Alberto Gonzalez Gallina

My name is Alberto Gonzalez Gallina, I was born in Mexico City, but I’ve been living in Coatepec, Veracruz. since I was in third grade of elementary school. I'm a biologist, I´ve just got my papers that say so!.... from the UV (Universidad Veracruzana). Both my parents are biologists the same as my mother’s sisters and a cousin of mine. So, I’ve been involved in biology for quite a good time so far. I came to Madagascar because of its unique wildlife, its been one of my dreams since I learned of such a country. I’m really interested in carnivores so watching a Fossa seems really tempting so, those are the main reasons for me being in Madagascar, on the other hand I feel its such a good opportunity for me to get more experience. I haven’t decided yet what will be my line of research either mastozoology of herpetology. I have to say, my first trip out of my country was to Madagascar, last year for the Fossa Team 2004, so I think it was a really good starting point to continue expanding my knowledge and experience, to grow as a person and as a researcher. This will be my second time in Madagascar also as an aide for Luke Dollar, so Im really excited about working with the same people once again. Right now Im trying to make my mind...cause I want to start my postgraduate studies soon....for a PhD probably, but I do need some good inspiration to figure out my topic for research and finally what I´ll wanna do for the next five years or so....not an easy call so far.

This would be my third Earthwatch trip as staff, and involving carnivores, cause I went on one field trip for the Carnivores of Chamela, back in Jalisco, Mexico, also a dry-forest amazingly similar to the one in Ankarafantsika. My other trip was with Luke Dollar as I´ve allready mentioned. So its really interesting to me, to view another dry forest, and learning more about all its features, which in time can become useful perhaps to begin my own research project and in a not so distant future, aid in the conservation of our dry-forests across the world. A great experience in itself, thank you all for having me in Madagascar for another season. I wold also like to give spetial thanks for my parents...because without them this dream of a trip could not be possible....for all their support..Thank you...