-BE THE LIGHT-
INGRID HONKALA, Ph.D.
Professional Accomplishments & Awards
Ingrid's extensive professional scientific background spans over 30 years, in dozens of countries, learning multiple languages, obtaining higher degrees from institutions like The Department of Marine Science of the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as working for organizations such as NASA and the US NAVY. Navigating a scientific profession while balancing spiritual encounters has developed a unique and incredibly thought out perspective and understanding for the meaning of the Beings of Light.
Research Fields
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Ocean and Coastal Forecasting.
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Marine Bio-Optics and Satellite Remote Sensing.
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Marine, Littoral and Insular Ecology.
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Harmful Algae Blooms (HAB).
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Effects of climate variability on the dynamics of phytoplankton communities.
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Diagnosis, Zonification and Management Strategies of Mangrove Areas and Estuaries.
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Geographic Information Systems and Development of Geo-databases.
WORK EXPERIENCE
July 2017 – Jan 2018
Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center:
February 2012 – July 2017
The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO)
July 2009 – February 2012
The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO)
March 2005 – May 2009
National Aeronautics and Space Administration - NASA
August 2004 – May 2009
Department of Marine Science of The University of Southern Mississippi
April 2003 – December 2003
Turner Collie & Braden Inc.
March 2000 – November 2002.
Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research for the Pacific Coast of Colombia
August – November 1999.
Fund for the Education and Culture – ECOFONDO / Cabildo Mayor Indígena
October 1998 – February 2000
MMA / UNESCO / PNUMA / GEF - RLA / 92 7 G41 / G / 99
April 1998 – June 1999.
General Maritime Directorate of Colombia – DIMAR /
Colombian Navy.
May - September 1997.
Editorial Sociedad Promotora de Estudios Didácticos – SPED.
1996.
Corporation for the Sustainable Development of the Archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence and Santa Catalina – CORALINA.
15 – 20th of June 1996.
Marine Research Institute of Colombia – INVEMAR.
April – June 1996.
Instituto Bolivariano de Bachillerato Comercial – High School
January - August 1996.
Environment Ministry of Colombia – MMA and National Corporation for Investigation and Forest Promotion – CONIF .
August 1994 - December 1995
Colombian Government Department of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, Representative on the Archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence and Santa Catalina
November 1993 - June 1994
Center of Marine Investigation, Education and Recreation – CEINER.
December 1989 - February 1990
The National Institute for the Development of Natural Resources – INDERENA
Oceanographer – Ocean Forecasting Branch
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529
Oceanographer – Coastal/Ocean Forecasting Branches
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529
Oceanographer - Marine Optics Division
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529
Research Assistant – Manager Bio-Optic Laboratories
Stennis Space Center. Mississippi, USA
Graduate student – MS-Ph.D. program with a granted NASA Fellowship
Marine Science with emphasis in Biological Oceanography
Stennis Space Center. Mississippi, USA
Research Analyst - Marine Biologist Contractor
Naval Special Warfare Riverine and Jungle Training Range Environmental Impact Statement
Western Maneuver Area – Stennis Space Center
Mississippi, USA
Chief of the Marine Biology and Ecology Department.
Maritime Directorate of Colombia (DIMAR) / Colombian Navy.
Tumaco, Colombia.
Associate Researcher.
Cartographic elaboration and scientific reviewer for the project of Territorial Classification of the Tahami Community, Colombian Pacific.
Bogotá, Colombia.
Volunteer B.Sc. Assistant
Planning and updating of the documentation for the Project Preservation of the Diversity and Social and Economic Value of Mangrove Ecosystems in Tropical America.
Bogota, Colombia.
Scientific Advisor
Bogotá, Colombia.
Supervisor of the Biological Editorial Department for the edition of the Natural History book “Cabarceno, El Origen de una Naturaleza” National Park of Cabarceno.
Madrid, España.
Volunteer B.Sc. Assistant
Elaboration of technical reports about the present condition of the wetlands on San Andres, Old Providence and Santa Catalina Islands.
San Andres Island, Colombia.
Voluntary organiser on San Andres Island for the First Symposium on Coral Reefs.
San Andres Island, Colombia.
Teacher in Natural Sciences.
San Andres Island, Colombia.
Associate Researcher - Marine Biologist Contractor
Project MMA / OIMT - PD 171/91 Rev 2. (F). Phase 1. Diagnosis, cartography (Software ILWIS) and socio-economic aspects of mangrove ecosystems in San Andres, Old Providence and Santa Catalina Islands.
San Andres Island, Colombia.
Associate Researcher - Marine Biologist Contractor
Diagnosis of the condition of the mangrove ecosystems on San Andres Island and elaboration of a plan to restore and protect the mangrove forest.
Volunteer B.Sc. Assistant.
Taxonomy and organization of a shell collection (Gastropod and Bivalve).
Natural Park Rosario Islands, Colombia Caribbean
Volunteer B.Sc. Assistant and Park Guard.
Natural Park of Gorgona Island, Colombia Pacific.
EDUCATION
PhD. Marine Science with emphasis in Biological Oceanography (Fall 2004 - Spring 2009)
MS-Ph.D. program with a granted NASA Fellowship
Department of Marine Science
The University of Southern Mississippi - USM
Stennis Space Center. Mississippi, USA
Dissertation: The effects of climate variability on the structure of the phytoplankton community inTumaco Bay, Colombia. 267 p.
B.Sc. Hons. Marine Biology (1996)
Department of Marine Biology
Jorge Tadeo Lozano University, Colombia
Thesis (1994-1996):
Study of the extension and distribution, structure, productivity, leaf degradation and other analysis of the mangrove ecosystems in San Andres Island. Colombia Caribbean. 230 p.
PUBLICATIONS
BOOKS
Sánchez-Páez, H., R. Alvarez-León, F. Pinto-Nolla, A.S. Sánchez-Alférez, J.C. Pino-Renjifo, I. García-Hansen & M. T. Acosta-Peñaloza. Diagnosis and preliminary zonification of the Colombian Caribbean mangrove forest, pp: 1- 511 In: H. Sánchez-Páez & R. Alvarez-León (eds.) Proy. PD 171 / 91 Rev. 2 (F) Phase 1, Conservation and Management of the Mangrove Ecosystems in Colombia, MMA / OIMT. Santa Fe de Bogotá D. C. 1997. 511 p.
Barcenas, M., I. García-Hansen, M. Bahillo, A. Gato, E. Gimeno, N. Ruiz, J. Saiz, R. Bustamante & S. Testón. Cabarceno, The Origin of a Natural System (National Park of Cabarceno). Editorial, Sociedad Promotora de Estudios Didácticos (SPED). Natural History Book. First Edition. Madrid, Spain, 1997. 350 p.
García-Hansen, I. What is Plankton?. Educative Guide. Centro Control Contaminación del Pacífico – CCCP / DIMAR. San Andrés de Tumaco, 2001. 30 p.
Devis, A., I. García-Hansen, I. Malikov & N. Villegas. Oceanographic Compilation of the Colombian Pacific Ocean. Colombian Navy / DIMAR / Centro Control Contaminación del Pacífico. http://www.cccp.org.co/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=41. Cali, Colombia, 2002. 279 p.
García-Hansen, I. Handbook of Fish of San Andres Island, Colombian Caribbean.
FEATURED SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES
Sierra-Beltrán, A. P.1, Lluch-Cota, D. B.2, Lluch-Cota, S. E.2, Cortés-Altamirano, R.3, Castillo-Chávez, M.4, Carrillo, L.5, Pacas, L.5, Víquez, R.6, and García-Hansen, I.7. Possibilities for environmental and biological monitoring of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Pacific coast of Central and North America. Harmful Algae Management and Mitigation. 2004. Hall, S., Etheridge, S., Anderson, D., Kleindinst, J., Zhu, M., and Zou, Y. (Eds.), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Singapore): APEC Publication #204-MR-04.2: 149-157.
García-Hansen, I. Dynamics of diatoms and dinoflagellates in Tumaco Bay (Colombia) under the influence of climatic changes during the period 1995 – 2001. Abstract. Journal of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences. Jackson, Mississippi, 2004. Vol. 49 (2): 182.
García-Hansen, I., R. Cortez-Altamirano & A. Sierra-Beltran. First registers of Alexandrum tamarense as red tide maker in the Colombian Pacific Coast. Rev. Biol. Trop. Red Tides Special Edition. http://www.biologia.ucr.ac.cr/rbt/intpages/suppl/sup52-1.html. Costa Rica, 2004. 52 (Suppl 1): 59-65.
Alvarez-León, R. & I. García-Hansen. Historical background of mangrove ecosystems in Colombia. ISME Newsletter – International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems. Japan, 2004. Vol. 15.
García-Hansen, I. & R. Alvarez-León. Macro-flora and macro-fauna in relationship with the coral reef on Little Reef Area. San Andres Island, Colombia. Revista Memorias de la Fundación La Salle de Ciencias Naturales. Venezuela, 2003.
Sierra-Beltran, A.P., Lluch-Cota, D.B., Lluch-Cota, S.E., Cortés-Altamirano, R., Castillo-Chavez, M., Carrillo, L. Pacas, L, Viquez, R. and I. Garcia-Hansen. Space and temporal dynamics of organism predecessors of red tides. Rev. Biol. Trop. Red Tides Special Edition. Costa Rica, 2004. 52 (Suppl 1): 99-107 http://www.biologia.ucr.ac.cr/rbt/intpages/suppl/sup52-1.html
Cortez-Altamirano R., I. García-Hansen & A. Sierra-Beltran. HABs due to Alexandrium tamarense in the Pacific Coast of Colombia. Harmful Algae News. IOC-UNESCO. http://ioc.unesco.org/hab/news.htm. France, 2003. Vol. 24, Pag. 9.
García-Hansen, I. & I. Malikov. Changes in the dynamics of the community of Diatoms and dinoflagellates in the Tumaco Bay due the influence of three climatic periods observed from 1995 to 2000. Scientific Magazine CCCP. San Andrés de Tumaco, 2003. Vol. 9.
Alvarez-León, R. & I. García-Hansen. Biodiversity associated with mangrove ecosystems in Colombia. ISME/GLOMIS Electronic Journal. Global Mangrove database and Information System. http://www.glomis.com/ej/pdf/ej04.pdf. Japan, 2003. Vol. 3 (1).
García-Hansen, I. Red tide alert at the Colombian Pacific Sea. Interview made by Yaneth Ramírez (Ed.). EL TIEMPO, News Paper. Environment Sec. 5th of March 2002. First page. http://eltiempo.terra.com.co/05-03-2002/medi179459.html.
García-Hansen, I., J. Gaviria-Chiquazuque, M. C. Prada-Triana & R. Alvarez-León. Study of mangrove litter production in San Andres Island. Colombia Caribbean. Rev. Biol. Trop. Costa Rica, 2002. 50(1): 237 - 291. http://www.ots.ac.cr/tropiweb/intpages/vols/vol50-1.html.
Sierra-Beltran, A.P., Lluch-Cota, D.B., Lluch-Cota, S.E., Cortés-Altamirano, R., Castillo-Chavez, M., Carrillo, L. Pacas, L, Viquez, R. and I. Garcia-Hansen. Environmental and biological monitoring in the Pacific Coast of Central and North America as a strategy for prevention and mitigation of harmful algal blooms (HABS). An example of small budget cooperative efforts leading to a mayor benefit. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) / UNESCO / Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noreste B. C. (CIBNOR). La Paz, México. 2001. 11 p.
García-Hansen, I. Effects of “El Niño” and “La Niña” phenomenon on the phytoplankton communities in the Tumaco Bay, 1997 – 2000. Scientific Magazine CCCP. San Andrés de Tumaco, 2001. Vol. 8: 15-21 p.
García-Hansen, I. Phytoplankton as indicator of “El Niño” phenomenon in the Colombia Pacific Coast. Bulletin CCCP. Tumaco, 2000. Pag. 9-11.
García-Hansen, I. & J. Gaviria-Chiquazuque. The mangrove forest in San Andres Island, Colombian Caribbean. Manglaria Magazine. Jorge Tadeo Lozano University. Bogota, Colombia, 2000. Vol. Biodiversity: 45-54.
García-Hansen, I. Structure, extension and distribution of the mangrove ecosystem on San Andres Island, Colombia Caribbean. XI Sem. Nal. de Polít., Cienc. y Tec. del Mar. CCO/COLCIENCIAS. Santa Fe de Bogotá D.C. 1998, Pag. 65-72.
García-Hansen, I. Mangrove Forests, fountain of life. Informative Magazine of the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University. Edition Nº 60. Santa Fe de Bogotá D.C., Colombia, October 1995. Pag. 46.
DISTINCTIONS HONORS & AWARDS
Performance Awards given by The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) in recognition for high quality work and dedication. 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Civilian Sea Service Awards given by The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) in recognition for dedication and sacrifice in support to the agency's sea survey mission - Seventeen Bathymetry, Physical Oceanography and Hydrography Surveys from 2011 to 2016. November 2014 and 2016.
Certificate of Achievement, Team Award given by The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) in recognition for proposing, leading and supporting the Lead Oceanographer and Pre-Survey PhysO Training Project, using process improvement tools like TSP (Team System Process). The project ended in October 2014 and has been very successful. May 2015.
Command Coin given by the Commanding Officer of The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) in recognition for high quality work done with the Optics and MIW Geodatabases. June 2013.
Buttons given by The Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC) and The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) in recognition for high quality work during the Oceanographic-Southern Partnership Station (O-SPS) held during different years between USA, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Brazil. 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
The Naval Oceanographic Office wrote an article about me on their Ocean Frontier Bulletin named: NAVOCEANO Employee Serves as a Role Model for Future Oceanographers. May 2011
The University of Southern Mississippi wrote two short biographies about me, one in their fall bulletin in 2009 and a second one in the spring bulletin in 2011.
The University of Bogota Jorge Tadeo Lozano (Bogota, Colombia) wrote a short biography about me, on their web page and fall bulletin. Fall 2010.
Nominated as Civilian of the Quarter by The Naval Oceanographic Office NAVOCEANO). May 2010
Recognition of achievements given by the University of Southern Mississippi. Hall of Fame. November 2009
Nominated in Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges by the University of Southern Mississippi. December 2008
Recognition of achievements while attending the University of Southern Mississippi given by the Union and student activity Department / Division of Students Affairs of the University of Southern Mississippi. Phi-Kappa-Phi. April 12, 2005
NASA Fellowship. Applied Sciences Directorate. NASA Stennis Space Center. MS 39525. March 2004 – May 2008
Invited by IOC/UNESCO to represent Colombia in the International Meeting and Workshop on Harmful Algae Blooms. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)/UNESCO. Venezuela. May 22, 2003.
Plaque of High Recognition given to me by The Maritime Department of Colombia / Colombian Navy in recognition for high quality work and dedication. November 2002
Plaque of High Recognition given to me by The Contamination Control Center for the Pacific Coast of Colombia in recognition for high quality work and dedication. October 2002
Letter of Commendation by the Director of The Maritime Directorate of Colombia / Colombian Navy for the publication of the book “Oceanographic Compilation of the Colombian Pacific Ocean”. November 2002
Selected as Delegate for Colombia for the International Meeting of the Scientific Committee of the ERFEN (Regional Study of El Niño Phenomenon) Program. South Pacific Permanent Commission (CPPS). Gayaquil, Ecuador. June 17 - 19, 2002.
Letter of Commendation by the Director of The Maritime Department of Colombia / Colombian Navy in recognition for the interview made to me by the prestigious News paper “El Tiempo” and publication on its first page of the article “Red tide alert in the Colombian Pacific Ocean”. March 2002
Letter of Commendation by the Director of the Contamination Control Center for the Pacific Coast of Colombia in recognition for high quality work and organization of the biological collection. July 2001
Letter of Commendation by the Director of the Contamination Control Center for the Pacific Coast of Colombia in recognition for high quality work and technical repots “Characteristics of the oceanographic, atmospheric and biological conditions in the Tumaco Bay from January to December 2000” and “Water Quality Modelling for the Tumaco Bay and Monitoring of the Marine Pollution in the Colombian Pacific – Phase IV, 2000”. June 2000
Ranked as Colombian Expert in El Niño Phenomenon Studies by the South Pacific Permanent Commission (CPPS), the Colombian Government and the Global International Waters Assessment (GIWA). October 2001.
Scholarship to assist to The First North-American and Caribbean Course on Marine Toxins and Harmful Algal Blooms. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)/UNESCO/Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. (CIBNOR). Mexico. Nov. 24 to Dec. 10, 2000.
Scholarship award second semester 1989. Department of Marine Biologist. Jorge Tadeo Lozano University, Colombia. August 1989
