Born and raised in Mexico City, Patricia spent her childhood drawn to the outdoors, fascinated by the natural world around her. She studied biology at the National University of Mexico, where she focused on forest ecology, researching tropical dry and rain forests. But her interests stretched beyond the trees—she was also captivated by the ocean and conservation storytelling.

Merging science and art, Patricia studied graphic design and began creating short films to promote marine conservation. She later pursued a Ph.D. in marine science and limnology at National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), deepening her expertise in aquatic ecosystems. Her research took her around the world, from the tropics to Antarctica. As a postdoc and project scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, she expanded her studies in biogeochemistry and ecology. She later co-founded the Mexican Agency for Antarctic Studies, working to connect scientific research with public engagement.

Patricia has been leading monarch butterfly adventures with Natural Habitat Adventures since 2004. Her background in forest ecology gives her a unique perspective on monarch habitats, and she brings this understanding to every expedition. An avid photographer, she captures the intricate beauty of nature—both on land and underwater—as she continues to explore the world’s most diverse ecosystems.