Meet Our New Science Program Managers

The University of Belize Environmental Research Institute (UB-ERI) is pleased to introduce two new Science Program Managers who recently took on the leadership of the institute's research programmes. Dr. Denver Cayetano now leads the Sustainable Landscapes Program, guiding UB-ERI's terrestrial research, while Dr. Sergio Guendulain leads the Coastal Resilience Program, overseeing the institute's marine science and coastal research.

Together, they bring a wealth of experience, fresh ideas and a shared commitment to advancing environmental science for Belize and the region. To help our community get to know them better, we asked each of them questions about their journey into science, what inspires their work, and their vision for the future of research at UB-ERI.

Meet Dr. Denver Cayetano

Science Program Manager – Sustainable Landscapes Program

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We are pleased to introduce Dr. Denver Cayetano, who last month took on the role of Science Program Manager for UB-ERI's Sustainable Landscapes Program. Having joined UB-ERI as an undergraduate student assistant in 2011, Denver's journey has come full circle. Today, he leads the institute's terrestrial science programme, helping to advance research on Belize's forests, wildlife and landscapes while supporting the next generation of Belizean environmental scientists.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? What sparked your interest in environmental science? Was there a defining moment that shaped your career?

Denver: I am a son of Belmopan, born and raised! I lived most of my life just adjacent to what most Belmopanese know as Tiger Town. Belmopan is where I did my schooling through to my undergraduate degree in Natural Resources Management at the University of Belize. I have no grand origin story; growing up, I wanted to be an engineer but chose the NRM program at UB for practical reasons and after hearing about the field trips. It was during this program that my professional growth and interest in forest ecology really began, influenced by good friends, colleagues, lots of volunteering, and especially by experiences gained through the UB ERI.

What drew you to UB-ERI?

Denver: The UB-ERI has been an important part of my professional development. I first joined in 2011 as an undergraduate student assistant and never really left. During my undergraduate degree, I was drawn to the volunteer opportunities the UB-ERI provided to work in both marine and terrestrial settings. Now, with some white in my beard and a couple extra letters behind my name, I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute to a culture of research and the development of Belizean students in support of the conservation of Belize’s natural resources.

What is the role of the Sustainable Landscapes Program, and what excites you most about leading it?

Denver:The Sustainable Landscapes Program is the UB-ERI's terrestrial science arm that builds the evidence base to support conservation organisations that manage Belize's terrestrial mosaic, including forests, wildlife and the communities that live among them. As part of the national university, the programme also contributes to developing students who will help advance Belize's national conservation agenda.

I'm excited to be immersed in the variety of research that UB-ERI participates in alongside such a passionate group of young scientists. I see this as an opportunity to support a great team towards producing rigorous and recognised research.

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UB-ERI works closely with students and researchers. How do you hope to inspire or mentor the next generation of environmental scientists?

Denver: UB-ERI created the space for me to grow from a confused undergraduate into someone who now does research as part of my job. I hope to contribute to creating that same space for the next generation of students and help them see that good science gets done here in Belize through honest collaboration and Belizean ingenuity.

Looking ahead, what would success for your program look like five years from now?

Denver: More research, more students, more partnerships and more impact! A successful programme, in my eyes, is one I can look back on and say has influenced real conservation decisions through our science and has created a place where students feel inspired to pursue careers in research.

Meet Dr. Sergio Guendulain

Science Program Manager – Coastal Resilience Program

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We are pleased to introduce Dr. Sergio Guendulain, who last month joined UB-ERI as Science Program Manager for the Coastal Resilience Program. Sergio brings extensive experience in marine ecology, coral reef research and restoration, and has collaborated with UB-ERI for many years through international research partnerships. In his new role, he will lead the institute's marine science programme, advancing research that supports the conservation and sustainable management of Belize's coastal and marine ecosystems.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? What sparked your interest in environmental science? Was there a defining moment that shaped your career?

Sergio: I am a marine biologist from Oaxaca City, a small city located in a valley surrounded by mountains, about five hours from the shoreline. However, I have always loved the ocean. My family and I used to spend entire holidays camping at the beach, where I spent most of my time in the water looking for small shells or watching the fish. I knew I was going to become a marine biologist; it was just a matter of time.

What drew you to UB-ERI?

Sergio: I first became acquainted with UB-ERI in 2016, when we carried out the institute's first coral sexual reproduction efforts as a bilateral collaboration between UB-ERI and UNAM, Mexico. During that visit to the Calabash Caye Field Station, I immediately fell in love with the place. Since then, I had always considered the possibility of working in Belize.

What is the role of the Coastal Resilience Program, and what excites you most about leading it?

Sergio: My role involves planning and coordinating research activities that address current national and regional environmental needs, mentoring and advising students on their research projects, and helping to secure the long-term financial sustainability of the programme.

I am excited by the opportunity to collaborate with UB-ERI researchers, University of Belize fellows and international partners to strengthen and further establish UB-ERI as a recognised research institute. I'm also excited by the opportunity to conduct research that addresses the environmental realities and challenges facing Belize and the wider region.

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UB-ERI works closely with students and researchers. How do you hope to inspire or mentor the next generation of environmental scientists?

Sergio: UB-ERI is a research institute, so our responsibility is not only to conduct research aligned with the national conservation agenda, but also to respond to today's environmental challenges. Achieving this requires collaboration. By working closely with UB researchers, international partners and students, we can strengthen our research while building the local scientific capacity that Belize needs for the future.

Looking ahead, what would success for your program look like five years from now?

Sergio: Five years from now, I would consider the programme successful if we have strengthened and diversified the funding that supports UB-ERI, established the institute as a leading research organisation nationally and regionally, increased our high-impact research publications, expanded our international research network, maintained a strong presence at international conferences, and trained a new generation of environmental scientists who contribute to research across Belize and the wider region.