Socrates Fellows Who We Are 2008-2009 Ignacio Vilchis
A chance to serve as a mentor and role model, in addition to the opportunity to communicate his research to a young audience are reasons that Ignacio Vilchis looks forward to serving as a Socrates Fellow. “Many scientists do not get the opportunity to develop skills to communicate complicated concepts to a non-scientific audience,” says Ignacio. “It’s important that we have the necessary skills to share our research and knowledge with all members of the community, especially young students.”
He adds “My interest in the Socrates Fellowship also arises from personally being mentored and motivated in high school by an excellent biology teacher who had just recently finished graduate school. I would very much enjoy having the opportunity to play this role myself.”
Ignacio obtained his Master's degree in marine science from the Catholic University of Chile, and is currently working towards a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. His research focuses on the impact that changes in ocean climate (such as that brought on by El Nino Southern Oscillation and other factors) has on fish, seabirds and other creatures in the ecosystem of the southern Pacific. He is currently working with mentors Mike Landry and Lisa Balance.
“I have always held a strong interest in the natural, ecological world. Previously, I was a research associate with the Kelp Ecology Group also at SIO. My research experience also includes investigating the effects of El Niño events on kelp forests and their inhabitants, and examining the effects of invasive species on wetlands.”
