. Elena Finkbeiner is a Coastal Community Fisheries Program Manager, Conservation International and Assistant Adjunct Professor, Coastal Science & Policy Program at University of California, Santa Cruz. She holds a master’s degree from Duke University’s Nicholas School for the Environment and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. Elena is interested in understanding and improving adaptive capacity and equality within and across fishing communities and integrating a human rights-based approach to fisheries governance. She has over a decade of experience working in small-scale fisheries along the Baja Peninsula. Prior to joining Conservation International as staff, Finkbeiner was a postdoctoral research associate at Arizona State University’s Center for Biodiversity Outcomes. Her fellowship was co-sponsored by CI and the Nereus Project (The Nippon Foundation).
Juno Fitzpatrick is an International development professional passionate about oceans, human rights, climate change and disaster risk reduction with 10 years of experience in progressive program management, project design, policy analysis, humanitarian and development security worldwide.
Dr. Lily Z. Zhao recently completed her PhD at UC Santa Barbara. Her interests are in fisheries, social equity, climate resilience, and coral reefs.
Gabrielle “Gabby” Lout is a PhD student at Arizona State University. Growing up visiting her family in the Dominican Republic, she became an avid scuba diver and ocean advocate. By melding together the quantitative and qualitative aspects of marine conservation and sustainability, she is committed to bridging the gap between the natural and social sciences. Her current work is centered around conservation approaches for small-scale fisheries that addresses environmental sustainability while protecting the livelihoods of fishers and communities in Guyana.
Marissa Anne S. Miller. Marissa is a nonprofit professional working to advance people-centered coastal environmental conservation and stewardship. She is passionate about elevating community-based and socially responsible approaches to conservation, incorporating creativity and innovation, and integrating her passion for surfing and other nature-based sports. She currently works with Conservation International's Center for Oceans on their coastal community fisheries and surf conservation programs.
Juan Carlos Jeri is an early career biologist from Lima, Peru. He got his BSc degree 2017. As is currently, he is in the Coastal Science and Policy Master Program at the University of California Santa Cruz. His research focuses on ecology and conservation of marine top predators, especially marine mammals and seabirds (e.g. fur seals, penguins). He previously worked with the Punta San Juan Program and the Marine Program of World Wildlife Fund – Peru.
Dr. John N. “Jack” Kittinger is the senior vice president for Conservation International's Center for Sustainable Lands and Waters. Under his leadership, Conservation International works to ensure that the basic benefits of nature – including our ability to produce food, fiber and materials – is undertaken in ways that replenish our natural wealth. The center’s staff focuses on protecting biodiversity on productive lands and waters, and further supporting the protection and restoration of some of Earth’s most important ecosystems. Jack is also a research professor in Arizona State University’s School of Ocean Futures and Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability.