Melissa Cristina Márquez is a Latina marine biologist and conservationist who is actively engaged in research, exploration, communication, and application of scientific knowledge related to the conservation of marine ecosystems. Márquez currently studies sharks and their relatives (the skates, rays, and chimaeras). Márquez loves learning about these animals and sharing that passion with others, so they created The Fins United Initiative (TFUI; www.finsunited.co.nz) to allow for scientifically accurate and open-access (free) materials for teachers worldwide. The Fins United Initiative is not a true non-profit and is currently just a program that Márquez has put their heart, soul, and lots of money into. Márquez has traveled all over the world to visit classrooms (or Skype into them) to teach all ages about these fascinating creatures. Since its inception in 2013/2014, TFUI has educated over 14,000 people! Márquez is also outspokenly passionate about the potential of young women, especially Latina women. Márquez believes anyone can do science, regardless of their background! Márquez wants to shine the spotlight on those scientists who are different and help show younger generations how many amazing (and sometimes free!) opportunities exist as a STEM major. In fact, Márquez did a TEDx talk that discussed this very point: you can see it here. This is why The Fins United Initiative features diverse shark scientists from around the world — and why Márquez started their bi-weekly #STEMSaturdays segment with femSTEM. By giving minorities and women the tools they need to succeed, Márquez believes we can achieve true diversity and equality in science.
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