Q-quatics welcomes its new researchers!

Two new fresh graduates, Selina De Leon and Fayte Sicnawa, jump on board the Q-quatics team last April 1. They have since been involved in the identification of fishes in partnership with the University of Western Australia and the carry forward of global fisheries catch reconstructions led by the Sea Around Us.

Selina De Leon, a BS Biology graduate, hails from the University of the Philippines Diliman. She took up courses on marine sciences, ichthyology, ecology, biodiversity, and conservation. Selina’s fascination for the ocean started when she saw the iconic BBC documentary series Blue Planet. That made her want to study marine life and experience it up close. Last Aril 2018, she volunteered for the humpback whale research expedition (Balyena.org) in Camiguin Island, Calayan, Cagayan.

Fayte Sicnawa, a member of the Indigenous People of Kalinga, studied BS Biology major in Wildlife Biology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Upon graduation, she went on to teach Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Science at Trace College for a year. As a wildlife biologist, she’s aware of the decline in the sheer biodiversity of species in the country. She therefore feels strongly about the need for their conservation. She believes that the training she'll get in Q-quatics would leverage this passion. Today, she’s pursuing a master’s degree in Wildlife Biology.

Welcome aboard,  Selena and Fayte!