My research focuses on the dynamics between glaciers and the ocean, and the role these systems play in the carbon cycle in polar regions through bio-optics and Remote Sensing. I have had the opportunity to be part of two Antarctic scientific expeditions (2019 and 2020) led by the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), and travelled to Antarctica with NASA¡¯s IceBridge mission in 2018.
I'm also also a photographer; I deeply believe in the synergy between science and art as an infallible tool for climate change awareness.
Member of Homeward Bound Team #6 and the Mexican Agency for Antarctic Studies (AMEA).
Glaciers | Ice / Ocean Colour | Ice / Marine Optics | Carbon Cycle | Antarctica | Arctic | Remote Sensing
Finalist Shackleton Medal for the protection for the Polar Regions
The shortlist for the Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions 2024 was announced on 24th April 2024, following an animated debate at the Royal Geographical Society, chaired by Sunday Times bestselling author Lewis Dartnell. In our latest journal series we meet each of the inspiring individuals from the shortlist. Here, Explorer and Research Scientist, Ximena Aguilar Vega answers questions from Rachel Halliburton about her strong connection to the natural world and how she has worked to overcome grief and trauma through her commitment to the polar regions.
Article
An extensive validation of ocean color products for the black sea
Jiang D, Gonz¨¢lez Vilas L, Atwood EC, Brando VE, Colella S, Slabakova V, Petkov I, Constantinescu AM, Pojar I, Stanica A, McGlinchey C, Vega XA, Moore D, Spyrakos E & Tyler A (2026) An extensive validation of ocean color products for the black sea. GIScience & Remote Sensing, 63 (1), Art. No.: 2662816. https://doi.org/10.1080/15481603.2026.2662816
Article
Aguilar Vega X, Jiang D, Fransson A, Chierici M, Iriarte JL, Kristoffersen A, C¨¢rdenas C & Spyrakos E (2026) Coloured dissolved organic matter in a coastal arctic environment and the implications for dissolved organic carbon monitoring from Sentinel-2 MSI. Frontiers in Remote Sensing, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsen.2025.1703604
Article
Carbon in an Arctic fjord: sea ice carbon transformations and CO2 linkages
Aguilar-Vega X, Fransson A, Chierici M, Washbourne I & Spyrakos E (2025) Carbon in an Arctic fjord: sea ice carbon transformations and CO2 linkages. Frontiers in Marine Science, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1688237
Commentary
Wilson H, Spyrakos E, tyler a, jiang d & Aguilar vega x (2025) Unlocking the global benefits of Earth Observation to address the SDG 6 in situ water quality monitoring gap [[Perspective Paper]]. Frontiers in Remote Sensing.
Article
Glacial meltwater input to the ocean around the Antarctic Peninsula: forcings and consequences
Lima LS, Pezzi LP, Mata MM, Santini MF, Carvalho JT, Sutil UA, Cabrera MJ, Rosa EB, Rodrigues CCF & Vega XA (2022) Glacial meltwater input to the ocean around the Antarctic Peninsula: forcings and consequences. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias, 94 (Supplement 1), Art. No.: e20210811. https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202220210811