Cristian is a Biologist from the University of Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia. He completed his Master’s studies at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 2014, the International Society of Sea Turtles awarded him the Archie Carr Student – Runner-up award in Biology for his research: Genetic diversity of the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) of Puerto Rico. He has published more than 16 scientific articles and book chapters. His research interests are nesting ecology, population genetics, the illegal trade in sea turtles and their by-products with a focus on the hawksbill trade. Cristian has dedicated his efforts to strengthening the technical capacities of communities and public entities for the management and conservation of sea turtles. He has participated as co-creator and executor of environmental festivals and multidisciplinary and sustainable tourism ventures with sea turtles. He is a co-founder of the Fundación Tortugas del Mar in Colombia. He is currently a member of the Network of Continental and Marine Turtles of Colombia – TCM Network and is a researcher in the environmental area of the Corporation for the Development of the Caribbean Coast – CORPOCARIBE.