Elena Martínez

I have always been fascinated by nature, which was the reason why I decided to study Biology in Universidad de Alcalá de Henares (UAH). During my third year, I got an Erasmus+ scholarship, having the opportunity to focus more on ecology and conservation at the Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences - Campus Evenstad (INN). There, I carried out my bachelor thesis, studying the distribution and behaviour of the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) in the boreal forest.

 Later on, I started my master’s in Animal Ecology at Lund University (Sweden), where I was able to pursue my love for birds. My master’s thesis examined the differences between adult and juvenile songbirds in migration performance, as well as trying to disentangle the migratory behaviour of the vagrant yellow-browed warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus).

 After my studies, I worked as a research technician in two projects: one, on breeding experiments with zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) at Lund University, and the other, on  social behaviour and interactions in early life in the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) at the National Museum of Natural Sciences. At the museum, I have also been working as an environmental educator, as I believe popular science is crucial to bring scientific knowledge to people and to make them care for our planet.