Yasmín Quintana, Ph.D.
Manager, Center for Species Survival: Freshwater
Education
Ph.D., Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University
M.Sc., Interdisciplinary Ecology-Fisheries, University of Florida
B.Sc., Biology, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
Expertise
Freshwater conservation, fish ecology
Yasmín Quintana is a freshwater ecologist and conservation leader working at the intersection of science, policy and action. She manages Shedd’s Center for Species Survival: Freshwater, where she collaborates with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission, its Freshwater Conservation Committee, government agencies, NGOs, and conservation practitioners to implement the IUCN Assess–Plan–Act framework to combat accelerating freshwater biodiversity loss.
Quintana’s research focuses on aquatic biodiversity, fish ecology and fisheries in tropical ecosystems. Her work spans Mesoamerica, the Amazon River basin, Texas and Florida, including research on fish assemblages, artisanal fisheries and the ecological impacts of invasive species. Her contributions include providing support for freshwater-related IUCN SSC Specialist Groups and IUCN Red List assessments, capacity building workshops and strategies for freshwater species and ecosystems.
Quintana has extensive management experience from her work with Guatemala’s National Council of Protected Areas, where she helped develop the country’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Her work has been widely published, recognized internationally, and featured by USAID for inspiring young women in science. She was recognized in 2023 with the Illustrious Guatemalan Award in the scientific category and in 2024 as a Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Latino Leader.