Mentors
Research Professor Sean Gulick, his students, and colleagues are working on tectonic and climate interactions in the St. Elias Mountains and Surveyor submarine fan, geohazards and margin evolution of subduction and transform faulting in Alaska, Sumatra, and Japan, and the geologic processes and environmental effects of the Cretaceous-Paleogene Chicxulub meteor impact. To test some key hypotheses of how glacial erosion can perturb tectonics in 2013 Sean served as co-chief on the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 341: Southeast Alaska tectonics and climate. In 2014, Sean led the seismic imaging in a multidisciplinary cruise to the unexplored Sabrina Coast shelf in East Antarctica. In 2016, Sean served as co-chief scientist on the joint International Ocean Discovery and Continental Drilling Programs Expedition 364: Drilling the K-Pg Chicxulub impact crater.
Sean lives on a small ranch in Sunset Valley Texas with his wife, Dr. Jennifer Jobst, and their horses, dogs, cats, and chickens. He competes in medieval jousting tournaments and conducts medieval research as a hobby.
Rob Sparrock is the Office of Naval Research program manager for the six Navy owned Oceanographic Research Vessel and Deep-Sea Submersible ALVIN. He is a retired Navy Captain – Surface Warfare Officer having served on seven ship including Commanding Officer of USS Nicholas. He deployed overseas to Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Kosovo, Iraqi, and Afghanistan. He holds Master Degrees from Scripps Institution of Oceanography in Physical Oceanography and Navy Post Graduate School in Operations Analysis. He hold subspecialties in National Defense Strategy & Policy, Nuclear Power Propulsion; Science Technology & Acquisition Management.
John Jaeger, University of Florida: My research is in the field of sedimentary geology with specific interests in continental margin and marine clastic sedimentology and stratigraphy. My research attempts to understand how changes in Earth’s surface processes, oceans, and tectonics are represented in the formation of clastic strata from coastal and estuarine systems to the deep sea. I have focused heavily on deciphering how the cryosphere (ice sheets, streams, and glaciers) creates sediment and the fidelity of strata to record these processes.
Nicole Murray, University of Illinois, is a Ph.D. student working to better understand the hydrologic cycle in the past and present using water isotopes. Enjoyer of yoga, cooking, and camping.
Students
My name is Korei Patterson and I am a student at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I am in my senior year of completing my bachelor’s degree in Geoscience. I have a passion to expand my education in the study of natural processes, how they are formed, and identifying the geological evolution of our planet. My educational aspirations are to complete my Bachelor of Science degree and move into completing a master’s degree in Geoscience.
My short-term career goal is to explore a profession that allows me to conduct field investigations, data sampling, and quality control inspections. Ideally, I would like to move into a position in Hydrology or Oceanography. This would give me the opportunity to learn and understand how to solve water-related problems such as water quality and water quantity. The Geological field deserves someone who loves the challenge of problem-solving and constantly questioning new advents in geoscience. I want to be that Geoscientist and to aim my goals in a direction for this planet.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my community of friends and fiancé, hiking, rock climbing, traveling, swimming in the river, and hanging out with my wonderful dog, Booker. I am looking forward to the opportunity of experiencing what it’s like to be on a research vessel and interact with people that have the same passions as I do.
Hello! My name is Desiree Hyde and I am currently a second year student at California State University Monterey Bay. I major in marine science in hopes to become a marine veterinarian. I have always loved going to the beach and have had a great fascination for what resides in our waters ever since I was little. Being from San Diego has given me many opportunities to explore what this career path would entail, and moving to Monterey has given me so many more! So, I am very happy and grateful to be a part of this expedition!
Hello everyone my name is Tatyana Villela and I am a first-generation college student. I am currently a sophomore, majoring in marine science at California State University of Monterey Bay. Ever since I was little I fell in love and knew I wanted to pursue a career in the marine science field. I am so grateful and super excited to be a part of the STEMSEAS program for giving me the opportunity of finding my passion in the research field. I enjoy doing outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, diving and running. When I’m not getting my hands dirty I enjoy reading fantasy novels and I enjoy sketching.
Hi! My name is Sade Dennis, from Kingston, Jamaica. I am an undergraduate student at Louisiana State University pursuing my B.Sc. in Geology, oceanography, and coastal sciences. Ever since in high school, I felt a passion to learn about rocks and the ocean. I’m currently working with a faculty professor, Dr. C. Wilson, doing coring research and it’s been a blast being involved, getting my hands dirty, training and gaining the required experiences that necessitates my growth. This opportunity with STEMSEAS will give me more experience with life on the sea and opening further opportunities; options so I can explore in the STEM world. I am grateful in gaining such an opportunity to learn about life on the sea and meet other people with similar interest as me.
Hello, my name is Anna Liu. I am 19 and currently a freshman at Queensborough Community College pursuing a degree in environmental science. I hope to conduct research in botany as a career. Plants have an aesthetic and pragmatic value! The kingdoms of Plantae and Fungi are vast and ample for exploration. Outside of plants, I enjoy crocheting, drawing, my cat, and devouring sweets. I am so grateful for the opportunity to travel with STEMSEAS and look forward to this formative trip!
HI there! My name is Emily Pegoda and I am currently a student at the Borough of Manhattan Community College studying Writing and Literature. I’m from Santa Cruz California, but currently live in the city. While my major isn’t currently in STEM I have been considering changing my major to Wildlife Biology when I transfer to a 4 year college, growing up near the ocean, especially the Monterey Bay, has always been an amazing source for learning about the ocean and all the creatures in it!
Also I love my dog Beau, Hot Cheetos, and work in Natural Wine. Looking forward to learning on this aquatic endeavor!
Hi, I’m Bridget Robles, a rising senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences with a minor in Biology at the University of Houston. In the future, I intend to work for a federal agency that prioritizes environmental conservation and sustainable living. My career interests include carbon sequestration technologies, conservation photography, and conducting field research in both the Arctic and the Antarctic. I also completed the NASA L’SPACE Mission Concept Academy in 2019. This workforce development program increased my knowledge and appreciation for mission procedures and protocols that enable space exploration. Participating in this STEMSEAS transit will provide the same opportunity for professional and personal growth, which is why I am particularly intrigued and grateful to embark on this journey. In my spare time, you will likely find me cradling my two cats, whipping up a tasty meal, or turning to nature for a mental health break.
Shelby Gibson is a senior at UC Berkeley majoring in geophysics and marine science. She is interested in the physical and geological aspects of oceanography, but is also fascinated by meteorology and ecology. Shelby hopes to pursue an advanced degree at University of Washington in the future and someday work for NOAA. A proud woman in STEM, Shelby is a student of many descriptions: nontraditional, first generation, and returning. When not studying or working, she enjoys hiking, beachcombing and tidepooling, cooking, reading, and writing. Her maritime goals include becoming dive certified, seeing as many water bodies as possible, and eventually visiting the seafloor in an HOV. She hopes to travel more of the world, and this summer she is planning to move to Seattle with her partner of six years.
Shelby is most excited to gain ship experience and meet other marine enthusiasts during this amazing opportunity afforded by STEMSEAS.
Cedar Bertelsen is a freshman at Northern Arizona University, and starting to work towards a B.S. in Geology. Originally from Bozeman, MT, Cedar has an immense love of mountains and nature. This love extends beyond skiing every weekend, or summer hikes. He enjoys learning new things about the world around him, in order for him to become a better steward of the land.
Hi, my name is Brandon Guasaquillo and I am a sophomore student at Brooklyn College aiming for a career in Environmental Engineering. I always had a passion for the environmental sciences, ranging from marine biology to botany. I’m glad to be part of the STEMSEAS program and I look forward to learning new skills. My favorite hobbies are gardening and drawing.
