"I've had the privilege of working with Anna for the past year and a half at the "Galapagos Verde 2050" lab. Without a doubt, she stands as a pivotal member of our team. Whenever we have questions or face challenges, we invariably turn to her for guidance.

Our lab, situated on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean, presents unique and challenging conditions for experimentation. The unpredictable weather, coupled with limited budgets and materials, would deter many from conducting experiments in these conditions. Yet, Anna, who has been fully dedicated to our team for over three years (even many of them without proper internet!) thrives amidst these challenges, using her resourcefulness to overcome any kind of obstacles.

Throughout my career, which includes a MSc and two PhDs, I've always found that the practical application of ethics is somewhat elusive. Despite being a witness of various scenarios were human nature often deviates from ethical standards, meeting Anna, was a refreshing and enlightening experience. She adheres to the highest standards of ethics in every aspect of her work, demonstrating an admirable blend of professional integrity and personal morality.

Anna's approach is both critical and perfectionist, significantly contributing to our lab's success. She constantly encourages everyone to elevate their work, striving for excellence in every aspect. Her dedication extends beyond the lab – she's always pondering improvements, whether during lunch, at home, or over the weekend.

In addition to her remarkable skills in making things happen under difficult circumstances, Anna's positive attitude and enthusiasm for every fieldwork opportunity are infectious. She shows particular interest in our experiments with endangered species. Overseeing the viability tests and propagation experiments, she welcomes each emerging plant with joy and optimism.

In my professional journey, there have been few individuals whom I can confidently say I would like to cross paths with again, and Anna is one of them. Her precision and consistent performance, akin to clockwork, along with her unwavering dedication and optimism, make her an outstanding candidate for the Lab Hero Award 2023."

Nominated by Nicolás Velasco, Galapagos Verde 2050, Charles Darwin Foundation, Ecuador