Mexican PhD Candidate Fernanda Urrutia Makes Waves in Fin Whale Research
Fernanda Urrutia, a PhD candidate at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is making waves in marine biology. Born and raised in Puebla, Mexico, Urrutia is studying the genetic population structure of fin whales in the North Pacific. Her work, inspired by mentors like Tom Jefferson and Eric Archer, combines field research and lab analysis, with a focus on understanding fin whale populations that do not follow traditional migration patterns.
Urrutia's journey in marine biology began with undergraduate and master's degrees in environmental engineering and marine ecology. Her passion for cetacean research led her to found PROCETUS, a research and monitoring program in Baja California, which she supports with a UC-MEXUS Doctoral Fellowship. At Scripps, she is advised by Eric Archer and contributes to the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center Marine Mammal Genetics Program.
Urrutia's typical day involves balancing her research and motherhood. She spends productive hours on her work during the day, then enjoys family time in the evenings. Despite the challenges of balancing these roles, she finds inspiration in her mentors and the excitement of field research. Her work involves searching for whales on a small boat and analyzing genetic data in the lab, providing valuable insights into fin whale populations.
Post-Scripps, Urrutia plans to continue genetic research for cetacean populations, expand her PROCETUS program, and lead whale encounters for educational purposes. Her dedication to marine biology, fueled by her mentors and the excitement of her work, promises a bright future for cetacean research and conservation.
