From JEOS Scholar to WSORC Director: Celebrating Local Leadership in Marine Conservation

The Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center (WSORC) is thrilled to announce that one of our Jim Engel Oceanic Scholarship (JEOS) recipients has joined our organization as the new Program Manager of WSORC.

Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, our newest Director Daisy Ehrler was awarded the scholarship during the January–June 2023 cycle in recognition of her passion, dedication, and outstanding potential to contribute meaningfully to marine conservation particularly in Utila, Bay Islands, where protecting local biodiversity is essential to the future of our island and its community.

As part of the program, she completed an intensive professional dive training curriculum, earning certifications in Advanced Open Water, Emergency First Response (EFR), Rescue Diver, and Divemaster at the Bay Island College of Diving (BICD). With six months of lodging provided during her training, she fully immersed herself in hands-on research focused on the underwater ecosystems of the Bay Islands.

Following her JEOS experience, she continued her academic journey in Spain, where she earned a master’s degree in Conservation of Biodiversity and Restoration of Marine and Terrestrial Ecosystems — further strengthening her scientific expertise and long-standing commitment to protecting our oceans.

We are incredibly proud that she has chosen to dedicate her career to ocean conservation, and even more honored to welcome her as Program Manager as WSORC continues advancing marine research, ecosystem protection, and community engagement.

Supporting Honduran Talent Since 2018

Since its inception in 2018, the JEOS program — co-sponsored by WSORC and the Bay Islands College of Diving (BICD) — has supported eight exceptional Hondurans who are now contributing to marine science, conservation, and environmental leadership both nationally and internationally.

JEOS was created as a way of giving back – investing in local talent, creating professional opportunities and empowering the next generation of conservation leaders who understand the ecological and cultural importance of our coastal communities.

Andrea Godoy – Program Manager at Roatán Marine Park, where she plays a key role in advocating marine conservation initiatives and protected area management. Her work directly supports the conservation of coral reefs and coastal ecosystems that are vital for the Bay Islands.

María Fernanda Pavón – Biological Component Coordinator at the Centro de Estudios Marinos de Honduras (CEM). She is actively contributing to marine research and conservation efforts that strengthen scientific understanding and ecosystem management in the region.

Michelle Andrea Cerrato – Currently exploring Asia, expanding her global perspective while continuing to grow personally and professionally. Her journey reflects the curiosity and global awareness that JEOS encourages in its scholars.

William Cruz – JEOS alumnus committed to marine conservation and environmental stewardship. His continued dedication reflects the lasting influence of the program.

Daisy Ehrler – Newly appointed Director of WSORC. Exemplifying the full-circle impact of the JEOS program – from scholarship recipient to leadership within conservation and restoration on Utila.

Allan Medina – JEOS alumnus and part of the expanding network of conservation-minded Hondurans committed to protecting our marine heritage. Through JEOS, Allan gained not only technical training but also the foundation to continue contributing to ocean stewardship and community awareness — a reflection of our long-term commitment to empowering local talent.

María José Ávila – Technical Collaborator at MAR Fund, where she oversees coral restoration projects across the Mesoamerican Reef region. Her work supports the recovery of one of the world’s most impacted reef systems and demonstrates the regional impact of JEOS alumni.

Allyson Oviedo – Our latest JEOS scholar, recently graduated and actively collaborating with the Museo de Historia Natural at UNAH. Through field research, scientific collections, and continued academic growth, she represents the next generation of Honduran conservation scientist.

Together, these alumni represent more than individual achievements – they embody WSORC’s commitment to building local capacity, strengthening conversation leadership, and ensuring that the protection of Utila is guided by those who call it home.

Through JEOS, we are not only training divers – we are cultivating scientists, educators, managers, and advocates who are giving back to their communities and safeguarding Honduras’ marine heritage for generations to come. Are you ready to help safeguard Utila’s marine biodiversity and shape the future of conservation on our island? You could be the next JEOS Scholar.

 Learn more and apply here: https://www.wsorc.org/jeos-scholarship

Together, we can protect our oceans — one diver, one scholar, one action at a time.