Sofia Pastor-Parajeles

Experience

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  Universidad de Costa Rica UCR

  Aug 2016 - Dec 2018

  Streamline student learning to identify the unique taxonomic characteristics of each invertebrate group. Also teach to develop questions and methodology for field work. As well as assist in the handling of statistical data and improve students writing for scientific articles. Data analysis, identification, separation and processing of seagrass and mangrove samples. Field work: Sampling and collection in the Caribbean (Cahuita) / Taking environmental factors. Sea worms ecology.

  • Teacher Assistant

    Mar 2017 - Dec 2018

  • Research Assistant

    Aug 2016 - Dec 2018
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  Costa Rica Wildlife Foundation

  Jan 2021 - Dec 2023

  Create and lead a manatee conservation project in the North Caribbean in Costa Rica. Collaborate with partners from Smithsonian institution in manatee populations bioacoustics research. Develop an education program for children and youth. Manage community engagement strategies. Create and execute a monitoring and adaptive system for Costa Rica Wildlife Foundation operations through theory of change, impact indicators and monthly reporting. Increase operations for conservation efficacy, write feedback reports and look after funding opportunities (Grant writing and building partnerships). Develop my Licenciatura Thesis. Characterizing and assessing people-tapir interactions in a Biological corridor as an extra layer in understanding functional connectivity. Developing practical recommendations and solutions for people-wildlife conflict. Develop community engagement strategies for active involvement in local conservation actions. Create a citizen science project and build capacity in collecting and uploading observations with camera traps and iNaturalist.

  • Lead Project Coordinator

    Jan 2020 - Dec 2023

  • Coexistence and conservation planning coordinator

    Jun 2022 - Oct 2023

  • Research Biologist

    Feb 2019 - Dec 2022

  • Community Conservation Officer

    Jan 2021 - Jun 2022
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  GFA Consulting Group GmbH

  Dec 2022 - May 2023

  Environmental Consultant

  Assess pollinators' populations in a Biotech farm. Design and create a pollinators' garden made up of native plant species and monitor insects within the Biotech project considering it as an action to enhance the landscape structural and functional connectivity in the area.

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  British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)

  Dec 2023 - Mar 2024

  Project Consultant

  Asses the opportunities, challenges and motivations for youth engagement in citizen science projects in urban parks. Develop a survey and create recommendations to diversify and increase youth involvement in BTO actions.

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  BirdLife International

  May 2024 - now

  Professional Placement: Empowering Women in Biodiversity Conservation

  I am conducting a diagnosis of the roles, barriers, and opportunities women in conservation practitioners face in managing and conserving natural resources in Ecuador and Colombia. It will involve conducting a systematic literature review and data collection through interviews with local BLI partners and local women's groups, validation with gender experts and development of adaptive and inclusive gender strategies to enhance BLI conservation efforts. By recognizing women's contextual needs, the project seeks to give recommendations to leverage BLI and its partners’ strategies potential for women empowerment in biodiversity conservation. Show less