Jimena Muñoz Perez

For as long as I can remember, I have known that I wanted to dedicate my life to animals. They have always been one of the most important parts of my life, and my family quickly learned that there would usually be an injured animal at home that I was trying to care for. I grew up surrounded by dogs, cats, horses and birds, and my love for animals naturally developed alongside a deep connection with nature.

Growing up in Madrid, Spain, far from the coast, meant moving away from home to study Marine Sciences in Valencia. Determined to make the most of my degree, I took part in a range of projects and international mobility programmes. These experiences took me from discovering the extraordinary biodiversity of Baja California Sur in Mexico to studying eutrophication in the Baltic Sea in Lithuania, strengthening both my curiosity and my desire to keep learning.

Although marine animals were what first drew me to this field, my studies taught me to appreciate the complexity of marine ecosystems and the way everything is interconnected. I became fascinated not only by the animals themselves, but also by the physical, chemical and biological processes that shape their environments.

I then discovered the world of Marine Mammal Observation and Passive Acoustic Monitoring through OSC. It opened the door to a career that brings together so many of the things I enjoy most: travelling, discovering new places, working in the field, conducting research and continuously learning.