Joanna Alfaro Shigueto

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Universidad Cientifica del Sur and ProDelphinus

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I work at the Universidad Cientifica del Sur, at the Marine Biology Faculty and at the ViceRectorado de Investigacion. Also, I work in an NGO for conservation called ProDelphinus.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

At first I choose it because I wanted to work with animals and be by the ocean. However, with time I learned that lot of what I do, requires to work and engage with humans. So, it is a constant learning process to work in conservation, something that I enjoy a lot.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was not part of societies, or groups, but I got to meet wonderful people, and over the years I also met students from Exeter which whom we collaborated on their Master projects.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I enjoyed the celebrations of Darwin´s Birthday. People were really enthusiastic during the party.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

I loved the Cornwall campus, where I spent most of my time. The researchers were great, facilities very nicely maintained, and it’s very close to the ocean.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

My supervisors are very renowned in the turtle and conservation world, so I wanted to study with them. At first it was not easy, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions of my life. I am very honoured to be an Exeter alum.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Access to higher education was very useful for me. My degree expanded my career in my own country and also internationally.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Volunteer and test out how it is to be a professional in the world of conservation.

What are your plans for the future?

Keep enjoying what I do, and get to know more interesting people.