I am a highly motivated and enthusiastic Community Planner-Scientist specializing in participatory planning, community resilience, land use, and developing urban and community green spaces. With a strong background in scientific research, I have focused on understanding the socio-environmental dynamics in urban settings, exploring the intersection of human and natural systems.

My expertise extends to environmental outreach facilitation, program management, curriculum development, and conducting comprehensive environmental-social research using qualitative social techniques. I am passionate about fostering human-environment interactions and strive to integrate the principles of just and sustainable urbanism, civic ecology, and environmental studies to create thriving communities.

I have been dedicated to bridging the gap between research and practice throughout my career. I believe in the power of collaboration and working closely with stakeholders to develop strategies that promote sustainable urban development. By integrating a socio-ecological perspective, I aim to address the complex challenges faced by our society and create inclusive and resilient communities.

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Technical & Research Focus

Environmental and Urban Planning, Green Infrastructure, Civic Ecology, Environmental Land Use and Management, Environmental Justice, Just Sustainabilities, Sustainable Urbanism, Participatory Planning & Community Development, Urban Political Ecology, Urban Commons, Urban and Ecological Agriculture, Climate Change Adaptation, and Collective Actions

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Areas of Expertise

Socio-Environmental Systems: Urbanizing tropical landscapes, climate adaptation, and community resilience frameworks and research.

Civic Ecology & Urban Agriculture: Community gardens, social-ecological dynamics, and public space recovery.

Territorial, Regional & Community-Based Planning: Formulation and implementation of territorial planning, hazard mitigation, community and regional resilience strategies. Proven track record in aligning public policy and municipal codes with community-based participatory processes to promote sustainable, safe, and adaptive land use.

Transdisciplinary Research Methodologies: Transdisciplinary Qualitative & Mixed-Methods Research, participatory action research, and urban ethnography

Geospatial Analysis: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data.

Outreach, Education, and Science Communication: Translated complex, technical scientific knowledge into engaging community-oriented education and public science communication; designed targeted instructional materials and educational curricula to facilitate stakeholder outreach and enhance community capacity.

Program Management, Project Oversight & Procurement: Track record in managing full-lifecycle federal grants, overseeing multi-sector deliverables, and driving compliant procurement and SOW development.

Professional Preparation

Ph.D. Environmental Social Sciences. Interdisciplinary Research – integrating natural sciences, social sciences, and planning frameworks while actively engaging with communities, public agencies, and non-academic sectors. Natural-Human Systems in the Urbanizing Tropics (NSF-IGERT Fellowship Program). University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras.

Dissertation project: Civic ecology in the urban environment of San Juan, Puerto Rico: Community gardens and their socio-environmental impact. Advisor: Dr. Gustavo García López.

Master in Planning. Society, Natural Resources and Environmental Planning, & Urban and Regional Planning. Graduate School of Planning, University of Puerto Rico- Río Piedras.

Planning Project: “Conexión ribereña entre la Reserva del río Espíritu Santo y el Bosque El Yunque: Propuesta para el desarrollo de un corredor verde aplicando un mecanismo colaborativo de conservación”.

B.Sc. Wildlife Management. University of Puerto Rico- Humacao.

Final work: Management plan for a secondary forest in the campus of the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao (Group Work).

High School Diploma with Graphic Arts Technical Certificate. Miguel Such Vocational High School.

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Certifications & License

Licensed Professional Planner (PPL). Examining Board of Professional Planners, Department of State, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Since 2013

Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG). National Association for Interpretation (NAI) 2011-2019.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). FEMA.

Science Communication for researchers and social actors (in progress). American Institute for Global Change Research.

Certified Dancing Mindfulness Facilitator – Certified to facilitate an innovative practice that bridges creative expression, dance, and mindfulness as a vehicle for active meditation.Mindful Ohio & The Institute for Creative Mindfulness (http://www.dancingmindfulness.com/).

Reiki Certification – Levels I & II [2015/2016] Practitioner trained in traditional Usui Reiki methods for energy balancing and holistic wellness.

Jin Shin Jyutsu Certification – Level I [2026] Trained in the traditional Japanese art of harmonizing life energy in the body through gentle touch.

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Selected Experience

Senior Land Use Planner at Puerto Rico Planning Board – July 2026 – to present

Senior Planner at Planning & Economic Development Office – City of Canóvanas – November 2025 – July 2026

Specialized technical work in the research, analysis, and implementation of projects, developments, and public policies in urban, community, and environmental planning.

Planning Specialist (CDBG-DR / MIT)

–Federal Grants & Project Management: Manage the development of regional plans (Debris Management, Recycling, and Tourism-based Economic Development) by overseeing third-party vendors, reviewing all technical deliverables, and providing the necessary data to ensure final plans meet municipal, PRDOH, and HUD standards, successfully administering a portfolio of over $1 million.

–Public Participation & Compliance: Lead administrative progress reporting and support the public participation process to ensure community validation, while maintaining strict adherence to CDBG-DR/MIT program requirements.

–Procurement & Technical Oversight: Developed comprehensive Scopes of Work (SOW) and RFPs for specialized professional services for the plans, including Hydrologic & Hydraulic (H&H) studies and bridge scour analysis for municipal river basins.

Hazard Mitigation & Land Use Planning

–Hazard Mitigation: Serve as a core member of the Planning Committee to update the Hazard Mitigation Plan, focusing on disaster resilience strategies and long-term risk reduction.

–Land Use & Urban Planning: Participated in the comprehensive revision of the Municipal Land Use Plan, managing technical drafting, community validation, and the formal approval and adoption process.

Technical Assistance Coordinator at Foundation for Puerto Rico – Whole Community Resilience Planning Program (WCRP)
April 2024 – September 2025

Provides support and monitoring for the review of Community Resilience Plans and the technical assistance services delivered to WCRP CDBG-DR subrecipients.

– Quality Assurance & Program Monitoring: Enhanced the quality and effectiveness of Community Resilience Plans (CRPs) by coordinating and monitoring technical assistance for WCRP CDBG-DR subrecipients. Implemented rigorous quality control measures and tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure all plans exceeded program standards and federal requirements.

–Capacity Building & Facilitation: Strengthened the implementation of Technical Assistance (TA) by supporting Program Facilitators in designing workshops and providing technical guidance on core deliverables, including data collection methodologies, community assessments, vulnerability/risk analyses, and the development of resilience strategies.

–Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Training: Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to build strategic partnerships and training initiatives. Offered direct guidance aimed at refining CRP outcomes, with a specialized focus on transforming community needs into high-quality, actionable, and viable resilience projects.

–Data Analytics & Visualization: Conducted comprehensive data analysis on resilience needs and actions across participating communities. Identified regional trends and developed clear visualizations to support executive evaluation of program achievements and findings.

–Production Coordinator – Educational Video Project: Spearheaded the production coordination of an educational video focused on sustainable solid waste management. Designed structured interview frameworks for specialists and community initiatives, executed the interviews, and oversaw the final editing and quality review stages.

Program Facilitator at Foundation for Puerto Rico – Whole Community Resilience Planning Program (WCRP) April 2022 – March 2024

Facilitate the Development of Community Resilience Plans (CRPs) as a Dedicated Program Manager and Technical Assistant Provider:

–Project Leadership & Coordination: Facilitated the development of Community Resilience Plans (CRPs) by leading the coordination and management of 5 sub-recipients across 10 local communities, ensuring the timely and effective delivery of all planning phases, managing a total budget of over $2 million.

–Technical Advisory: Provided expert guidance to CDBG-DR sub-recipients on community engagement, data collection, and analysis methodologies, with a specialized focus on integrating green infrastructure, nature- based solutions, and climate adaptation measures.

–Quality Assurance & Compliance: Performed meticulous reviews and validation of CRP deliverables for program participants, ensuring strict alignment with established planning objectives and PRDOH and HUD/CDBG-DR methodologies to maximize community impact.

–Capacity Building & Tool Development: Led the design of assessment tools and analytical frameworks to identify participants’ strengths and gaps. Developed targeted capacity-building proposals that empowered participants to design and implement high-impact resilience actions.

–Strategic Communication & Networking: Spearheaded the design and launch of the «WCRP: Resilient Connections» professional group, fostering a digital ecosystem for knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices among resilience practitioners.

This experience underscores my proficiency in project management, and technical support, and my commitment to fostering community resilience in disaster-prone areas.

Regional Community Planning Associate at Foundation for Puerto Rico – Whole Community Resilience Planning Program (WCRP).

Provided technical assistance to the Puerto Rico Department of Housing (PRDOH) in terms of community planning:

The Puerto Pico Natural Resource Career Tracks (NRCT) Program: New Collaborators and New Goals promotes identifying and mentoring cohorts of students to prepare them for careers in natural resource management with the USDA and other agencies and NGOs.

–Mentorship & Professional Development: Mentored undergraduate students exploring natural resourcescareers, guiding them in the design and execution of scientific research and community outreach initiatives.

–Curriculum Integration & Pedagogy: Developed and facilitated experiential environmental science workshops aligned with academic curricula. Utilized hands-on learning strategies to enhance student comprehension of complex ecological and scientific concepts.

–Sustainable Agriculture Education: Designed and implemented a comprehensive agricultural cycle at the UPR-RP Preschool Development Center. Managed all phases from soil preparation to harvesting, fostering a fundamental understanding of biodiversity, sustainability, and collaborative work among students.

–Socio-Environmental Outreach: Coordinated community-based initiatives in collaboration with CAUCE and local stakeholders. Led cleanup brigades and the design of green infrastructure projects, promoting environmental stewardship and strengthening community resilience through urban greening.

Community Planner & Project Assistant at Community Garden and Urban Forest of Capetillo – Centro de Acción Urbana, Comunitaria y Empresarial de Río Piedras (CAUCE-UPR-RP). September 2017 – July 2018

–Project Leadership & Crisis Resolution: Spearheaded daily operations and strategic management of the community garden and urban forest, proactively resolving complex logistical challenges, space-use conflicts, and resource constraints while ensuring operational continuity and alignment with CAUCE’s mission.

–Community Farming & Inclusive Education: Led the planning, maintenance, and harvesting of community garden operations through an educational framework, fostering social and technical skill development among local residents.

–Citizen Science & Advocacy: Coordinated citizen science initiatives, including urban biodiversity assessments and water quality monitoring. Engaged community members in scientific data collection to promote environmental stewardship and local advocacy.

–Youth Development Programs: Designed and implemented an environmental summer camp for local youth, focused on urban geography, interpersonal relationships, and healthy habits. This initiative strengthened community cohesion and improved access to environmental education.

–Strategic Partnerships: Established a network of collaborators and multi-sector partnerships that amplified the long-term impact and sustainability of community-led projects.

Interim Project Coordinator (September 2017 – March 2018)

-Disaster Recovery & Green Infrastructure: Led post-hurricane recovery efforts following Hurricanes Irma and María, focusing on community resilience and the accelerated restoration of green infrastructure within the urban forest and garden.

-Crisis Coordination & Rehabilitation: Managed the comprehensive cleanup, rehabilitation, and replanting of community green spaces. Organized hands-on demonstration plantings that boosted community morale and secured long-term resident engagement in recovery initiatives.

This role highlights my ability to lead and execute multifaceted community projects, emphasizing resilience, education, and collaboration.

Teacher assistant (2015-2017) – Department of Environmental Sciences at University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras.

Geographic Information System (GIS) Teacher Assistant

– Lab Management & Technical Support: Managed the GIS laboratory for undergraduate and graduate courses, ensuring the availability of technical resources and providing real-time troubleshooting for geospatial software.

–Curriculum Development: Developed and refined practical and theoretical GIS exercises, creating hands-onmodules that enhanced students’ proficiency in spatial analysis and cartographic design.

–Instructional Leadership: Delivered guest lectures on core GIS concepts and provided direct technical guidance during laboratory sessions, fostering a dynamic learning environment for complex spatial data applications.

-Academic Administration: Maintained detailed records of student performance and progress, while collaborating with lead professors.

This experience showcases my proficiency in higher education, instructional support, and leadership within an academic setting.

IGERT Fellow – National Science Foundation (NSF). Natural-Human Systems in the Urbanizing Tropics Project. The goal of this Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training (IGERT) program is to train Ph.D. students to apply an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to environmental problems in urbanizing, tropical landscapes. (http://www.igert.org/) August 2013 – June 2015

–NSF-IGERT Fellow (National Science Foundation): Selected for the NSF’s prestigious flagship fellowship designed to train top-tier doctoral researchers in highly competitive, interdisciplinary science.

–Transdisciplinary Socio-Environmental Research & Integration: Applied a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach to tackle complex socio-environmental challenges in urbanizing tropical landscapes, breaking down traditional disciplinary silos by integrating natural sciences, social sciences, and planning frameworks while actively engaging with communities, public agencies, and non-academic sectors.

-Project Oversight & Budget Management: Developed and executed a comprehensive research plan, including methodologies and dissemination strategies, while successfully managing a budget exceeding $88,000 in competitive funding—covering tuition, travel, stipends, and summer fieldwork—demonstrating strong financial planning, resource allocation, and corrective problem-solving to ensure timely project completion within strict fiscal constraints.

–Principal Investigator: Served as Principal Investigator (PI) for the IGERT-funded project «Agentes de Cambio: Estudio Exploratorio Sobre Comunidades Urbanas y sus Espacios Verdes»; designed and executed empirical research to support the Capetillo community garden, its residents, and the Center for Urban and Community Action (CAUCE) while facilitating action-oriented activities like open houses to transform local perceptions, increase neighborhood participation, and collect essential field data, among other activities to sustain the community initiative.

Research Assistant – Forestry Technician – Summer 2014 (GS,0462,04) – USDA-Forest Service Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest. Northern Research Station, Ohio, USA. Research assistant in Oak Restoration Project and assisted in setting up and operating standard equipment used for performing laboratory tests to make scientific measurements and observations of sample materials gathered from experimental field plots.

AmeriCorps State – ENLACE (2012-2013). Corporación del Proyecto ENLACE del Caño Martín Peña.

Community Planning Initiatives Support

–Hazard Mitigation & Climate Resilience: Supported the development of the District’s Community Hazard Mitigation Plan by researching climate change adaptation strategies and identifying vulnerabilities to strengthen long-term environmental resilience.

–Community Advocacy & Organization: Served as Project Assistant for the Renovando mi Entorno (REMEN) initiative, facilitating community organization processes and leading resident meetings to drive local placemaking transformation and social cohesion.

–Engagement & Empowerment: Promoted resident empowerment through targeted outreach and collaborative workshops, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging within the Martín Peña Channel District.

–Environmental Well-being: Contributed to a variety of community-led initiatives focused on improving local environmental quality and the overall well-being of the District’s residents.
This experience highlights my dedication to community empowerment, environmental improvement, and disaster preparedness.

Consultant at ThinkaMap – Geo-Informatics for Collaborative Minds.

–Geospatial & Cloud Infrastructure: Provided technical consulting on projects involving Cloud-Based Computing Systems, Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI), GIS, and Web Mapping Systems to streamline collaborative data management.

–Platform Development: Managed project lifecycles, including the design and deployment of online surveys and a custom data-entry platform tailored for environmental research.

–Data Analytics: Conducted comprehensive statistical analyses to support decision-making in natural resource management and collaborative conservation efforts.

–Strategic Consulting: Collaborated with stakeholders to implement digital tools that improved data accessibility and spatial awareness for environmental projects.

Intern of Science, Education, and Public Policy Division at Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico – Para La Naturaleza (summer 2012).

Technical Assistant – Mapa de Vida Project

-Contributed to technical work on the “Mapa de Vida” project, focusing on the analysis, evaluation, and data entry into the online database mapadevida.org.
-Proficiently utilized Geographic Information System (GIS) to program and manage the database, enabling the development of species distribution maps.

Research Assistant & Community Facilitator at the Community Garden, Nursery, and Urban Forest of Capetillo (2010-2012). “Centro de Acción Urbana, Comunitaria y Empresarial de Río Piedras, CAUCE” (Río Piedras Urban Action Center) at University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.

Technical, Administrative & Scientific Support Provider

–Operations & Administrative Management: Managed administrative operations to ensure project efficiency, while spearheading marketing and outreach initiatives to increase program visibility and community engagement.

–Forestry Inventory & Field Research: Conducted comprehensive forest inventory assessments to support urban forest management. Performed field-based sample collection and data gathering for subsequent processing and specialized analysis by partner laboratories.

–Program Coordination & Data Collection: Coordinated a successful academic tutoring program and conducted systematic data collection to support evidence-based decision-making and project evaluation.

–Stakeholder Engagement: Built and maintained a robust network of collaborators and community partners to strengthen project outcomes and resource sharing.

–Educational Programming: Designed and implemented community workshops and activities focused on environmental restoration and personal development for the residents of the Capetillo community.

This experience reflects my diverse skill set and my ability to provide comprehensive support across technical, administrative, and scientific domains to achieve project success.

Planning Intern at INSTITUTO SOCIO-ECONOMICO COMUNITARIO, INC. (Spring 2010).

Strategic Planning Assistant

–Strategic Planning Assistant: Collaborated in the development and drafting of the organization’s strategic plan, contributing to the formulation of long-term vision, organizational goals, and actionable objectives.

–Socio-Demographic Profiling & Community Analysis: Crafted comprehensive socio-demographic profiles of various Puerto Rican communities, delivering data-driven insights to support informed municipal decision-making and targeted regional initiatives

Research Assistant at the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao (2006-2008). Laboratory of Terrestrial Ecology and Ecophysiology analysis of spatial patterns.

–Ecosystem Research: Conducted specialized research on mangrove ecophysiology and terrestrial ecology under the guidance of Dr. Denny Fernández; executed extensive fieldwork across key ecosystems—including Aguirre State Forest, Mona Island Nature Reserve, and the Guánica Dry Forest—while performing spatial pattern analysis within the Laboratory of Terrestrial Ecology and Ecophysiology.

–Mona Island Comparative Research: Served as Principal Investigator (PI) for a comparative scientific study on stomatal density variances between depression forest (bajura) and plateau forest species within the Mona Island Reserve, presenting the findings at the 27th Puerto Rico Interdisciplinary Scientific Meeting (PRISM 2007) under the sponsorship of the Center for Applied Tropical Ecology and Conservation (CATEC).

–Guánica Dry Forest Population Studies: Co-authored population dynamics research evaluating structural differences within Melocactus intortus populations across distinct micro-environments in the Guánica Dry Forest, presented at the 2nd UPR-Humacao McNair Research Symposium.

Academic Mentor in Biological Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico – Humacao. Supplementary Educational Services Program.

–Curriculum Design & Educational Activities: Designed and developed targeted educational activities and instructional materials to support freshmen students in foundational biological science courses, accelerating their academic transition into the discipline.

–Academic Mentorship & Student Guidance: Provided strategic assistance, tutoring, and academic guidance to enhance undergraduate students’ comprehension, conceptual proficiency, and practical performance in biology.

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Selected Internship

HACU – National Internship Program (2014). Forestry Technician – Research at United States Department of Agriculture – Forest Service.

Mini Internado en Estrategias en Redacción de Escritos Académicos y Ensayos para Revistas Profesionales (55 horas). Centro para la Excelencia Académica, UPR-RP.

Puerto Rico Sustainable Material Management Internship Program (2012-2013). Environmental Finance Center at Syracuse University.

Programa de Apoderamiento y Retención de Agentes de Cambio (PARACa) Summer 2012. Mentes Puertorriqueñas en Acción. Research and Final Work: Development of Community Tourism in Puerto Rico: Proposal for effective implementation in Puerto Rican communities. (http://www.mentespuertorriquenas.org/paraca)

Democratic Governance and Community Development (Fall 2010). “Instituto Socio-Económico Comunitario, Inc.” (INSEC) and Institute of Municipal Strategists and University of Puerto Rico. Development of part of INSEC strategic plan and democratic government studies.

2010 Summer Environmental Leader Training Program (Sprog). Sierra Student Coalition, Sierra Club. Topics
Discussed: Strategic Campaign Planning, Principles of Organizational, Development, working with the Media, Effective Facilitation for Meetings and Groups, Coalition Building and Influencing Policy & Meeting with Decisionmakers.

Transitions to research careers Program (TRC). TRC is a program sponsored by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) that promotes research careers and graduate studies. Also provides first research experience. This was a Bug diversity research collaboration at Mona Island. Dra. Elvia Meléndez-Ackerman Lab. UPR-RP. University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus.

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Selected Presentations & Publications

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Vega-Fontánez, H. (2026) The socio-environmental contributions of civic ecology practices in urban community gardens of San Juan, Puerto Rico (In Review) Sociedad y Ambiente.

Vega-Fontánez, H. (2024) Social and environmental learnings in the practices of community gardens in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Milenio, 23(1), 10–31.

Vega-Fontanez H. & Rodríguez N. & Cátala A. & Méndez R. (2016) Bosque Urbano Comunitario de Capetillo: Un Estudio Exploratorio Sobre Comunidades Urbanas y sus Espacios Verdes. Acta Científica 30, 281-295.

Conferences Manuscripst & Presentation

Vega-Fontánez, H. (2023) Civic Ecology Practices of Urban Community Gardens in San Juan, Puerto Rico: A Summary of Their Socio-Environmental Contributions. Proceedings I Congreso de Trabajo y Desarrollo Comunitario: experiencias del trabajo y desarrollo comunitario en Puerto Rico.

Vega-Fontanez, H. (2019) Civic Ecology in the Urban Environment of San Juan, Puerto Rico: Exploratory Study of Community Gardens and Its Socio-Environmental Impact. 14th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) & 2019 Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program (HSI) Meeting, USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

Vega-Fontanez, H. (2015). Política Pública sobre Ambiente Urbano en el Municipio de San Juan, Puerto Rico: Un Análisis desde la Perspectiva de los Espacios Verdes en la Ciudad. Conference: X Convención Internacional sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo – II Congreso de Política, Derecho y Justicia Ambiental, at Havana, Cuba.

Vega-Fontanez, H. & Guevarez-Ayala, A. & Ortiz-Rodriguez, N. & Catala-Sanchez, A. & Mendez-Resto, R. (2015) Community and Urban Green Spaces: A Case Study on How People from Capetillo in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, approach an Urban Forest. 55th Annual Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning Conference. Justice and The City: (re)Examining the Past to Create the Future. Houston, Texas.

Ramsy M., Nytch C., Meléndez Ackerman E., Cartagena M., Fidalgo L., Trujillo A., Vega-Fontánez H., Santiago L., Díaz E., Correa N., Olivero S., Fontánez J., Erazo A., Torres K., Vila C., Ramos O. and Lugo A. (2014). An assessment of residents’ satisfaction and short-term visions for urban yards in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 2014 ialeUK Annual Conference& 99th ESA Annual Meeting 2014.

Vega-Fontánez, H. (2012). Bridging El Yunque National Forest and Espiritu Santo Nature Reserve: a proposal for developing a floodplain Green Corridor in Northeast Puerto Rico. First Undergraduate and Graduate Students Research Congress at UPR-Río Piedras.

Vega-Fontánez, H. (2011). Community Garden, Nursery, and Urban Forest of Capetillo: How community participation changed community environment. XII N-AERUS CONFERENCE (Network-Association of European Researchers on Urbanization in the South). “The city at human scale”. Hosted by the Faculty of Architecture, Polytechnic University of Madrid.

Vega-Fontánez, H. (2010). “Capetillo Al Rescate de Isla del Diablo: De Vertedero a Bosque Urbano”. Community Garden, Nursery, and Urban Forest of Capetillo project, CAUCE. Presentation of initiatives on the rescue and restoration of habitat for urban community forest. 13th Caribbean Urban and Community Forestry Conference, USDA-Forest Service.

Rivera, L. & Vega-Fontánez, H. & Vera, R. & Vera, Z. (2010). Area Plan for the Future Cerra stop of Light Rail San Juan, Puerto Rico. Transportation Week Symposium. Institute of Transportation Engineers, Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying. University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.

Vega-Fontánez, H. & Peschiera, M. & Alejandro, T. (2007). Comparison of stomatal density within species from depression forest(bajura) and plateau forest in Mona Island Reserve. 27th Puerto Rico Interdisciplinary Scientific Meeting (PRISM 2007) and 42nd ACS Junior Technical Meeting. Research sponsored by the Center for Applied Tropical Ecology and Conservation of the University of Puerto Rico (CATEC).

Peschiera, M. & Bulnes, A. & Vega-Fontánez, H. (2007). Difference Between Population of Melocactus intortus in Two Different Areas of Guánica dry forest. 2nd UPR-Humacao McNair Research Symposium.

Other Manuscripts & Creative Works

Vega-Fontánez, H. & Padró, P. & Alvarado, G. (2010) The official discourse of sustainability in San Juan. Assessment and identify the vision of sustainability in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Unpublished manuscript. Graduated School of Planning, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras.

Vega-Fontánez, H. (2009) Lost Spaces in the urban areas: a case study of Santurce, PR. Proposal to develop these spaces in livable areas. Unpublished manuscript. Graduated School of Planning, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras.

Vega-Fontánez, H (2009) Historical development and Environmental Justice in Puerto Rican communities: A case study of coastal zone of Humacao. Unpublished manuscript. Graduated School of Planning, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras.

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Invited Lectures & Community Engagement

Guest Lecturer: Invited speaker at Universidad Ana G. Méndez (Gurabo) for the Graduate Human Ecology in Public Health course; presented original insights on «Civic Ecology, Community Gardens and Social Inequality in Puerto Rico» within the Environmental and Social Vulnerability Unit, translating socio-ecological research into actionable concepts for public health students (December 2025).

Guest Lecturer: Invited speaker at Universidad Ana G. Méndez (Gurabo) for the Graduate Human Ecology in Public Health course; presented original insights on «Ecosystem Services and Vulnerabilities in Community Gardens in San Juan, Puerto Rico» within the Environmental and Social Vulnerability Unit, translating socio-ecological research into actionable concepts for public health students (December 2023).

Workshop Facilitator: School Garden Curriculum Integration, Antonio S. Pedreira School (Aug 2019). Designed and led professional development training for educators on seamlessly integrating the school garden project into diverse academic subjects to enhance interdisciplinary learning.

Guest Speaker: Home Gardening & Community Resilience, Ciudad Universitaria Housing Cooperative & Municipality of Trujillo Alto (Feb 2018). Delivered an educational lecture on the environmental, nutritional, and community benefits of home gardening, promoting local food security and sustainable urban practices.

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Special Courses / Training 

Pedagogía de la tierra: Agricultura en armonía con el ambiente (2019). AFC+A and UPR-RP. Instructor: Dalma Cartagena Colón.

Knowledge Systems Analysis and Application to Sustainability and Resilience (2017). Instructors: Dr. Clark Miller, Arizona State University & Dr. Tischa Muñoz-Erickson, US IITF.

Theories and Methods for Sustainable Neighborhood Revitalization and Slum Upgrading (2016). Instructor: Dr. Isabelle Anguelovski, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona.

International Course of Participatory Planning for Equal Structural Change (Spring 2015). Latin American and Caribbean Institute for Economic and Social Planning (ILPES) and Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) United Nations, Chile.

Computational Summer Institute 2014. National Socio- Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC). Annapolis, MD. San Juan Urban Long-Term Research Area (ULTRA) Project.

Technical Workshop: Documentary Reporting Techniques for Scientific Researchers (Part I) – NSF IGERT / Taller de Fotoperiodismo (4 contact hours), Feb 2015

Technical Workshop: Documentary Reporting Techniques for Scientific Researchers (Part II) – NSF IGERT / Taller de Fotoperiodismo (4 contact hours), Apr 2015

Watershed Academy Web’s Watershed Management Training Certificate. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). FEMA

Collaborative Design and Habitat Studio: bridges between academy and community (2012). Collaborative workshop between students, professionals, and inhabitants of Buena Vista Santurce community to develop a design proposal for urban renewal in common and private spaces. The aim is that students and inhabitants collaborate in creating quality living spaces.

Agricultural and Biodiversity residential course at Casa Pueblo, Puerto Rico (2011). Sponsored by Instituto Comunitario de Biodiversidad y Cultura & University of Michigan & University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez

La Parguera Workshop. Wetland Education Through (Maps and Aerial Photography) WETMAAP (2010). La Parguera Site Development. Sponsored by NASA, CNL World, USGS, UPR-Mayaguez, UPR- Río Piedras.

Project Design and Evaluation Workshop. NOAA Coastal Service Center. (16 contact hrs.).

Increasing Capacity for Caribbean Wetlands Conservation: Training Workshop for Monitoring, Education, and Conservation. Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico.

Continuing Education Certificate in Computer Graphic Design – Universidad de Puerto Rico, Río Piedras / DECE (30 contact hours / 3.0 CEUs) | Oct 2000

Professional Certificate in Global Warming and Extreme Climate Phenomena – UPR Carolina / NASA PR Space Grant Consortium (40 contact hours), Jun 2008

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Selected Voluntary & Community Work and Extracurricular Activities

University Gardens Recreational Association (2022 to Present) – Consultant for University Gardens Recreational Association, a community-based organization focused on neighborhood development and recreational space optimization, with emphasis on community-based dog park. Provided strategic guidance on participatory planning and inclusive governance frameworks. Supported the comprehensive review and refinement of the recreational facilities master plan.

Environmental Society of Capetillo (2015 to 2017) – Consultant of Environmental Society of Capetillo, a community-based association that aims for the socio-environmental improvement of their community. Assistance to develop different educational activities and help in diverse administrative, proposal, and scientific duties.

The Center for Science and Math Education Research (CSMER) at UPR-RP / Maximizing Yield Through Integration (I3) Project. Provided research assistantship to teachers in the development of their school research project.

Mentes Puertorriqueñas en Acción (MPA) – Consulting and collaboration in the development of fourth summer program. (Programa de Apoderamiento y Retención de Agentes de Cambio (PARACa). Social Change Project Coordinator: Coordinated the process of planning and implementation of an interdisciplinary proposal to catalyze a social change and mentor 2 participants through an 8-week multidisciplinary research. The theme of the project was: Food Security for Puerto Rico. (https://www.facebook.com/seguridadalimentaria.puertorico/)

Collaborative Design and Habitat Studio: bridges between academy and community. Collaborative workshop between students, professionals, and inhabitants of Buena Vista Santurce community to develop a design proposal of urban renewal in common and private spaces. The aim is that students and inhabitants collaborate in creating quality living spaces. (http://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0124-79132017000100007)

Sierra Club – Outing Leader. Provided tours in some natural areas in Puerto Rico to provide recreational activities to help meet the goal of the organization. Volunteer in various activities of the organization and Puerto Rico Northeast Corridor Ecology campaign.

Hands Across the Sands (2010). Puerto Rico activity organizer. The activity goal is awareness of people about environmental problems, specifically offshore oil drilling.

ENLACE Martín Peña Channel Project (2010) – Supported the environmental affairs coordinator in the initial stages of development of the feasibility study of dredging of Caño Martín Peña. Participated in the development of the Community Committee for the feasibility study and developed community assemblies.

Boletín EGP – Editor and founding member of the publication created by planning students. The goal of the magazine was to make known the planning profession and provide a place where students can publish their research. (https://www.scribd.com/document/55049742/Boletin-EGP)

First undergraduate and graduate students’ Research Congress at UPR-Río Piedras (2012). Member of the Steering Committee of Congress. Sponsored by the Office of the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research at UPR-Río Piedras.

Student Council of the Graduate School of Planning- activities coordinator, 2009 to 2011 (two terms) and representative of external organizations, 2011 to 2012. Provides social and academic activities that integrate students. Main organizer of the first research symposium: poster presentation. The theme of the symposium was “Repensando el espacio compartido, buscando alternativas para lograr el Puerto Rico habitable”.

Rhesus Monkey Research-Cayo Santiago Caribbean Primate Research Center. University of Puerto Rico-Medicine Medical Sciences Campus.

Bird Winter Census, National Audubon Society: Caño tiburones natural reserve, PR (2005), Caribbean National Forest (Yunque), PR (2006) &   Central areas of Puerto of Puerto Rico (2007). 

Mangrove tree nursery maintenance and care. University of Puerto Rico- Humacao.

2007 USDA Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF) Laboratory assistant research studies of Spathodea campanulata with Dr. Oscar Abelleira.

2005-06 Lepanthes rupestris Census Collaboration at El Verde field station. Tropical Plant ecology and Evolution Laboratory Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Studies (ITES)     

Active Member & Leadership Role – Wildlife Management & Microbiology Student Associations: Served as the Social Activities Coordinator for the Wildlife Management chapter, successfully organizing community outreach and student networking events.                                   

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List of Research or Projects

Civic Ecology in the Urban Environment of San Juan, Puerto Rico: Community Gardens and Their Socio-Environmental Impact (2020 – 2021)

Doctoral dissertation mixed-methods research evaluating urban environmental policy, community gardens, and local resilience under advisor Dr. Gustavo García López.

Public Policy on Urban Environment in the Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico: An Analysis from the Perspective of Green Spaces in the City (2015)

Socio-environmental policy research evaluating municipal environmental laws, urban governance, and the integration of metropolitan green spaces.

Agentes de Cambio: Un Estudio Exploratorio Sobre Comunidades Urbanas y sus Espacios Verdes (2013 – 2015)

Transdisciplinary NSF-funded research supporting neighborhood participation, collective action, and socio-ecological dynamics at the Capetillo community garden.

Oak Restoration Project (2014)

Field and laboratory forestry technician research analyzing oak regeneration and ecophysiological metrics at the Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest in Ohio.

An Assessment of Residents’ Satisfaction and Short-Term Visions for Urban Yards in San Juan, Puerto Rico (2014)

Collaborative socio-ecological study investigating residential infrastructure, biodiversity choices, and community satisfaction with neighborhood green spaces.

Community Hazard Mitigation and Climate Resilience Study (Caño Martín Peña District) (2012 – 2013)

Evaluated climate change adaptation strategies, local vulnerabilities, and community-led frameworks for an institutional hazard mitigation plan.

Technical Evaluation and Database Management for the «Mapa de Vida» Project (2012)

Analyzed regional environmental datasets and managed spatial databases using GIS to map tropical species distributions.

Development of Community Tourism in Puerto Rico: Proposal for Effective Implementation (2012)

Action research identifying sustainable, community-based tourism frameworks and operational models across local Puerto Rican communities.

Riparian Connection Between the Espiritu Santo River Reserve and El Yunque National Forest: Proposal for Developing a Green Corridor (2012)

Master’s planning project designing a collaborative regional conservation corridor and floodplain management system.

Community Garden, Nursery, and Urban Forest of Capetillo: How Community Participation Changed Community Environment (2011)

Evaluated international-scale frameworks for community-driven habitat restoration, local food security, and urban greening initiatives.

The Official Discourse of Sustainability in San Juan: Assessment and Identification of the Vision of Sustainability (2010)

Unpublished planning manuscript analyzing urban public policy narratives, environmental rhetoric, and sustainability frameworks in San Juan.

Capetillo al Rescate de Isla del Diablo: From Landfill to Urban Community Forest (2010)

Action-oriented case study evaluating collective community actions to transform an illegal urban dumpsite into an ecological sanctuary.

Area Plan for the Future Cerra Stop of Light Rail San Juan, Puerto Rico (2010)

Collaborative transportation planning and urban connectivity research modeling sustainable light rail infrastructure.

Democratic Governance and Community Development Assessment (2010)

Strategic research examining local community empowerment models, community profiling, and democratic governance frameworks for INSEC.

Lost Spaces in Urban Areas: A Case Study of Santurce, Puerto Rico (2009)

Unpublished planning manuscript exploring spatial vacuums, vacant lot restoration potential, and urban revitalization strategies.

Historical Development and Environmental Justice in Puerto Rican Communities: A Case Study of the Coastal Zone of Humacao (2009)

Unpublished planning manuscript tracing industrialization patterns, coastal vulnerabilities, and environmental justice issues in eastern Puerto Rico.

Management Plan for a Secondary Forest in the University of Puerto Rico Campus at Humacao (2008)

Collaborative design of an ecological conservation and long-term environmental management framework for a campus forest.

Comparison of Stomatal Density Within Species from Depression Forest (Bajura) and Plateau Forest in Mona Island Reserve (2006 – 2008)

Principal investigator field study examining tropical plant ecophysiology and stomatal adaptations across distinct island microclimates.

Difference Between Populations of Melocactus intortus in Two Different Areas of Guánica Dry Forest (2006 – 2008)

Co-authored population dynamics study evaluating structural variances, habitat density, and microclimate adaptation of cactus populations.

Bug Diversity Research Collaboration at Mona Island (2004)

Undergraduate entomological study evaluating insect ecology, biodiversity distribution, and habitat variations under the Transitions to Research Careers Program (TRC). TRC is a program sponsored by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS).

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Selected Awards

Dissertation Fellowship 2020-2021. Office of the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research UPR-RP.

HSF Scholar (2016). Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Education and Research Traineeship, 2013- 2015. National Science Foundation (NSF): NSF-IGERT Fellowship – Integrative
Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT). Natural-Human Systems in the Urbanizing Tropics Program,
University of Puerto Rico.

Hispanic Federation Puerto Rico Recovery and Relief Fund (2019), Fundación Comunitaria.

Outstanding Student, 2012. Recognition of the faculty member of the Graduate School of Planning, UPR-RP

Summer Environmental Leader Training Program (Sprog) 2010. Sierra Club

Global Diversity Scholarship 2010. Adelante U.S. Educational Leadership Fund. Sponsored by Abercrombie & Fitch. $1.750,
One of 3 recipients. The scholarship also includes a travel award to participate in the 2011 National Leadership Institute & Recruitment Fair.

University of Puerto Rico at Carolina Honor Award, 2002. Recognition for academic excellence in the first year of college.

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Skills

Project coordination / Research group leader / Event Manager / Community
liaison / Outreach Specialist / Qualitative and Quantitative research techniques and methodologies.

Computer knowledge, MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) Windows OS and Mac OS, Microsoft Publisher, Gantt Project, Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), Dedoose, Illustrator, and ArcGIS. Knowledge in GIS (Geographical Information System) and Design Program. Knowledge of various qualitative techniques and research methodologies.

Creative, organized, energetic, and responsible. Able to adapt to changing priorities and maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Outgoing and detail-oriented. I am proficient at building and maintaining professional relationships.

Language: Spanish native, advanced. English intermediate.

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Reference Available under request

Contact: hagmel.vega@outlook.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hagmelvegafontanez

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hagmel_Vega-Fontanez