Alvaro Cruz

Belize Vector and Ecology Center (BVEC) Manager

Alvaro Cruz is the current manager at the Belize Vector and Ecology Center (BVEC). Before becoming the BVEC manager, Alvaro was the acting manager, assay laboratory supervisor and responsible in conducting larval and adult resistance testing as part of the IMPACTS project that supports the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ vector control department in arboviral surveillance in Belize. He has been involved in various projects at BVEC such as the Notre Dame-Belize Response Initiative for Cold-Chain (ND-BRICC), a first of its kind in his home country Belize which aims to strengthen cold chain infrastructures and strategies utilized by the country’s medical system. Another project he is involved with is the Remote Emerging Disease Intelligence Network (REDI-NET) which envisions the development of a collaborative network of local and international partners to effectively detect, predict and contain potentially emergent zoonosis of human relevance.

Alvaro is a graduate if the University of Belize with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Prior to joining BVEC, Alvaro was exposed to research through his university with a focus on marine biology and ecology. Having experienced field work from an early age, his enthusiasm to continue that path was ignited when he started volunteering at BVEC in late 2017. BVEC offered him a new experience through entomological research focusing on human health and various global health issues. This has allowed him to learn and grow as a biologist and researcher and has also given him the opportunity to be able to assist communities through field research and outreach activities.

Alvaro looks forward to continue his professional growth as a scientist and be able to provide his grain of sand in the ever-growing scientific community in his country and abroad.