Where are you from? 

I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I live in the greater Boston area, Massachusetts.

What do you do?  

I am an amateur photographer, focusing on urban nature, cloud formations and art for conservation. I studied Computer Science and Mathematics. After a successful corporate career, I began to volunteer technical skills to non-profit organizations dedicated to animal welfare and non-human legal rights. I collaborate as a photographer, grant researcher and technical translator. I advocate for a better Earth through ethical veganism.

How do you use GLOBE Observer?  

As a citizen scientist, I use the Clouds protocol to submit local observations on clouds and sky conditions to NASA. This comprehensive global project helps scientists in climate research better understand the atmosphere. By matching ground observations with satellite observations, models can be improved on the role that clouds play in the Earth’s climate and as indicators of global warming.

In turn, I learn much about the atmosphere, such as Earth’s biogeochemical and energy systems, through satellite match reports and the instruments used: their sensor scope, data layers and the vast amount of information they gather on our planet’s health.

How do you plan to use GLOBE Observer in the future?

I plan to send cloud observations from different countries when traveling. It will be very interesting to record clouds and skies in varied climates and regions.

Why is citizen science important to you?  

It is a meaningful way to do our small part towards a global positive change through the advancement of scientific research. Every personal observation brings key details about the immediate environment, something that cannot be detected by large-scale instruments. Global citizen science data helps researchers develop better models to deepen the understanding of eco-systems and find solutions. Making observations connects the person to the environment and many personal discoveries can be made. It is a two-fold wonderful experience: sharing data with research teams and learning about all aspects of the project and beyond.

What advice do you have for people just getting into citizen science?  

Know the importance of contributing as an individual to global projects, where each observation sums up to become a large and meaningful pool of data for scientific research. You become part of a global community of citizens and scientists sharing a common goal. The SciStarter website is a good place to browse projects and join those of interest. In particular, I would like to encourage both children and seniors to engage. It is never too early, nor too late, to make meaningful contributions to scientific advancement as a citizen scientist.

What do you do for fun? 

I am a martial artist in various disciplines. It is a way of life with many good times shared through hard practice.

I have been taking pictures on clouds for a long time, enthralled by their ephemeral shapes. I chase winter sunsets, going outdoors at -13F/-25C to capture the spectacular clouds and skies of the snowy season.

I like to read about the unsolved mathematical problems and the oddities of the mathematical world.

Wherever I live, I create pollinator gardens to help these vital and imperiled creatures. I enjoy observing urban wildlife and birdwatching, contributing rare sightings to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

I started a diary of my cloud observations. I also add interesting facts about the satellites AQUA and TERRA, with which I co-ordinate observations for satellite match data. I use the simulation application NASA’s Eyes to see how these satellites orbit the Earth and the layers of scientific data retrieved.

Being a citizen scientist brings a sense of wonder into each observation.

What inspires you? 

Nature’s cycles of renewal. We have unforgiving winters affected by the polar vortex. It is a long season with severe snow storms and arctic temperatures.

By the end of winter, it is inspiring to see delicate flowers breaking free from under the ice sheet. Wildlife strategies of survival though this difficult season teach us a life lesson.

Any favorite quote(s) that you would like to share?

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” ―Chief Seattle