Ana Pérez-Montero Gomez
I was born in Spain and have mainly lived here, but I’ve also traveled extensively around Europe and South America. Personally, I love music and being a mother to my two girls. As a biologist, I’m passionate about nature and actions that foster nature conservation. I have worked in environmental education for most of my professional life. During that time, I’ve seen the field evolve, and it’s helped me realize the importance of keeping up with the latest developments. That’s why I enjoy teaching: I believe that part of my job as a professor is to encourage critical thinking in times of disinformation and fake news.
"The field of sustainability is constantly evolving and we need to keep up-to-date with the latest research and discoveries."
Educating environmental change-makers
Working in sustainability requires a particular skill set. Beyond foundational knowledge and a natural affinity for leadership, aspiring professionals need immense passion and drive to make a difference in an increasingly challenging field. And as more and more organizations integrate sustainability into their business strategy, demand for well-equipped experts is rising sharply.
As a career biologist, Ana Pérez-Montero Gómez has witnessed the evolution of this vital sector firsthand. Earning her bachelor’s degree in environmental biology started her along an exciting path that has involved working with prominent environmental organizations. It also provided opportunities to journey beyond her native Spain: over the years, Ana has traveled extensively around Europe and South America. She then expanded her skill set with specialized credentials in translation and interpretation, allowing her to support various institutions under the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.
However, it was in environmental education that Ana really found her niche. “For most of my professional life, I’ve worked to raise awareness of climate change and biodiversity,” she explains. Much of that effort has been in service of her role at an international environmental education organization, where she’s coordinated and led numerous conferences, workshops and training courses. But Ana has also leveraged her unique skill set in several working groups around the world.
Now, she’s harnessing her knowledge and experience to shape the next crop of sustainability professionals in IE University’s Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability. While balancing old and new responsibilities has been quite the challenge, Ana believes her time in the field will prove valuable for her students, allowing her to enrich every lesson with contemporary, real-world insights.
“The most rewarding part of teaching in the program is the students,” she tells us. The cohort in the Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability classroom reflects the highly diverse IE Community, of course. But despite coming from different countries—and holding differing perspectives—her students have consistently been able to come together to exchange ideas and collaborate toward building a better tomorrow. For Ana, this has been one of the most rewarding elements of her teaching experience.
She has also enjoyed the project-based approach to learning adopted in the program. It has given her a chance to design innovative laboratory sessions and field trips, which continue to arm learners with highly relevant, practical skills. Similarly, connecting with her fellow professors has been another big highlight, as it has enabled her to “think of the program as a whole learning experience.”
This flexibility is essential for any industry professional, and it’s a lesson she intends to pass on to her students. “Sustainability needs an interdisciplinary approach,” she notes. “That means working from many different perspectives and with stakeholders from different disciplines.” She encourages learners to keep up-to-date with the latest research and innovations. This will be the key to not only staying competitive, but also making a meaningful impact in the long run.