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Fernanda Sáenz Vargas considers herself Sarapiqueña at heart, though she was born in Alajuela, Costa Rica. She holds a degree in Forest and Wildlife Management from the National Technical University of Costa Rica (UTN), with experience in environmental education, ecological monitoring, and territorial management. Her fieldwork spans tree ecology monitoring, Great Green Macaw conservation, and sea turtle monitoring. She is also a certified Tourism and Adventure Guide through the ICT and INA, with a specialization in high ropes and cable systems. Beyond her fieldwork, Fernanda is actively involved in the San Juan–La Selva Biological Corridor and serves in a leadership role within the Youth Network of the Agua y Paz Biosphere Reserve, where she integrates climate change adaptation into environmental education and planning. Fernanda is excited to join EPI for its meaningful integration of science, education, and conservation. She is a strong believer in hands-on ecological experiences as a foundation for long-term environmental stewardship, and is particularly motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of endangered species — including the leatherback sea turtle — while continuing to learn alongside students, colleagues, and local communities. Outside of work, Fernanda enjoys adventure sports, hiking, and camping. She also works with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and environmental research tools, and unwinds with anime, movies, good coffee, and time with family and friends — ideally with birds nearby.

Fernanda Sáenz

Costa Rica Instructor

Fernanda Sáenz Vargas considers herself Sarapiqueña at heart, though she was born in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

She holds a degree in Forest and Wildlife Management from the National Technical University of Costa Rica (UTN), with experience in environmental education, ecological monitoring, and territorial management. Her fieldwork spans tree ecology monitoring, Great Green Macaw conservation, and sea turtle monitoring. She is also a certified Tourism and Adventure Guide through the ICT and INA, with a specialization in high ropes and cable systems.

Beyond her fieldwork, Fernanda is actively involved in the San Juan–La Selva Biological Corridor and serves in a leadership role within the Youth Network of the Agua y Paz Biosphere Reserve, where she integrates climate change adaptation into environmental education and planning.

Fernanda is excited to join EPI for its meaningful integration of science, education, and conservation. She is a strong believer in hands-on ecological experiences as a foundation for long-term environmental stewardship, and is particularly motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of endangered species — including the leatherback sea turtle — while continuing to learn alongside students, colleagues, and local communities.

Outside of work, Fernanda enjoys adventure sports, hiking, and camping. She also works with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and environmental research tools, and unwinds with anime, movies, good coffee, and time with family and friends — ideally with birds nearby.

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