As Dean of Academic Programs, Owen McMillan takes a leading role in shaping STRI's academic mission. At the same time, Owen, who received his PhD in Zoology from University of Hawaii, oversees an active research lab as a STRI staff scientist studying the evolution of adaptive variation in butterflies.

Nelida Gomez, Academic Programs Coordinator, received her Master’s in Pharmacognosy from the University of Rhode Island and a PhD in the Natural Sciences (Chemical Ecology) from the Technological University of Braunschweig in Germany. In addition to her responsibilities in the Office of Academic Programs, Nelida is strongly committed to advancing scientific and technological research in Panama.

Adriana Bilgray is the Fellowship and Internship Program Administrator for Academic Programs. One of Adriana’s primary responsibilities is to serve as an initial point of contact for potential applicants, interns, and fellows. She assists with questions concerning funding opportunities, applications, potential research mentors, awards, and training opportunities.

Nilka Tejeira, Course Logistics Specialist and NEO Programs Administrator, manages all activities related to field courses and the NEO program. Nilka assists with questions about field courses, facilitates the necessary preparations for coming to STRI, and helps ensure that everything related to your field course runs smoothly while in Panama.