Ana Cristina holds a B.S. in Animal Sciences and an M.S. in Oceanography and Coastal Sciences from Louisiana State University. Her research and passion for photography, diving, and nature conservation have taken her around the world; these are opportunities for which she is infinitely grateful. She believes in giving back to causes that promote research and conservation, and hopes her photographs will inspire others to do the same. She plans to use the training she will receive in underwater photography in her career as a marine biologist, as well as a volunteer wherever such an opportunity may arise.