José Ortega joined the ForestGEO staff as an administrative assistant in December of 2021. We are grateful to have him as part of our team!
Can you tell us a little bit about your background? What have you studied and where have you previously worked?
I studied logistics engineering at Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnologia en Panama. After getting my logistics degree, I traveled to Canada to learn English at Saint Claire College, Windsor Campus, and then I joined for three years as importation assistant with Ultramar Commercial Corp. For the last five years I have worked as a flight attendant for Copa Airlines.
Cool! What destination brought you farthest from home?
A place in South America with a beautiful sunset -- reddish skyline surrounded by large parks and mountains. It made me think how huge the world is. The place is called Belo Horizonte.
What are you most excited about as you join the ForestGEO team?
I have always heard about the Smithsonian in Panama, and about how it gives support to scientists from all over the world who come to help us better understand tropical ecosystems. It’s a privilege to be part of that work now.
What’s one of your favorite outdoor spaces to be in? Why?
Well, I like to be in forests, mountains, and rivers. I prefer the tranquility of open spaces and fresh air also to enjoying walks in the woods and admiring immense of the trees that surround you. Nature is a gift; we must appreciate it.
