STRI Unsung Heroes 2025

STRI honors two of our unsung heroes: Yaosca Escobar and Lizbeth “Liz” Ortiz, who were recognized in a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III for their outstanding work and unwavering dedication.

From their roles in Human Resources and the Travel Office, Yaosca and Liz not only carry out their responsibilities with excellence, but also go above and beyond every day to make STRI a more welcoming, and supportive place for all of us and for our visitors.
Thank you, Yaosca and Liz, for your dedication, kindness, and wholehearted service.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

New book by Irene Kopelman

Artist Irene Kopelman’s new bilingual book, A Matter of Framing (Notes on Representation Vol. 13), features contributions from both the artist and STRI scientists, including Erin Spear, Matthieu Leray and William Wcislo. This publication is connected to the exhibition Una cuestión de encuadre (A Matter of Framing) at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Panama (MAC Panamá) and offers a model for interdisciplinary practice rooted in long-term exchange. It also marks the occasion of Kopelman’s appointment as the first non-scientist to be named Research Associate at STRI – a formal recognition of her enduring engagement with the institute’s work and the Panamanian landscape.
Congratulations Irene!

Conservation in Action at Altos de Campana

Roberto Ibáñez recently gave a presentation highlighting the fieldwork being carried out at the Altos de Campana National Park and Biological Reserve. Addressed to park rangers and staff from the Ministry of Environment’s Central Office and the Panama Oeste Regional Directorate, the talk—titled “Release Trials of Anurans in Altos de Campana”—emphasized the importance of these efforts in preserving biodiversity within protected areas.

Congratulations Mily!

Congratulations to Milagros “Mily” González, research technician in the Haris Lessios Lab, for being selected as one of only 12 global participants—and the only Latina woman—for the Young Ocean Xplorer program aboard the Las Palmas expedition. Mily spent nine days at sea diving deep into exploration and discovery.

Celebrating Scientific Excellence

Sean Connolly has been honored with the 2025 Eminence in Research Award from the International Coral Reef Society. This prestigious recognition highlights his outstanding contributions to science over more than two decades. As part of the award, Dr. Connolly will deliver an invited talk at the 16th International Coral Reef Symposium in Auckland, New Zealand.

A big welcome to the young scientists of the Bridge to Science Internship Program!

After a rigorous selection process, these candidates were selected due to their academic excellence and outstanding dedication to science. Through the SENACYT Academic Stays Program, we are proud to host Panamanian undergraduate students completing their theses during a 9-month internship at STRI. Thanks to private philanthropy, we are also able to host undergraduates and recent graduates from across Latin America.

World Bee Day: Awareness and Science in Action

As part of World Bee Day celebrations, Smithsonian intern Valezka de Cárdenas gave a presentation on the incredible diversity of bees around the world, highlighting their crucial role in ecosystems and how we can all contribute to their conservation. She also shared insights from her research at the Smithsonian Institution aimed at deepening our understanding of these vital pollinators.

World Coral Reef Day: Science in Service of the Ocean

To mark World Coral Reef Day, Smithsonian Fellow Carlos Gómez gave an educational talk on the importance of corals for marine life. He explained what these extraordinary organisms are, their essential role in ocean health, and the threats they face from acidification and climate change. He also shared details of the research he's conducting at the Naos laboratories, aimed at protecting and conserving these fragile yet vital marine ecosystems.

Q?Bus Arrives in Taboga with Science, Creativity, and a Special Guest

The Q?Bus embarked on an exciting journey to the Benjamín Quintero Álvarez School on Taboga Island. For this special visit, Richie Montes Lemus—a RaMP-UP fellow in Sean Connolly’s lab—joined the adventure. Guided by Richie, students explored the fascinating world of 3D modeling, learning how to create digital models from sequences of photographs—a technique very similar to those used in research on coral resilience. Through this visit, Q?Bus reaffirmed its commitment to bringing cutting-edge science into classrooms, sparking curiosity in new generations through hands-on, accessible, and awe-inspiring experiences.

Science and Wonder at the Summit Botanical gardens

At the Guardians of Pollen Festival, organized by the Environmental Management Directorate of the Municipality of Panama at the Summit Municipal Park, guides Adrián Lezcano, Leslye Barría, and Jane Aguilar represented STRI with an interactive table. Throughout the event, the public explored the fascinating world of pollinators, their vital role in nature, and the importance of their conservation. The team demonstrated the pollen cycle and explained how certain insects’ ability to see ultraviolet light helps them locate flowers and facilitate pollination. Visitors were amazed as they observed pollinator specimens up close through a stereoscope.

STRI at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference

Over two impactful weeks in Nice and Monaco, STRI advanced science-based, community-led ocean solutions at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) and other global gatherings on blue economy, science, and governance. Led by members of STRI, the Adriene Arsht Community-Based Resilience Solutions Initiative, and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, our delegation connected with world leaders to accelerate efforts toward the High Seas Treaty and 30x30 goals. STRI emphasized inclusive science, resilient ecosystems, and community empowerment—ensuring ocean protection isn't just promised but practiced.