Meet the Scientist: Anabarbara Gonzalez

Anabarbara is a student at Florida International University and a 2022 Evolution In Action participant. We asked Anabarbara a few questions about her experience and interests.

What is your major?
I am a Biology Major at Florida International University.

What are your current career interests?
·       I am interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in herpetology as I really enjoy studying reptiles and amphibians. After working as an intern at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden leading field trips and teaching children about the environment, plants, and animals, I realized that I really enjoy educating the public about biology topics. I especially enjoy teaching about reptiles and amphibians as there are many misconceptions about them that make people afraid of them which can sometimes interfere with conservation efforts.

Why were you interested in joining the EIA program?
·       With my current interest in herpetological research, the EIA program provided me with the opportunity to do fieldwork in the rainforest which is something I had always dreamed of doing. It also gave me the chance to work together on an amazing project with experienced scientists who are helping me to develop the necessary skills to work in a laboratory and field setting.
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What is something cool or interesting that you have seen or learned since you started on the project in Panama?
·       Since starting this project in Panama I have seen many different animals that I had never seen in the wild before and getting to see some of their natural behaviors was very interesting. During my first week in Panama I saw a group of capuchin monkeys in the Gamboa rainforest and as they were foraging for some food one of them became very curious about our presence and climbed down the tree a bit to get a closer look at us and even began throwing food.