Vanessa is a veterinarian, marine biotechnologist, and naturalist based in Bahía de los Ángeles, Baja California, Mexico. Since 2008, she has worked in whale shark research and conservation in Baja California, contributing to long-term monitoring, field logistics, and science-based ecotourism practices. Her work focuses on wildlife, marine conservation, and community-based conservation initiatives. Vanessa also participates in desert wildlife monitoring programs, assessing megafauna distribution in Baja California. She has previously led Putney’s Exploration Iceland, Service Costa Rica, and Career Baja programs. A certified freediver and SCUBA rescue diver, she is fluent in English and Spanish and integrates field research, conservation, and environmental education to connect diverse audiences with Mexico’s marine and desert ecosystems.