Each week, MANRRS will be showcasing a diverse member of the science field. From biologists, astronauts, environmental and social activists, physicians, and chemists, 'Diversity in the Sciences' is a great way to learn more about men and women of all ethnicities and their contributions to science!
Name: Alfonso Alonso
Bio: Born in 1968 in Mexico City, Alfonso Alonso remembers his childhood was filled with many outdoor experiences. To continue working with nature, Alonso went to the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico where he graduated with a degree in biology. While working on his bachelor’s degree, he participated in research on population dynamics of butterflies with one of his professors. He then continued his education at the University of Florida where we received his masters and Ph.D. in zoology. His research focus shifted to the distribution of insects according to temperature and altitude in the Americas. Alonso now works as a scientist and conservation biologist for the Smithsonian Institution’s Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity (MAB) Program. His association with MAB first sent him to Peru where he worked with a company to minimize their impacts on the environment. As a result, the company has worked to improve biodiversity in over 300 locations worldwide and gathered data to create national parks! He is now working on conservation projects in Central Africa.