Educación de calidad

Neighborhood concerns near kilometer 8.5 of Vía a la Costa raised questions about whether the presence of these animals was driven by climate anomalies. In response to these inquiries, biologist and FLS-ESPOL research professor Julián Pérez clarified that these sightings are not necessarily tied to the onset of climatic events like El Niño, as the species has historically inhabited the tidal channels and mangrove branches of Guayaquil.

Over the past few weeks, beachgoers at destinations such as San Lorenzo and Chipipe (Salinas), as well as coastal resorts in Manta, reported intense skin irritation after entering the sea, characterized by a stinging, prickling sensation followed by rashes.

On August 19, the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS) hosted the final presentation and defense session for formative research projects carried out by students enrolled in the Aquatic Ecology course.

The academic session was coordinated by professor and researcher Félix Morales, Ph.D., with the support of Biology student Josué Romero. During the event, student teams delivered detailed ecological assessments of various water bodies across the coastal region, including:

During its 24th Ordinary Session, held on August 11, 2026, the Plenary of CACES officially recognized the international accreditation of the on-campus Nutrition and Dietetics program at ESPOL.

This distinction ratifies the accreditation previously granted by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (United States). With this resolution, the international credential is fully recognized within Ecuador’s higher education system and will remain in effect until January 30, 2030.

Forging paths through international cooperation and connecting the scientific rigor of laboratories with global trade regulations was the central theme of the presentation by ESPOL biology graduate Yulai Pavón, an alumna of the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS), during an informational webinar organized by the Asia-Pacific Studies Center at ESPOL.

On August 12, 2026, students from the Invertebrate Zoology course at the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS) conducted a technical visit to the facilities of the National Center for Aquaculture and Marine Research (CENAIM). The visit was organized by Ana Tirapé, Ph.D., and teaching technician Michelle Vela, Biologist, during an intensive session held from 09:30 to 14:30.

As part of the hands-on curriculum for the Oceanic and Continental Waters course, Biology students participated in a field trip to the Playa El Pelado area in the General Villamil (Playas) canton.

The activity was led by professor and researcher Félix Morales, Ph.D., with logistical support and coordination from Biology student Josué Romero. During the session, students surveyed and analyzed various coastal profile zones, including:

Aiming to exchange cutting-edge knowledge and analyze the latest trends in applied genomics, Diana Gutiérrez, M.Sc., Eng., a professor at the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS), represented ESPOL at the Illumina Day 2026 event: "Tus ideas nos inspiran" (Your Ideas Inspire Us). The gathering, organized by GenLife and led by Sonia León Pontón, took place on July 17 at the Hotel Le Parc in Quito, serving as a key space for the country's scientific and innovative ecosystem.

As part of the practical activities designed to complement classroom learning, students from the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS) participated in a technical field visit to an organic banana plantation currently being established in the Santa Elena Peninsula. The tour was guided and supervised by professor José Rivas, Ph.D., who accompanied the future professionals throughout the day of observation and hands-on learning in the field.

On June 10, 2026, the STEM Auditorium at ESPOL hosted the prestigious 5th White Coat Ceremony, an emblematic event celebrating the completion of the rotating internship for 46 students from the Nutrition and Dietetics program.