Lili (she/her) is a Honduran Ph.D. candidate at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara. As an interdisciplinary seafood scientist, she merges her expertise in marine ecology, fishery sciences, social sciences, and anthropology to unravel the intricate dynamics of marine social-ecological systems. With a profound commitment to environmental justice, Lili’s research revolves around small-scale fisheries and aquaculture. Her work delves into understanding the multifaceted challenges faced by coastal communities reliant on fishery resources. Lili’s research not only illuminates the complexities of these systems but also informs the development of inclusive policies and management strategies. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, she strives to enhance the livelihoods of fishers and community members while safeguarding marine biodiversity. Currently, Lili’s research aims to understand the interactions and social dynamics between the transitions from wild-caught fisheries to aquaculture in small-scale fishery communities and understand how to make them just and equitable transitions. Driven by her passion for marine conservation and social equity, Lili’s contributions resonate deeply within the realms of academia, policy, and community engagement, fostering tangible and lasting impacts on our oceans and the lives of those dependent on them.
