Team Bio

CEBSE, Inc. is an NGO with 30+ years of experience in conservation and sustainable development. Our multidisciplinary team includes professionals in sociology, diving, agronomy, agroforestry, geography, biology, and veterinary science. Supported by a council and partners, we work towards a better future for people and the environment. For this proposal, we will also collaborate with the Genetics and Biotechnology Laboratory of the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (INTEC).

Sheyling Alvarado Chía

I graduated with a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of São Paulo in 2022. During my undergraduate studies, I contributed to a research project focused on detecting West Nile Virus in wild bird populations in Brazil. This experience sparked my interest in the intersection of veterinary science and conservation.

Afterward, I became a research associate at the NGO ConservAccion, where I participated in projects investigating human-animal interactions related to the conservation of the Andean Condor in southern Peru. Additionally, we have ongoing research to identify a pathogen causing skin lesions in Smooth Hammerhead Sharks off the northern coast of Peru. These projects have provided me with hands-on experience in sample collection and processing for molecular biology and pathology, as well as in experimental and survey design.

Currently, I am employed as a Restoration Technician for Coastal and Marine Environments at CEBSE. In this role, I am gaining practical experience in restoration techniques, habitat monitoring, and community engagement. My work aligns with my passion for Conservation Medicine, and I am committed to supporting the health of marine organisms and ecosystems through this integrated approach to conservation and veterinary science.

Someira Zambrano

Someira Zambrano is a Geographer currently pursuing a Master's degree in Project Management at the Universidad Central del Este. Her interest in project management began during her time at the Directorate of Environmental Planning and Natural Resource Management at the Venezuelan National Parks Institute, where she led a team of 10 people and managed complex administrative processes. This experience motivated her to seek tools to improve her performance, which led her to discover a passion for project management that she could combine with her commitment to protecting natural resources.

In 2016, Someira expanded her horizons by moving to the Dominican Republic, where she participated in a training course for trainers on marine resource management organized by the Caribbean Marine Protected Area Management Network (CAMPAM) of UNEP. This event marked the beginning of a close collaboration with local leaders who shared her passion for marine conservation, leading her to settle in the country and take on the role of Coordinator of the Dominican Reef Network.

In addition to her practical experience, Someira has a strong background in research, with 8 published works. Her academic contributions have enriched her professional work, giving her a solid foundation in evidence-based decision-making.

Someira is a certified Dive Master with a specialization in scientific diving through the AAUS, and she holds a diploma in Project Management. She is currently part of CEBSE, an NGO dedicated to biodiversity conservation in the Samaná region and the sustainable development of its communities. As Project Coordinator, she leads the implementation of operational plans focused on protecting the natural resources of Samaná Bay, with a holistic approach that promotes both environmental conservation and the social and economic well-being of local communities.