Alumni Profile: Tao Hernandez

Alumni Profile: Tao Hernandez

2018 Arctic Expedition
Santa Cecilia Tepetlapa, Mexico

“On a family trip to the cenotes in Yucatán, I noticed some scientists searching for a species of small blind fish and started asking them questions,” explains Tao Hernández Arellano. “Most didn’t pay attention to me, but one biologist explained what they were doing. That was enough to inspire me.”

Years later, Tao’s continuing interest in all things science led him to join an SOI polar expedition.

“I was terrified at first,” he admits. “It wasn’t easy being on my own with so many new people. But I loved being able to talk to experts and other youth about everything from human rights to Indigenous knowledge, science, art, culture, anthropology and more. I can’t even explain how happy I was by the end.”

Tao returned to Mexico with a new appreciation for ecological issues. The Mexican climate is nothing like the Arctic’s, but the underlying urge to understand and protect the natural environment and traditional lifestyles are the same.

In 2018, Tao received an SOI microgrant to lead a project designed to illustrate the ecological importance of the Zoque Jungle, one of Mexico’s largest. His aim was to document plants and animals, including their availability as resources for isolated communities.

“This kind of information can help protect the land in the area, support eco-tourism, identify food resources, and contribute to a better quality of life,” he explains.”

Tao joined the SOI delegation to the Arctic Futures 2050 Conference the next year. “There’s nothing I love more than learning alongside other individuals with a common goal,” says Tao. “I appreciated the opportunity to talk to diverse scientists about Mexico’s fight against climate change.”

Tao continues to stay connected with the SOI family, facilitating a workshop at our Alumni Summit and providing insights on topics he’s passionate about. We look forward to seeing what Tao does next and supporting him along the way!