Tewksbury is an ecologist, evolutionary and conservation biologist. He holds a PhD in Organismal Biology and Ecology from the University of Montana (2000) and served as Professor of Natural History at the University of Washington (2003-2012). Tewksbury launched the Luc Hoffman Institute in Switzerland and founded Anthropocene Magazine. Most recently, he directed the Colorado Global Hub of Future Earth.

Deputy Director

Sanjur graduated from the University of Panama in 1991 and completed her Ph.D. in molecular biology at Rutgers University in 1998. She served as the president of the Panamanian Association for the Advancement of Science from 2006 to 2009. Her duties include maintaining a high standard of operational support for STRI researchers.

Wright is Senior Scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. He received his B.A. from Princeton University (1974) and his Ph.D. from the University of California at Los Angeles (1980). He has published more than 300 peer-reviewed articles and served as President of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation. His research interests include forest ecology, plant phenology and conservation biology.

Mr. Morales has 30 years’ experience in finance, telecommunications, health, exports, banking, and technology. He holds a B.A. in economics from the University of Florida, Gainesville; studied management at Northeastern University, and English and Finance at Harvard University. He serves as principal advisor to the Director’s Office for finance and administration, overseeing all financial, procurement, administrative and information technology services.

McMillan earned his Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii and did postdoctoral research at University College London. His active research program in ecological and evolutionary functional genomics focuses on: i) butterfly wing color pattern variation, ii) plasticity and adaptation in population resilience, and iii) adaptation and speciation in coral reef fishes. McMillan also stewards STRI’s vibrant and diverse academic community.

McMillan has spent more than 15 years fundraising for nonprofit organizations. Before joining STRI, she was a senior advancement officer for the Smithsonian Under Secretary of Science. Splitting her time between Washington and Panama, McMillan helps build STRI’s international advisory board, increases fundraising and expands STRI’s long-term advancement goals.

Ramírez Blázquez has a legal and political science degree from Panama’s Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua, a masters degree in law from Tulane University and an MBA from the Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencias y Tecnología. He joined STRI as legal counsel in 2004 and currently oversees legal and external affairs.

Dutari holds a bachelor’s in science and chemical engineering from Louisiana State University and a Master’s in International Business Management from the University of London. Before joining STRI, she was a global communications advisor at ExxonMobil in Washington, D.C., and was marketing, corporate affairs and retail manager at Puma Energy in Panama. Dutari heads STRI’s communications and public programs teams.

Saavedra has bachelor’s degrees in biology and computer sciences from St. Edward’s University and an MBA with an emphasis in project management. She held contracts at STRI beginning in 1987 for projects including the Oil Spill Project and the Panama Paleontology Project in 1993. Since 1999, she has served in the office of the Associate Director for Science Administration (ADSA).

Atencio has over 15 years of experience in areas such as Human Resources, Talent, Payroll, and Finance at large multinationals such as HSBC, Dell, KIO Networks and UN Missions such as UNFPA. Her professional experience includes executive level management, strategic planning, recruitment, training/employee development, employee relations and payroll. She works closely with leadership to ensure a transformation of STRI to a people-centered organization. 

Ernesto has 13 years of experience in Human Resources and accessibility at large organizations such as Amazon and Comcast. Ernesto is working closely with the Head Visitor Accessibility at the Smithsonian Institute, focused on the mission, vision, principles, and plan for accessibility at STRI that aligns with Smithsonian Institute.

Guardia holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Universidad Santa Maria la Antigua, and is a Licensed Professional Civil Engineer in the Republic of Panama. Prior to joining STRI, he worked for 15 years in the private sector of the construction industry in Panama for residential and commercial projects. He has worked at STRI since 2012 and currently heads STRI’s Facilities Office.