Welcome to the

PUERTO RICO HUB

Hola from Puerto Rico!

Puerto Rico’s Navigating Home hub is dedicated to empowering recent graduates by offering them the chance to cultivate meaningful connections and a drive to excel in STEM careers. Through strategic partnerships with esteemed agencies in geological and marine sciences, such as the Department of Natural Resources of Puerto Rico (DRNA) and Para La Naturaleza (PLN), we have expanded our reach and impact. Most recently, we have forged connections with Sociedad Ambiente Marino (SAM), an organization focusing on crucial aspects like coral reef conservation, restoration efforts. Also, we maintain ongoing partnerships with Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBANER), this partnering organization monitors climate conditions in the southern region of the island, furthering our commitment to environmental stewardship and scientific advancement.

Furthermore, we are committed to providing fellows with unparalleled development opportunities. This includes actively involving them in mentoring undergraduate students, both in classroom settings and during research field trips aimed at sample collection. We strongly believe that by fostering such mentoring constellations, our fellows will gain valuable insights and experiences that will greatly enrich their professional development.

Notably, one of our research initiatives, conducted in collaboration with the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan campus, centers on examining various scenarios at the Cabezas de San Juan lagoon. Specifically, we are investigating how these scenarios impact the captivating phenomenon of bioluminescence, offering valuable insights into critical ecological dynamics. The interest in studying the lagoon originates from a preceding project, centro TORTUGA, which laid the groundwork for subsequent endeavors such as the SEAS Island Alliance. From this alliance, the inception of Navigating Home emerged, marking a progressive evolution in our research pursuits.

In essence, Navigating Home is not just a program; it is a dynamic community committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and passion for STEM.

“I am grateful for the opportunity this Fellowship provides me to further hone my skills and knowledge in the fields of marine and geoscience. I am eager to immerse myself fully, gaining invaluable experience that will shape my career trajectory”

— Kiara Acevedo, Puerto Rico Workforce Fellow

“Through the program I hope to be able to integrate more into the environmental fields; and have the opportunity to connect with communities and scientists who have the interest to work in favor of a healthy environment not only for the present generations but for the ones that will come.”

— Alondra Gabriel Correa, Puerto Rico Workforce Fellow

Let’s create change together.

We are recruiting Workforce Fellows and Engaging Hosts.

Positions are available for short-term (1-2 month) and long-term (1-2 years) Fellows.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, be from the U.S. Virgin Islands (e.g., graduated from a Virgin Islands high school) and be Black, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander or other group underrepresented in the geosciences (American Indian or Alaska Native, veterans, first-generation college students, from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, non-binary or gender non-conforming, and or differently abled).

Applicants must be experienced and interested in marine, environmental, sustainability science or engineering and able to show proof of local residency prior to post-secondary education (e.g. high school diploma).

Apply To Be A Puerto Rico Workforce Fellow

Contact PR Hub

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Are you interested in hosting a Workforce Fellow?

Be part of an initiative that plays a crucial role in advancing diversity, inclusion, and participation in the geosciences field within the U.S. territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our grant will fund airfare and an annual salary. We want you, the host agency, to help us gather students interested in marine, environmental sustainability sciences or engineering and give them the chance to start their career at home.

Apply To Host A Puerto Rico Workforce Fellow

Become A Fellow

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Mentor A Fellow

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Become A Fellow ✳︎ Mentor A Fellow ✳︎

MEET THE PUERTO RICO TEAM

Featured

Maria Barberena

PI and Director

I'm Maria Fernanda, a Latina scientist originally from Colombia. I earned my biology degree with a minor in Entomology from Universidad del Valle before moving to Puerto Rico to pursue my master’s and doctorate in biology at the University of Puerto Rico. Transitioning into academia, I became a professor at various local Puerto Rican universities and am currently affiliated with the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico Metropolitan Campus.

Throughout my career, I've focused on two primary areas: the role of arthropods in ecosystems and student teaching/learning processes, particularly in non-traditional settings. I've cultivated these interests through successful collaborations with communities, scientists, agencies, and institutions both within and outside Puerto Rico.

As a mentor for projects such as Islands Alliance and Navigating Home, I feel privileged to pursue my passions with the support of numerous collaborators. Committed to my mentees, I utilize my skills to support them in achieving their objectives in ways that resonate with them.

Reflecting on my journey, I emphasize the importance of collaboration in STEM careers, which are often perceived as solitary endeavors. I credit collaborations for introducing me to invaluable connections, personal growth opportunities, and impacting my professional trajectory. Through mentoring, I aim to instill in my students the significance of collaboration, encouraging them to embrace this mindset as they progress in their own careers.

Natasha de León Rodríguez

Co-PI

Cristian M. Gonzalez Rivera

Project Coordinator

Mayra C. Baquero Vesga

Program Menor

I am a Professor of Mathematics, Computer Literacy, and Statistics at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus. My academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and a master’s degree in Statistical Mathematics, providing me with a solid foundation in these fields that I enthusiastically share with my students.

In addition to teaching, I serve as the Coordinator of the ALCE (Active Learning Center of Excellence) tutoring center. In this role, I oversee the tutoring service and the tutors who provide assistance to our university's students. My aim is to support students in acquiring essential skills in math, statistics, and computer literacy. I am responsible for organizing and guiding the tutors, ensuring they deliver quality service and serving as their mentor throughout the process.

I find great joy in interacting with students, viewing each encounter as an opportunity for mutual learning and growth. I am deeply committed to fostering teamwork and contributing to the motivation and professional development of both students and tutors.

Aligned with the objectives of the project, I aspire to support and nurture new leaders, advocating for the values of commitment, respect, and inclusion within our academic community. I am dedicated to the success and well-being of my students, and I feel privileged to play a role in shaping their comprehensive education.