Meet the Team
Carla V. Fuenteslópez, Expedition Leader & Medical Officer
DPhil student in Engineering Science (Institute of Biomedical Engineering), University of Oxford (2019-ongoing); MSc in Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care, University of Oxford (2016-18); BEng, Universidad Iberoamericana (2011-15).
Expertise in bioengineering and humanitarian projects; as well as advanced first aid in remote settings, logistics, emergency response, research and scientific dissemination.
Has experience in leading and undertaking humanitarian projects, including education and health care provision for vulnerable populations in Uganda and Bulgaria; natural disaster response & aid distribution logistics in Mexico; design and development of a low-cost and rapidly manufacturable ventilator for COVID-19 patients; and spinning out a social enterprise. Certifications include wilderness & expedition first aid, Basic & Advanced Life Support (BLS & ALS), lifesaving, and overseas fieldwork risk assessment & safety.
Denise Swanborn, Head of Operations
PhD in Environmental Research (Marine Sciences), University of Oxford (2018-2022); MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management, University of Oxford (2016-17); BSc in Biological Sciences, University of Utrecht (2012-15).
Expertise in research expedition planning, logistics and execution, environmental science, biodiversity and conservation research, and science communication and research dissemination.
Experience participating in and preparing scientific expeditions in remote regions of the Indian Ocean (Seychelles outer islands, Maldives, Chagos Archipelago), the Caribbean and West Africa. Also has previous fieldwork experience on São Tomé and Príncipe. Certifications include Remote Environments First Aid and Rescue Diving (PADI).
Bastiaan van Dalen, Lead Environmental Scientist
PhD student in Sustainability Science and Environmental Archaeology, University of Exeter (2019-ongoing); MSc in Applied Landscape Archaeology, University of Oxford (2016-2018); MPhil in Archaeology and Heritage Management, University of Cambridge (2012-2013); BA in Archaeology and Heritage Management, University of Amsterdam and University of Leiden (2009-2012).
Expertise in sustainability science, paleoenvironmental and archaeological research, comparative deep-time environmental research, traditional ecological knowledge, applied archaeology.
Experience leading and taking part in academic fieldwork projects involving archaeological and paleoenvironmental excavation and survey in several countries and at UNESCO World Heritage Sites (including Greece, Nicaragua, and Oman), further experience in disseminating fieldwork results via local and regional visual media outlets.
Sophia Carlarne, Filmmaker & Communications Officer
MSc in Digital Media Production, focusing on documentary filmmaking and communications, Oxford Brookes University (2017-19); BA in Psychology and Film Studies, Earlham College (2012-16).
Expertise in filmmaking, photography, and social media management.
Currently works in media production at the University of Oxford. Has extensive experience in producing digital content, conducting interviews, creating promotional materials, and communications management for academic research and fundraising projects.