Kathrin Barboza Márquez is an inspiring woman in STEM working to protect our natural world and the species that live there today.
Early Life
Born in Cochabamba, Bolivia, her early interest in nature led her to pursue studies in biology. As punishment for losing a bet with her friends, Kathrin went to a seminar about bats. She wasn’t expecting to enjoy it, but it actually sparked a passion that would last throughout her whole life! Kathrin fell in love with everything to do with bats including their species, diets and behaviours. Following on from this lecture, her career in bat conservation began!
Career
From here, Kathrin gained recognition when she discovered a new species of bat during her work on the endangered bats of the Andes. One of Kathrin’s biggest achievements was identifying and protecting a bat known as Myotis diminutus. This was so important because the bat was a critically endangered species. Her work has contributed to the scientific understanding of these animals and shows how important it is to preserve natural habitats.
Advocacy
Her achievements extend beyond research. She is a passionate advocate for environmental education and works tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of bats. Especially their role in controlling insect populations and pollination.
On top of her fieldwork, Kathrin is an active member of conservation organizations, and her contributions have been recognized with awards. She continues to inspire the next generation of biologists, particularly women in science, through her work and outreach efforts.
Kathrin Barboza Márquez’s dedication to conserving biodiversity and protecting bats has established her as a leading voice in conservation biology, with a lasting impact on the preservation of endangered species and ecosystems in Bolivia and beyond. Her work serves as a reminder of the critical role that science and activism play in safeguarding the natural world.
