Vanessa is a true multi-hyphenate in marine conservation, a marine biologist, population geneticist, and fish ecologist dedicated to protecting coral reef biodiversity. Her research combines ecological, biological, and genetic insights to explore the forces driving species distribution, evolution, and resilience in reef ecosystems. By focusing on habitat ranges, connectivity, and adaptive potential, Vanessa’s work reveals what helps coral reef species thrive under environmental pressure ⎯ a mission she pursues with both rigour and a deep commitment to conservation.
Her career has taken her around the globe, from the chilled waters of the Irminger Sea and Antarctica to tropical hotspots of biodiversity in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Vanessa’s work spans regions as diverse as Zanzibar, Seychelles, Rapa Nui, and Hawaii, with collaborations at institutions like the Museums of Natural History of Australia, Frankfurt, and Vienna, the Alfred Wegener Institute, and the Red Sea Research Center in Saudi Arabia. Each setting and partnership highlights her dedication to advancing marine science and conservation on an international scale.
Originally from San Andres Island in Colombia’s Caribbean, Vanessa’s journey in science began in Germany, where she studied Biology and earned a master’s in Aquatic Tropical Ecology. She completed her PhD in Marine Sciences at KAUST in Saudi Arabia. Her experiences, combined with her Caribbean roots, drive her to protect the world’s oceans with a global perspective and local insight.
As a co-founder and the Communication, Citizen Science, and Outreach Program Manager for SHAMS – The General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea – Vanessa leads community-based initiatives to protect coral reefs and sea turtle nesting habitats in this unique marine environment. Founded by the Saudi government, SHAMS focuses on the restoration and sustainable management of these critical ecosystems, ensuring their resilience for generations to come. Vanessa’s work reflects a core belief: conservation succeeds when scientific knowledge and the beauty of nature inspire pride and commitment in the community to their protection.
