Carlos Alvarez Zarikian is a marine geologist and an outdoor photography enthusiast.  Born and raised in Venezuela, he grew up with a strong inclination for the great outdoors and the ocean, and doing a great deal of hiking, scuba diving and sailing. In 1992, he moved to Miami, Florida to pursue graduate studies. He earned a M.S. and a Ph.D. from the University of Miami in Marine Geology, and later moved to College Station, Texas, where he now is a researcher at Texas A&M University.  He is a father of two young children, and with his wife, enjoys teaching them about nature and science. Carlos combines his background and his passions for the natural world and photography to relish on the scenery and the landscapes of the places he visits; all of which gives him inspiration to capture what he sees through his camera lens. His photographs have been featured online, at museum exhibits, digital apps, and books.