The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is pleased to welcome Sara Vicente Alonso, from Spain, as the newest member of its Communications and Outreach team.
Sara brings a diverse background in science education, illustration, and marine science communication. Before joining PICRC, she served as a Science Educator at the Sea Observatory of the Azores, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine science education in Portugal’s Azores Islands. In that role, she created educational materials, designed student activities and presentations, and contributed her artistic skills to illustrate marine species for public outreach.
She has also worked with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)—Spain’s largest public research institution—where she developed science communication materials including press releases, social media content, educational resources, and research dissemination articles.
Sara’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Salamanca. She later completed a Master’s Degree in Primatology at the University of Girona, conducting behavioral research on tamarin primates in Ecuador. Most recently, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Marine Biology from the University of La Laguna in the Canary Islands, where her thesis explored the sustainability of whale watching and the effects of boat noise on cetaceans.
Alongside her scientific work, Sara has built a parallel career as a freelance artist, creating nature-inspired illustrations. Her passion for conservation has also led her to volunteer with organizations including a primate rescue center in Costa Rica, while she has also contributed to human-rights causes with groups such as Amnesty International.
Sara says she discovered PICRC while searching for opportunities that combined scientific communication with marine conservation—especially coral restoration, which she grew passionate about during her studies. She was particularly inspired by Palau’s global leadership in ocean protection.
“When I learned about PICRC and Palau’s commitment to marine conservation, I knew this was where I wanted to be,” Sara shared. “I’m excited to contribute to the Center’s mission while learning from an organization that is a global example in both research and outreach. The team has been incredibly warm and welcoming, and I already feel at home.”
At PICRC, Sara will focus on strengthening public awareness of Palau’s marine environments and sharing ongoing research and conservation efforts. Her work will include writing press releases and reports, developing educational materials, creating social media content, and conducting student activities. She also looks forward to contributing to coral restoration efforts and supporting creative outreach initiatives, including PICRC’s annual Arts & Tides Calendar Contest.
PICRC is delighted to welcome Sara and looks forward to the expertise, creativity, and passion she brings to advancing the Center’s mission of inspiring people to care for Palau’s ocean.
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