Catalina Everaert
I was born in Mexico City and although I have lived in one of the biggest cities in the world I have always had a special feel for nature. I enjoy hiking in the woods, walking on the beach, mountain biking and most any other outdoors sports and activities. I also like gardening. Being in touch with nature makes me feel good. I enjoy these activities and at the same time I am very much aware of the responsibility we all have to preserve our environment.
When I had to choose a career, I decided to study Biology with the idea of focusing in ecology. However, while studying at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) I got a closer idea of the great biodiversity of our planet. The world of insects turned to be truly interesting to me, particularly bees. I worked in this area for a few years especially in two Cooperative Programs between Mexico and the United States. One aimed to control the spread of Africanized bees and the other aimed to get to know the whole diversity of bees of my country.
Eventually, the need to share with others the wonders of nature I so much enjoyed grew stronger and stronger. I decided to take a chance in science education. I have worked for nine years as a primary school science teacher. It has been a very gratifying job. Through this career I have had the opportunity to develop new teaching materials. I have written two science books for children and developed a game that shows players to properly dispose of trash. In 2003 I went back to University and completed studies in science popularization.
I see in the MILAGRO campaign an excellent opportunity to contribute to the search of solutions to a major environmental problem, a problem that we, citizens of Mexico, face every day.
I have been married to a great man for twenty years and we have two wonderful teenagers.
Catalina Everaert
cateve@prodigy.net.mx