Scripps Student Spotlight: Fernanda Urrutia

Fernanda Urrutia is a PhD candidate studying marine biology at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Born and raised in Puebla, Mexico, Urrutia received her undergraduate degree in environmental engineering from the Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla. She then earned her master’s degree in marine ecology from Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education at Ensenada (CICESE) in Mexico. At Scripps, Urrutia is studying the genetic population structure of fin whales in the North Pacific. She is advised by Scripps Adjunct Professor Eric Archer, who leads the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center Marine Mammal Genetics Program, a program in which Urrutia also contributes. She received the UC-MEXUS Doctoral Fellowship and is the founder of PROCETUS, a cetacean research and monitoring program in Baja California.

explorations now (en): Why did you choose to attend Scripps?

Fernanda Urrutia (FU): I chose to attend Scripps because while living and studying in Ensenada, I constantly heard about it as THE place to go for a PhD in marine science. I knew it was the best place to pursue my dream of becoming a marine biologist. The location is incredible, but more importantly, there is world-class research being conducted here. Additionally, my advisor, Eric Archer, is an adjunct professor at Scripps and leads one of the most important marine mammal research programs in the world, which made it the perfect fit for my academic and research goals.

en: What are you researching at Scripps?

FU: I study the genetic population structure of fin whales in the North Pacific. Because fin whales do not follow traditional migration patterns, little is known about their population structure in the North Pacific. By using genomic data, my research aims to fill this knowledge gap to better understand fin whale populations.

en: How did you become interested in science and your field of study?

FU: I’ve wanted to be a marine mammal biologist since I was a child — ever since my parents took me to see Free Willy at my hometown theater. I instantly became obsessed with whales and knew I wanted to study them. Life took its twists and turns, but I think I finally made it!

en: What’s life like as a Scripps student? Describe a typical day.

FU: My life at Scripps has been quite different from others since I’ve spent a lot of time in Baja California doing fieldwork and had two kids during my time here. Because of that, I don’t think I’ve ever had a “typical” day. A general routine for me would be taking my toddler to school, working on my thesis throughout the morning and afternoon, stopping around 4 p.m. to focus on being a mom, and then trying to fit in some exercise. I’m most productive during the day, so I try to schedule meetings and make progress on my thesis during that time.

en: What’s the most exciting thing about your work (in the field or in the lab)?

FU: The most exciting part of my work is, without a doubt, going into the field. My favorite part of being a whale biologist is getting on a “panga,” a small boat, and searching for whales — it’s an incredible experience every time. At the same time, I never imagined I would work in genetics, but it has become something I truly enjoy and find fascinating. I love analyzing genetic data and seeing how much information a single skin sample can reveal about a species or population.

en: Are there any role models or mentors who have helped you along the way?

FU: I wouldn’t be here without the guidance of Tom Jefferson, whom I met 12 years ago while working with vaquitas in the upper Gulf of California. He played a significant role in shaping my path in marine mammal research. My current advisor, Eric Archer, is incredibly smart and patient with me, and his contributions to the marine mammal field are truly inspiring. I’ve also been looking up to all the mom researchers who manage to balance a life in academia while leading a family, and being able to see them succeed in both areas has been a huge source of motivation for me.

en: What are some of the challenges you face as a student?

FU: I wonder how I would have answered this question four years ago! Becoming a mom while being a graduate student has been the biggest challenge as a student. The biggest struggle has been finding a balance between motherhood and doing research while carving out productive time. For example, there are moments when I’m completely focused — feeling inspired and writing a strong paragraph for my discussion — and then the baby wakes up, and just like that, I’m out of the zone and have to go and live my other (wonderful) life.

en: What are your plans post-Scripps?

FU: To be honest, I’m not entirely sure yet — I get a new idea every day. I would love to continue working on genetic research for cetacean populations, so a postdoc is definitely an option for me. I also want to keep growing my cetacean research program in Baja California, PROCETUS, which plays a key role in the conservation and management of cetaceans in the region. Additionally, I’d like to take people on whale encounters and show them just how incredible these animals are. Sharing those experiences is something I’m really passionate about.

You can find Urrutia on Instagram @procetus and Facebook @procetus.