María Elisa Sánchez

Wetland Scientist, Instructor

(ella, she, her)

I was born and raised in the Ecuadorian Andes, my love for the mountains was something that came as naturally as breathing. Finding my love for wetland ecosystems has been a journey with happy mistakes and support from a lot of wonderful humans and furry friends. I am interested in understanding how mountain wetlands (specifically peatlands) function, and how they are being impacted by humans, including through the current climate emergency. Currently I am studying for a PhD in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, where my process of learning from these landscapes is shaped by patience and perseverance.

My volunteer and instructor work with IGE is very important to me. I believe that girls deserve spaces where they can feel empowered and allowed to be the humans they want to be -- with respect, vulnerability, and openness. I value curiosity and strive to approach any challenges armed with it; in that regard, I hope that the girls can be inspired to be curious about our natural and physical world.

Expeditions at Home Instructor 2021