This year, we’re pleased to welcome eight students from the Universidad de Sonora (UNISON) in Hermosillo. They are joining our Sonora team to complete one of the final steps in their university career — their professional internship. Over the coming months, they will support various projects of our organization such as data collection and recording for Spring Seeker and management and restoration activities for Ranchos Regenerativos. Get to know them a little more:
Elva Nayeli Ocaña Miranda
My name is Elva Nayeli Ocaña Miranda. I’m 23 years old and from Hermosillo, Sonora, and I’m about to graduate from UNISON in Environmental Science Engineering. I’m interested in doing my professional internship with SIA because I admire all the work and outreach that the organization does in the region. I hope to learn as much as possible while working with them, about conservation techniques and the work that they do, and I hope to contribute directly to their preservation, restoration, and monitoring efforts.
Kiara Ayala Cabanillas
I am Kiara Ayala Cabanillas from Puerto Libertad, Sonora. I study Environmental Engineering. I hope to learn a lot about species monitoring, water quality, and soil remediation. I also hope to learn about the ecosystems that develop in the Sky Islands and how to care for them.
Evangelina Esquer Mazón
I’m Evangelina Esquer Mazón, I’m from Hermosillo and was born in Phoenix, Arizona. I study Environmental Science Engineering at the University of Sonora. I would like to learn during this time with SIA how the protection and restoration of flora is carried out, and I would like to learn more about the organization and its work with nature.
Dariana Selene Laurean Valdez
I am Dariana Selene Laurean Valdez from Hermosillo. I currently study Environmental Science Engineering at the University of Sonora and I am in my 8th semester. During my professional internship, I would like to strengthen my knowledge in ecosystem analysis, conservation, and management, as well as work with scientific tools in real-world contexts, since that is what I would like to dedicate myself to in the future. I would like to put into practice and learn in more detail about environmental monitoring, species conservation, and natural resource management. I’m particularly interested in Sky Island Alliance because of their conservation work. The region is a great place to put these skills into practice.
Ana Ximena Velasquez Zozaya
My name is Ana Ximena Velásquez Zozaya, I’m from Hermosillo, I’m 22 years old and an eighth-semester student of environmental science engineering. I hope to learn about soil restoration, species conservation, and other techniques that I can develop and provide as an environmental engineer. And I’m interested in learning more about the Sky Islands and how to help address the effects of anthropogenic and climate changes.
Lizana Dhamar Dávila Zubiate
My name is Lizana Dhamar Dávila Zubiate, I am 21 years old, I’m from Bacerac, Sonora, and I’m in my eighth semester studying Environmental Science Engineering.
By doing my internship with Sky Island Alliance, I would like to learn more about what fieldwork is like and be better prepared for the future. I would also like to put my current knowledge to the test and discover what else I can learn about soil restoration.
Karen Guadalupe Gonzalez Valenzuela
My name is Karen Guadalupe González Valenzuela, I am 21 years old and I’m from Hermosillo, Sonora. I study Environmental Science Engineering at UNISON, and I’m in my eighth semester. I’m interested in doing the internship with SIA and getting to know different areas of Sonora. I love animals and blogging about the different experiences I have during my studies. I’m good at teamwork, socializing, and learning a little more each day. I’m interested in the conservation and restoration of aquatic habitats, and I love marine life. I’m also very interested in the restoration and conservation of ranching areas, since I regularly visit these places and love life there.
As a student in the environmental field, I am motivated to contribute to initiatives that protect ecosystems in northern Mexico and strengthen international cooperation. I firmly believe that environmental protection requires collaborative work among countries, institutions, and local communities.
Stephany Hernández Piña
My name is Stephany Hernández Piña, I am originally from Hermosillo, and I’m currently in my eighth semester of the Environmental Science program at the University of Sonora. Throughout my university education, I have developed a great interest in the conservation of ecosystems in northern Mexico, as well as in understanding the relationship between human activities and the environment. I am especially drawn to the Sky Islands, as they represent areas of high biodiversity and ecological connectivity, which are fundamental for the conservation of species and natural processes.
I am interested in learning more about management and conservation strategies that are implemented in different ecosystems. I believe I can contribute commitment, willingness to work as part of a team, responsibility, and an open attitude toward learning, in addition to the knowledge acquired during my studies. I hope this experience will allow me to strengthen my practical skills, broaden my perspective on environmental conservation, and acquire tools that contribute to my professional development and my future performance in the environmental field.
We are very happy to have the energy, curiosity, and commitment of these new practicants. And we look forward to working with them to ensure the protection of the Sky Islands.
Welcome!