About
Empowering Island Communities
through Education and Conservation
Mission
Isla Mar is dedicated to advancing holistic island science through research and education, deepening appreciation and understanding of the ocean's vital role in our islands and communities.
We demystify scientific concepts to foster widespread support for safeguarding our environments, empowering advocacy and inspiring environmental consciousness to preserve our island and ocean ecosystems for future generations.
Values
Isla Mar aims to cultivate trust within the community through honest and transparent communication of scientific endeavors. Our research, rooted in respect for the environment, acknowledges humanity's role in resource conservation and footprint reduction.
We cherish the well-being of our staff, students, participants, and the community, emphasizing supportive family connections and the education of young minds. Our focus is on uniting terrestrial and marine research to create an integrated approach to island science.
Purpose
Isla Mar aims to illuminate the scientific endeavors of our organization, offering targeted informal educational programs in island and marine sciences for both youth and adults. We provide avenues for citizen science participation and support students with scholarships for this research.
We undertake related research by securing diverse funding sources and build connections with funders to promote lasting support. Additionally, Isla Mar fosters collaboration among scientists and institutions engaged in island and marine science research.
Meet Our Founders
Founded amidst the academic fervor of their graduate studies at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, in 2015, Isla Mar Research Expeditions was the visionary creation of Drs. Chelsea and Evan Tuohy. Originating with the stewardship of university field courses, meticulously crafted and guided by the Tuohys themselves, the endeavor swiftly burgeoned. With a combined diving tenure exceeding four decades and a decade of course leadership, the Tuohys laid the foundation for Isla Mar's expansion.
By 2024, Isla Mar had grown into a vibrant community of over 15 professional staff, a scientific research vessel, a spirited youth program, and a devoted team of citizen scientists. This growth, organically spurred by the pulse of the local community, culminated in Isla Mar's transition to a 501(c)3 non-profit, a testament to its unwavering dedication to marine stewardship.
Expertise
What Sets Us Apart
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A cadre of highly trained AAUS-certified scientific divers, specializing in coral reef ecology, fish biology, fisheries management, and hydroacoustics.
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Skilled technical and closed circuit rebreather divers, with experience beyond 50 meters.
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Dedicated citizen scientists with proficiency in coral disease identification and restoration monitoring.
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An education team led by a seasoned director with over 13 years of nurturing young minds.
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Nurturing support for graduate students through assistantships, employment, thesis mentoring, and financial aid.
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A rich tapestry of diverse programming for interactive experiential learning in our field courses
Board of Directors
Berliz Morales
President
Jose Vargas
Vice President
Cassandra Reyes-Jones
Secretary & Treasurer
Advisory Panel
The Team
Our Vessel
The Guacamaia is a 30ft Island Hopper Dive Boat equipped for scientific research and extended range diving operations. Our crew is an experienced team of licensed captains and dive instructors. As scientists, we understand your needs and expectations for field projects.
Assistant Staff
Juliann Seda
Science Communication
Idalmis Santos
Youth Program
Lourdes Marcano
Youth Program, Outreach
Our Facility
Our classroom and office are located in a traditional West Indies-style bamboo home situated on 12 acres of lush, tropical jungle. We host on our workshops and seminars in the classroom and make use of the space for afternoon lectures during field courses.
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Staff
Scientific Team
Katie Flynn
Project Manager
Jaaziel Garcia
Benthic Ecologist
Michelle Scharer
Data Analyst, Bioacoustics
Carlos Zayas
Bioacoustic Technician
Raymond Infante
Data Management
Gabriel Pecunia
Data Management
Raul Ortiz
Safety Diver, Videographer
Carlos Diez
An advocate for marine turtles, an active biologist and supporter of community-led conservation initiatives. At age 14, he went to Mona Island as a volunteer to assist researchers in studying the nesting behavior of the elusive hawksbill turtle. Since then, Mr. Diez has been conducting and/or collaborating in sea turtle conservation studies all around the world. Starting in 1996, Mr. Diez has worked as a State Sea Turtle Project Coordinator and Biologist for the Puerto Rico's Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. Presently, he directs the development of community-based groups to assist the government in the conservation and recovery of sea turtles and their habitat. Mr. Diez has a Masters degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Central Florida and is a member of the IUCN Sea Turtle Specialist Group and National Coordinator for the Wider Caribbean Marine Turtle Network.
Shannon Holloway
A poet, activist, and Dharma coach with a knack for free diving and prescribing strategic financial guidance. She holds an MFA, a CNAP certification, and half an additional MBA. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in startups, museums, and arts organizations—both scrappy and well-funded. Her expertise lies at the unique intersection of finance and art, blending strategic insight with creative vision. She has served as both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer and is also an Advanced Open Water Diver. Shannon’s proven track record spans business strategy, marketing, fundraising, financial management, compliance, reef squid synchronization, growth strategy, and change management.
Dr. Rebecca Calisi-Rodriguez
A scientist who has dedicated decades to unraveling the intricate effects of stress on animal biology. Her lab’s research has yielded groundbreaking findings touching on a wide spectrum of stress-related consequences, encompassing behavioral, reproductive, genomic, and proteomic dimensions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Calisi Rodríguez decided to shift her research focus to exploring how individuals can recover and heal from stress. In 2022, she created The Green Care Lab to leverage her expertise in animal behavior, stress physiology, and behavioral neuroendocrinology to explore the science behind recovery and healing processes. Situated at Pine Trails Ranch, a 22-acre animal sanctuary in Davis, California, the Green Care Lab blends therapy and natural settings, acknowledging the profound link between nature and human wellness.
Paco López-Mújica
A graphic designer since 1974 and the current president of the local nonprofit, Arrecifes Pro Ciudad, that is responsible for co-managing the Isla Verde Reef Marine Reserve since 2012. He is a dedicated educator who uses art to generate manuals, environmental comics, posters, coloring books and games to help spread awareness of conservation-minded topics. As an active community leader, he directs the Water Quality Monitoring Program at the Isla Verde reserve with a weekly sampling and results publishing to bring awareness to his community.
Elena Mercedes Rodriguez
An islander from eastern Puerto Rico, Elena was raised amidst nature and agriculture. After moving to the west of the island, she pursued an Agriculture Education degree at the University of Puerto Rico. Her passion for community engagement led her to Nonprofit Management studies at the University of Sagrado Corazón, where she spearheaded the 'Sabrosa Siembra' project, inspired by California's school gardens. Now a mother of three, she is a devoted gardener, founder of Kale Mamá, and deeply committed to educating youth and fostering healthy mindsets in Puerto Rico.
Kelly Meagher
An artist and designer that has called Rincón her home since 2010. She is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design and has 15+ years of experience creating digital and analog art, focusing much of her time on mural making, graphic design and studio work. Kelly has created over 30 murals throughout northwest Puerto Rico, Florida and the Bahamas and it is her 2025 goal to create public art that can help educate our local community about environmental issues and other topics relevant to promoting positive progress for Puerto Rico.
Julie North
A consultant that develops agritourism projects in unique destinations around the world. She holds an Masters degree in Environmental Policy and Law from the University of Denver and has extensive experience with grantwriting for public and private entities. Much of her work is focused on sustainability and regenerative processes to increase economic vitality in local communities. She recently returned from an extended duration in the Philippines, working to alleviate food security issues and drive innovative approaches to small business development. She is an avid surfer and lives by Anthony Bourdain’s mantra that travel shouldn’t be a reward for working but a lesson in living.
Dr. Tomás Carlo
A professor of Biology & Ecology at Penn State University. Dr. Carlo is from Puerto Rico with sangre verde and a Ph.D. in evolutionary ecology from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Dr. Carlo studies animal-plant interactions, seed dispersal mutualisms, parasitic plants, Caribbean Flora, and tropical forest community ecology. He has conducted field research in Puerto Rico, Spain, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. Since 2015, he has served as a research associate at the Museum of Natural History of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru, and has been affiliated to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh. He teaches courses in tropical field ecology and analysis and experimental design for ecological studies.
Luis Mendez and Waleska Sallaberry
Waleska and Luis are visionary entrepreneurs who introduced Natural Awakenings magazine to Puerto Rico, making it the island’s leading publication on natural health and sustainability. They also founded Expo Calidad de Vida, the region’s top wellness event, and launched the Natural Health Network, serving over 250,000 members. Their dedication to holistic living led to the creation of Semillas, Puerto Rico’s first Green Flag-awarded eco-school, and later, Ocean Zen Living, a real estate and interior design firm. Passionate about health, conscious living, and community, they continue to inspire others through their work and lifestyle in Rincón.