Ignacio was born in Panama in 1997, and spent most of his youth near, on, or in the sea. Following a lifelong passion for the ocean, he moved to Cornwall, UK, in 2017 to undertake higher-level studies at the University of Exeter. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and later, a Master’s degree in Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation. It was here that he developed a keen interest in the conservation of top marine predators, taking a particular focus on spatial ecology and advanced mathematical modeling, conducting his research under the supervision of well-regarded researchers such as Dr. Brendan Godley, Dr. Kylie Scales, and Dr. David March-Morla.

Identifying himself with the vision of MarAlliance, Ignacio moved back to Panama in 2023 to serve as the Research Officer for the country, where he provides assistance in field-based work and data collection, along with supporting analyses and interpretation of collected data.