I received my B.S. in Biology from the University of Texas-Pan American and M.A. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, with research focused on western lowland gorilla behavior at the Gladys Porter Zoo. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Animal and Veterinary Science at the University of Adelaide, where my research explores animal introductions in captive settings.
Date
Position
Institution name
2024 - ongoing
Lecturer II
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
2021 - 2024
Lecturer I
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
2020 - 2021
Adjunct Lecturer
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
2019 - 2020
Registered Behavior Technician
BlueSprig
2013 - 2020
Behavior Research Assistant
Gladys Porter Zoo
Language
Competency
English
Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review
Spanish - Latin American
Can read, speak and understand spoken
Date
Institution name
Country
Title
2020
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
United States
MA
2013
The University of Texas Pan American
United States
BS
Date
Title
Institution name
Country
2023
Certificate in Effective Teaching Practice Framework
American Council on Education
United States
Year
Citation
2025
Martinez, C., James-Aldridge, V., McWhorter, T. J., & Fernandez, E. J. (2025). Understanding animal introductions and welfare in zoos: A scoping review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 291, 13 pages. DOI
