Profile
Marlene is a doctoral candidate at Scripps Institution of Oceanography where she studies the link between the ecology of complex coral reef systems, one of the most biologically rich ecosystems on the planet, and the human societies that depend on reef resources. Using primarily models, her dissertation employs a complex systems approach to generate a dynamically grounded multi-scale understanding of 1) demographic patterns of coral colonies, 2) emergent patterns of coral reefscapes, and 3) the behaviors of coupled human-reef fishing societies. Results are far-reaching in coral reef conservation efforts aimed at acknowledging and learning from the diversity of coupled human-seascape relationships across the globe. In the long-term, Marlene plans to use her work to stimulate increased correspondence between mathematical modeling and field experiments as well as between ecology and Central American coastal communities where she aims to build genuine two-way relationships. Marlene’s scholarly awards include fellowships from NSF, the Ford Foundation, UCSD’s San Diego fellowship program, and UCSD President’s Dissertation Year program. Marlene’s background of struggle as a Mexican American scientist, womyn of color, wife of a hard-working once undocumented immigrant, proud daughter of inspiring working-class parents and graduate student mother of two, compel her to remain active in underrepresented communities. She remains involved with grassroots organizations, including Peace and Dignity Journeys, which advocates for human and indigenous rights, and serves as keynote speaker for school-wide assemblies and the STEM Dare to Dream: Get Educated Latina Conference. She remains invigorated by the prospect of continuing to inspire youth into science, while empowering them to dismantle barriers and define themselves and their lives.
