Fernando Calderón Gutiérrez
Galveston, TX
Fernando Calderón Gutiérrez is an extremely personable and enthusiastic volunteer, who is a pleasure to work with. He was one of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary's first volunteer divers, attending the inaugural field training course in 2018 (far right in photo above).
As a volunteer NOAA diver, Fernando has participated in water quality and biological monitoring cruises to maintain instrumentation and collect coral reef data. He has also provided invaluable deck support to ensure the safety of the dive team. He is always keen to learn more, and is willing and enthusiastic to help, often at very short notice.
Fernando is currently a graduate student at Texas A&M University at Galveston, balancing course work, his own research, and teaching assistantships with volunteering for the sanctuary. In addition to studying to receive his PhD, he volunteers for many multi-day research cruises, training support, and education/outreach events.
Fernando is an outstanding volunteer due to his dedication and enthusiasm. He is a role model to students at Texas A&M University at Galveston and has become someone the sanctuary depends upon to achieve their mission.
