Science and Education:
Creating a bridge between
research and action

Through virtual encounters like these, Smithsonian provides a digital space for local experts from different fields of science to share their stories, experiences, training and professional trajectory, the challenging and rewarding moments of their careers, the type of research that they do and the importance to the world, and their passion about science. The objective is to guide and motivate youth to consider scientific careers and everything that entails to achieve such a task. For this series’s 5th webinar carried out in December, Smithsonian has invited Dr. Nadia De León Porter, Education Specialist, to share her experience in the field of science education in Panama with the talk titled, Science and Education: Creating a bridge between research and action.

Punta Culebra red

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DNA in fringe-lipped bat poop reveals unexpected eating habits

The poop of Trachops cirrhosus revealed surprising results about its foraging abilities and prey preferences.

Story location

Panama, Costa Rica

Animal Behavior Bioinformatics Molecular Genetics and Genomics Ecosystem Ecology Forest Ecology Connections in nature: Plants, Animals, Microbes and Environments Gamboa Barro Colorado red Rachel Page

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Science through
passion and perseverance

Dr. Gina Della Togna has gone a long way in pursuing her love for animals, including amphibians, insects, and reptiles. Last year she received the L'Oreal-Unesco Prize for Women in Science, for her research in assisted reproductive techniques for endangered species, such as the golden frog. This year she was named by Forbes magazine as one of the 100 most powerful women in Central America and the Dominican Republic. Listen to the story of how she became a renowned scientist.

Story location

Gamboa

Herpetology Disease Ecology Conservation Biology Biodiversity Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet Gamboa red Roberto Ibañez

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Invasive lionfish may
be a selective predator

By evaluating the diet choices of this species in a semi-natural environment, scientists could improve predictions of how it might affect newly invaded communities

Story location

Curazao

Invasion Biology Animal Behavior Marine Biology Conservation Biology Fisheries and Marine Conservation Ecosystem Ecology Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet Naos red D. Ross Robertson

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A book that brings us closer to the past, present and future of Panama's natural diversity

The scientific research that has been carried out for more than a century on the isthmus, reveals us details about the evolution of its ecosystems, from deep time until today.

Story location

Panama

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Vampire bat bonding persists
from the lab to the wild

Bats moved from a captive colony back to a tree stayed with their friends.

Story location

Panama

Animal Behavior Zoology Bioinformatics Natural History Origins of Species and Societies Bocas del Toro red

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Microbes in warm soils released more carbon than those in cooler soils

Warming tropical soils could cause a 9 % increase in atmospheric CO2 this Century.

Story location

Peruvian Andes
Text by Beth King

Soil Science Microbial Ecology Ecosystem Ecology Biodiversity Geography and Biogeography Connections in nature: Plants, Animals, Microbes and Environments Barro Colorado red

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Invaders are lunch
for local marine species

Native predators could contribute to controlling the abundance and expansion of invasive species

Story location

Panama, Chile
Text by Leila Nilipour, STRI

Marine Biology Invasion Biology Ecosystem Ecology Biodiversity Global Change Fisheries and Marine Conservation Connections in nature: Plants, Animals, Microbes and Environments Naos red Mark Torchin

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On the lookout for
Paleopanamanians

STRI archaeologists believe the first inhabitants of the isthmus of Panama may be resting beneath an unexplored corner of the Azuero peninsula 

Story location

Azuero
Text by Leila Nilipour

Archaeology Anthropology Life in Deep Time CTPA Naos red Ashley Sharpe

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Directorship named in honor
of Ira Rubinoff

Endowed Directorship at STRI Named for Director Emeritus, Ira Rubinoff, to acknowledge his leadership skill and his good relationships with our benefactors. 

Story location

Panamá

Earl S. Tupper red Ira Rubinoff Matthew Larsen

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