Meet our October 2018 STEMSEAS participants!
Instructors
Dr. Daniel Hauptvogel is an instructional assistant professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston. His passion for STEM education brought him to UH where he teaches introductory geology courses to mostly non-majors and is the co-director of the Geoscience Learning Center. His research has primarily been investigating paleoclimate and paleoceanographic conditions in Antarctica during times of higher CO2 levels by looking at marine sediment and microfossils.
With a background in Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Anne-Lise Ducluzeau started field investigation when she joined the University of Alaska for her post-doc, four years ago. Alaska’s seas, streams, soils and organisms represent now her sampling playground. For the past two years, she has been implementing methods for metagenomic and whole genome DNA sequencing with Oxford Nanopore Technology. Picking an interest in Conservation and environmental DNA, she is currently applying her skills to bring DNA sequencing into the field and more generally, in remote locations. In the frame of her projects, Anne-Lise expended her photographic outreach activity (www.anneliseducluzeau.com) with DNA sequencing workshops that aim to introduce the portable DNA sequencing technology of Oxford Nanopore to Alaskan rural communities as a user-friendly tool that could help solve concerns raised by Climate Change in the Arctic.
Rachel Lekanoff is a graduate student at University of Alaska Fairbanks. I have sailed in the Arctic Ocean, Gulf of Alaska, tropical Pacific Ocean, and the Southern Ocean to study particles and plankton with optical instruments. On several of these cruises, I also filtered seawater samples to study microbes using genetic sequencing techniques. My research focuses on particle-associated microbial communities of the Bering and Chukchi seas and their effects on the carbon cycle. When I’m not working on my thesis or sailing the high seas, I enjoy biking, beer tasting, and playing guitar.
CaT Bobino is a STEM Ambassador with a Master’s degree in Biology. With her work on various television stations and special programs, in the community, and throughout many speaking engagements, CaT Bobino is spreading the knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Ms. Bobino has been featured on the show Genius with Stephen Hawking. She has also written, directed, and stared in programs for KQED. Currently, Ms. Bobino produces a weekly show where she interviews diverse people in STEM as a way of showcasing the different opportunities that are out there for students. She has also organized trips to various STEM centers, has been a guest speaker for numerous organizations, and is the author of In The Know: Setting Up Your Child For A STEM Career. She is a biologist, teacher, speaker, host, and is also currently on the board for Self e-STEM, a nonprofit that focuses on encouraging young girls of color to learn about and pursue education in STEM. With a background in science, CaT Bobino also helps with creating and implementing science programs and opportunities for Bay Area youth. CaT Bobino is diversifying and demystifying STEM.
CaT Bobino is diversifying and demystifying STEM through her consulting business, In The Know Consulting, LLC. In The Know Consulting offers presentations to parents, teachers, and students on the importance of a STEM education as well as identifying key players within these fields. Each presentation leaves the audience with inquiries about STEM as well as a better understanding of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that schools must implement. She also promotes awareness, provides networking opportunities, and utilizes media to engage everyday people into the lives of STEM professionals. With experience in K-12 and undergraduate education, networking, mentoring, and media, In The Know Consulting is providing materials that are leading our next generation into the STEM world.
John Guthrie is a Research Associate at the Polar Science Center. He works with Dr. Jamie Morison. John received his doctorate in Physical Oceanography at UW. His research included a comparison of recent and historical velocity measurements in the central Arctic Ocean to determine if there has been an increase in interior shear-driven mixing since the 1980s. He is currently working on a temperature microstructure data set to assess the applicability of laboratory and DNS based parameterizations of double diffusion in an oceanographic setting. Since starting graduate school, he has participated in a variety of field campaigns, including 3 NPEO field seasons, the NABOS 2013 cruise and multiple SIZRS flights. John graduated with a double major in Mathematics and English from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA in 2002. He holds a USCG 100 Ton Master’s License and worked as a tour boat captain in Prince William Sound, Alaska before arriving at the Polar Science Center. He likes boats, birds and whales.
Nicole Couto is a postdoctoral scholar at Scripps Institution of Oceanography with an interest in polar physical oceanography. She uses autonomous vehicles, ship-towed instruments, and moorings to study the movement and transformation of water masses in the parts of the world’s ocean that are ice-covered for part of the year. She received her PhD from Rutgers University in 2017 studying how subsurface ocean heat moves along the continental shelf of the Antarctic Peninsula. Since beginning her postdoc, her focus has switched to the other side of the planet where she studies the transport of warm Pacific water through Bering Strait and into the Arctic Ocean. She joins the STEMSEAS team having just completed a research cruise on the R/V Sikuliaq in September 2018. A major goal of the expedition was to understand the ways in which ocean heat is mixed, spread, and brought to the surface in the Arctic Ocean and how this might be changing as the summer sea ice season shortens.
Students
Hey there, my name is Katie Jo Campbell, and I am currently a senior at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania studying Communications Media. My interests go directly with my major, including: photography and videography, but I have also always loved marine biology and traveling to new parts of creation that I have never seen. I hope to pursue videography in environmental sustainability and touch film someday. I am so excited to see where I can put my three loves together on this trip with STEMSEAS!
Demi Carballosa is a 2nd-year student at the Miami Dade Honors College Program in Miami, Florida. Her passion for the ocean stems from her early introduction to world travel and sustainability. She is currently pursuing an A.A in Environmental Science at her current institution while also completing Microbiology related research at the University of Florida Institute for Food and Agriculture Sciences- Fort Lauderdale. In her first research experience, she was introduced to different studies, and research and this familiarization solidified her interests in oceanographic related research. After graduating with an A.A in the Spring of 2019, she plans to transfer to a higher level university in the Fall of 2019 to earn a degree in Oceanography and in this, also hopes to further her academic path into her career of interest. Through the STEMSEAS program, she hopes to gain more knowledge about conducting many different types of research while also bonding with other diverse, like-minded individuals.
Jennie Humphrey is a senior at the University of Alaska Fairbanks studying Wildlife Biology/Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture. She is currently researching how microbial communities affect plant growth and health but is excited to explore other fields of study. Jennie has plans to co-create sustainable communities centered around fostering beneficial relationships between humans and their local ecosystems by integrating permaculture research and traditional knowledge. In moments of free time, you would likely find her hiking and/or snowboarding nearby mountains, experimenting with vegan cookies, or dancing at music live music venues.
Kevin Huo strives to make the world a better place for every living person and every living creature. I have volunteered in wildlife and nature, health and wellness, clean energy and stabilizing the climate through political activism. I have connected to a wide range of interests, ideas, missions and challenges.
I am currently an Undergraduate student studying at the University of Alaska Fairbanks majoring in Anthropology and Political Science. At school, I participate in the UAF Model United Nations Team, am an Undergraduate Research Fellow studying Gaps in Care for Students on Campus related to Medical Anthropology, and a volunteer at the Museum of the North. Previously, I was a Healthy Living Ambassador for the UCANR 4-H Elkus Ranch Garden Program, an Producer/On-Air Talent at KCEA FM 89.1 radio, and interned with congresswoman Jackie Speiers. In 2015, I joined the Students on Ice expedition to the Canadian Arctic and Greenland. In the past I have also been awarded the Prudential Spirit of Community Award and the 2015 US President Obama’s Volunteer Service Awards. I am a Hawk-Watcher, Arctic Explorer, Radio-Broadcaster, and Planet-Walker. H.A.R.P. is my instrument of change.
James Kowalski is a senior at the University of Utah majoring in Environmental Geoscience. Along with taking classes, he has taken on an undergraduate research project through the Utah Paleomagnetic Center studying how coastal marine sediments preserve information about surface processes (i.e. weathering and erosion) during abrupt climate transitions. When not in school you can find him climbing, backcountry skiing, or backpacking. After graduation James hopes to pursue a graduate’s degree in Glaciology.
Noah Khalsa: Since a young age I have had a fascination with and love for the ocean. Growing up I watched Jacques Cousteau documentaries and fished for countless hours with my father, which no doubt instilled this passion in me. I am currently attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks, earning a B.S. in Fisheries and minoring in Marine Science. While at UAF I have had the privilege to work on several undergraduate research projects ranging from environmental DNA mapping of Chinook salmon overwintering habitat to investigating the effects of ocean acidification on calcifying organisms. I hope to continue my education with a masters degree in marine ecology and pursue a career researching how the physiology, behavior, and distribution of marine organisms will change under future oceanic conditions. Outside of school I enjoy reading, hiking, fishing, hunting, snowboarding, and traveling.
Hi! My name is Mariah Marhofer and I am from the Lone Star State of Texas. I am working towards a Bachelors degree in interdisciplinary studies and then will be working towards my Masters in Educational Psychology with emphasis on behavioral studies and creativity. I have a deep passion for teaching children—so much so, that I have taught as a creative director and kindergarten/pre-k assistant in a private academy for the past five years. When I’m not helping students, I soak up anytime I have to be the student as well. School is a major priority in my life—there is so much out there to know, and it’s difficult for me to sit still and not want to know more! I am an avid researcher when it comes to astronomy, oceanography, geology, or biology. Highlighted past times of mine include reading, writing, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts/records, and living very holistic in terms of health. I am very keen on experiencing new places, having deep conversations, and being fully present in the moment. I have great empathy for others which makes it very easy to talk to me—I try to give as much of a healthy perspective on a situation as best I can! I am so ready for this trip!
Hi all! My name is Sam Radcliffe. I am 27 years old, a single parent of a not-so-little girl, and am a returning student who’s major is environmental science; I am currently an undergrad at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Ca. I have lived in southern California my entire life; from the beach of Santa Monica to the valley of the Inland Empire. With my education I plan to fulfill a dream of working to help either protect vital natural ecosystems or restore those that have been degraded. My hobbies include swimming, hiking, and singing (my other dream is to be in a traveling band). Also, I am super stoked about this adventure in Alaska! I am looking forward to meeting new people, learning new things about environmental science, and therefore, expanding my horizons!
Alexis Ruiz is an undergrad student at Mt San Antonio College. She is majoring in Geology and has hopes to eventually become an oceanographer in the future. Her interest in geology was sparked by an inspirational professor, and the love for the outdoors. She has the most interest in the atmosphere and weather. She is looking forward to gaining experience, and to have more opportunities like STEM SEAS in the near future.
Hillary Smith is a second degree-seeking student at the University of Washington studying earth and space science with an emphasis in biology. After finishing a B.A. in art and moving to Seattle, she discovered her passion for earth and environmental science while working for the Washington Conservation Corps, an AmeriCorps program. Her academic interests include geobiology and astrobiology. She hopes to become a research scientist in a government agency and is interested in increasing undergraduate research opportunities, especially at community colleges and small liberal arts colleges. In her spare time, she enjoys running in the park, cooking vegetarian meals, and travelling.
Hi! My name is Myesa Swangel. I just transferred to Washington State University from Bellevue College. I’m currently studying zoology with the hopes of being accepted into medical school. I love the sciences, so I’m excited for the opportunity to research.
Hi my name is Jesse Trott! I am an Environmental Studies student at Portland State University. I want to be an environmental writer, with the goal of making the world of science accessible to everyone. I spent my high school years living on the Oregon Coast, where I fell deeply in love with the ocean and developed a fascination for boats. This is where I discovered that my heart was with working to protect the environment. I have spent the last three summers working with the Haystack Rock Awareness Program protecting the marine ecosystem at Haystack Rock through education and loved every moment of it. But most importantly, I am a beach kid, who loves my family, and looks forward to each and everyday.
