María José Petit-Rodríguez

Education

• Experimental Faculty of Sciences of the University of Zulia (FEC-LUZ)
• María José is an alumnus of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), a professional scholarship program sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State.

 

• • She represented Venezuela in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Young Ocean Ambassador, sponsored by the same U.S entity. María José has published over 10 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and actively participated in over 20 scientific events as an author and co-author.
  • She was a Research Assistant in the Geographic Information System lab at the Ecology Center at the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC). She is a Best Research Award winner of the Student Research Network of the University of Zulia (REDIELUZ) and Award Recipient of the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF). She is the Co-Founder and Director of the STEAM Learning Lab.

Licenses and Certifications

• B.Sc. in Biology
• Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF)
• Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative

About Maria Jose is known for her passion for knowledge, which influenced her to choose a science career. Her drive led her to become a Research Assistant at her University and steadily started working in ecology scientific research. María José is skilled in dissecting scientific findings in easy-to-understand texts; she has found a purpose in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding. She co-founded the STEAM Learning Lab, a maker space where children and teenagers can delve into science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics-related topics. This educational initiative highlights Maria Jose's commitment to nurturing the next generation of curious minds. Experience Her areas of expertise include :

• Ecology
• Marine Conservation
• GIS
• Science Communication