Mentors
Kaatje van der Hoeven Kraft is a professor of geology and oceanography at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, WA. She is a geoscience education researcher, particularly interested in factors that impact motivation and persistence with community college students in the geosciences. With this research, she applies educational and equity theory to practice. She has been teaching at the community college for over 20 years and this is her 2nd time out to sea with STEMSEAS students.
Leah Joseph is an associate professor in the department of environmental studies at Ursinus College, in Collegeville, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia). Her research is in geology and oceanography (marine geology and paleoclimatology), mostly through the study of deep-sea sediment, focusing on the investigation of aspects of climate and climate change while also finding a fascination with other indications of ocean current flow, such as turbidite deposits. She teaches courses in oceanography and climate, as well as environmental studies, geologic hazards, water and water issues, and waste management. Additionally, she helps oversee the marine science minor, manages the mineral collection on display, and works with students on projects that incorporate sustainability, engaging in critical thinking about modern environmental issues and participates, and, along with Ursinus students, in environmental and science outreach projects in our local area. She has been out at sea as a researcher and as an instructor, and credits the opportunity she had as an undergraduate on a research expedition from Valparaiso to Easter Island, Chile with solidifying her career path in the ocean sciences.
Jose Cuevas is a Master’s Candidate at Boston College in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences set to graduate in December 2022. They hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego in Marine Science and have an expansive background in marine biogeochemistry, paleoceanography, and science education. With the academic fleet, Jose has sailed aboard the R/V Robert Gordon Sproul as a teaching assistant and videographer, and has also worked as a shore-based education and outreach officer for the D/V JOIDES Resolution‘s Expedition 395C. Ashore, Jose has also worked as an educator at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps and as a question writer and quiz master for ocean-themed and general trivia competitions. They hope to bring a sense of passion and inspiration for integrative earth sciences to STEMSEAS, and to accentuate that not every career path, academic or otherwise, is strictly linear.
Dr. Sara ElShafie is a global change biologist and a science storytelling coach. She is the Founder and Principal of Science Through Story, LLC, dedicated to helping scientists and science educators connect with diverse audiences through effective storytelling. Dr. ElShafie offers workshops, presentations, and coaching for audiences ranging from undergraduate students to NASA scientists and theme park executives. Dr. ElShafie holds a Ph.D. in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, an M.S. in Earth & Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and a B.A. in Biological Sciences from the University of Chicago. In Fall 2022, she will be stepping into the new role of Director of Scientific Storytelling at the Chicago branch of Weber Shandwick, a global PR firm. In her spare time, Dr. ElShafie enjoys the food, museums, and arts scene of her hometown Chicago. She also loves to watch movies and shows, travel, and scuba dive.
Students
Hi! My name is Ahmad Crawford, and I am from Dallas, Texas. I am a sophomore at Eckerd College in St Petersburg, Florida. I am majoring in marine science with a marine biology focus. I have been interested in the ocean and marine life for as long as I can remember. I didn’t grow up near the ocean, however I have always felt drawn to it. I’m excited to experience life on a ship and learn new things about the ocean during the STEMSEAS cruise. My current career goal is to do research on sharks and rays, but I’m open to other possibilities. In my free time, I like to watch movies and tv shows, play basketball and lacrosse, and I’ve been interested in kayaking/hiking more. I’m also a big marvel fan, so I can talk about that for hours!
Howdy, I’m Cameron Stacey! I am an undergraduate rising sophomore at Texas A&M University, pursuing an oceanography degree. Having always been drawn to the importance and impact of a global ocean, I am interested in disaster studies and cleanup and how research can be utilized to protect the population. I’m hoping to broaden my horizons with STEMSEAS; the more professionals I meet in the field, the better I understand the scope and applications of my studies. In my free time, I am a runner, rock climber, and painter.
Hi, my name is Joy Lomelino! I’m going into my second year at the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Global Studies. Growing up in Alaska I have always been drawn to the vast intensity of the ocean. I have done work in remote sensing and seen how helpful technology can be in oceanic research. I’m excited to have more exposure to marine sciences and see ways I can apply my interest in computer science with my love for the ocean. In In my free time I enjoy crocheting, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and paddle boarding.
My name is Keisha Jackson. I was born in Maryland, USA and raised in Georgetown, Guyana. I graduated from the Borough of Manhattan Community this summer with an Associate of Science in Computer Science and will be continuing my education at Columbia University in the Fall. I l’ve always had a fascination for boats, geography and bodies of water. I’m extremely excited to be a part of the STEMSEAS program and learn more about opportunities to merge technology with life at sea. Outside of my academics and career I spend time sight seeing, traveling, reading and taking pictures of the sunset.
Hi! My name is Kristen Cooney. I’m a recent graduate from Ursinus College with a B.A. in Art and Art History and honors in Environmental Studies. My honors thesis examined urban forests and food insecurity using GIS. Outside of college, I am a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist and an avid wildlife photographer. I’m also an artist and create art mostly with watercolors, pen, and my camera. In my free time I also enjoy spending time in the woods, hiking, and kayaking. The most exciting part about the STEMSEAS experience for me is encountering and photographing marine species that I haven’t seen before and meeting likeminded people. I also plan to pursue a master’s degree and am very grateful for the STEMSEAS experience since it will help me to narrow down my future career options at this pivotal time in my life as a young environmental professional.
Hello! My name is Finn Gillette. I am in my senior year at Coastal Carolina University. I will be completing a B.S. in marine science with minors in biology and women and gender studies. I am currently working on my thesis about how ghost crab burrows move with rising sea levels. In addition, I am working with a professor on their research helping low income coastal communities affected by flooding. After graduating, I want to be able to tie together my research opportunities together to help the environment and people. I am excited to be apart of the STEMSEAS program. I hope to expand my skills of communication. In my spare time, you can find me watching horror movies, hiking, or leading an LGBTQ+ organization on campus.
Howdy! I’m Brontë Heerdink, and I just finished my time as an undergraduate geology student at Texas A&M University two days prior to leaving for Seattle, Washington. This year I had the opportunity to travel to Andros Island in the Bahamas to see and learn about modern carbonates. The trip solidified my love of the ocean and adventure, but it also opened my eyes to what it means to go to remote places to study geoscience. On the trip, I heard my professor say, “Strong emotion informs education.” I feel that participating in STEMSEAS will be both a transformative experience and an educational journey with the potential to carry forward a passion for life-long learning. After the cruise, I plan to return to Texas A&M University to study carbon sequestration and continue my research on the Spraberry Formation of the Midland Basin in West Texas.
Jeremy Lewan just recently graduated in May 2022 from the Honors College of Rutgers — New Brunswick with a degree in meteorology. Since he was 5 years old, he has enjoyed studying and learning about weather. He was especially intrigued by its most extreme manifestations—hurricanes, tornadoes, and storms of all kinds. His ultimate goal is to become a broadcast meteorologist in the New York/New Jersey area. As a broadcast meteorologist, he plans to serve as a conduit for scientific information about the weather and climate to the public. The study of oceans has a special significance to him as a future meteorologist, since the world’s weather and climate and the world’s oceans are so intimately intertwined that meteorology cannot be adequately understood without a study of oceanography. He has a deep love for the ocean: whether he is swimming at a beach, picking up seashells on the shoreline, or watching the tides ebb and flow, he is fascinated with life at sea and can’t wait to participate in this amazing adventure and the scientific studies that will be conducted onboard the R/V Sally Ride! Jeremy is a member of the Alliance for Climate Education Youth Action Network (ACE), participates in yearly climate marches, and is a staunch proponent of reducing single-use plastic waste. He loves traveling and adventuring to new places around the globe, especially taking part in total solar eclipse chases. In addition to traveling, he enjoys going to concerts, bike riding, hiking, geocaching, swimming, photography, and videography.
My name is Mariana Lie and im a incoming 4th year Evnironmenral Systems: Chemistry student at the University of California San Diego.
Since I was young, I’ve always been fascinated by science. I chose to major in chemistry as my GE chem classes had been fun. However, after 3 years in the major I found the physical sciences to be very competitive, especially as a Hispanic woman, and began getting very burnt out. In response to this i began to explore marine ecology.
I worked very hard to succeed in my marine science courses and managed to become AAUS scientific diving certified as well as complete my own research project on alega in polynesia!
I hope that my experience on the Sally Ride RV will be another journey to explore in marine science. Im excited to learn science communication to audiences more effectively and feel that amazing ocean breeze!!
Hello! My name is Melanie McCoy. I’m a student at Whatcom Community College and I’m currently pursuing my science transfer degree to Western Washington University. I hope to transfer to Western next year to take part in their Marine and Coastal Sciences program. I have loved the ocean and marine life for as long as I can remember. Throughout my time in college I have also been lucky enough to discover a passion for geology and earth sciences. I aspire to spend my life learning about the natural world around me and the processes that make it run. In my free time I love to learn new crafts, play video games, and paint. For the STEMSEAS cruise I’m most excited for the chance to get to meet new people and learn from them. I’m also really looking forward to hopefully seeing some marine life along the journey.
Hi! My name is Alexis Watkins, I am a student at Whatcom Community College working towards a degree in marine and coastal sciences. I grew up in the PNW so nature has always been a major part of my life and I have always loved studying the ocean. I am so excited for the STEMSEAS excursion and hope to discover more about what paths I can take in my future, learn to better my science communication skills, and cultivate relationships with like minded peers. In my free time I love being outdoors, paddle boarding, and going on adventures with my dog. I’m excited to get out of my comfort zone and can’t wait for this experience!
Ahoy there! My name is Azrael Wilson, and I’m a senior at Western Washington University studying marine biology. Though I didn’t grow up on the West Coast, a 2014 thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail brought me out here for good. The trail left a deep and lasting impression on me of both the vast array of flora and fauna of the deserts, forests, and mountains and the importance of conserving our ecosystems. This inspired me to join the Forest Service for five seasons in the Washington Cascades as a wilderness ranger and trails technician, and eventually to return to school via community college to learn more about the wild world we live in. I heartily enjoy kayaking, tide-pooling, backpacking, and pointing at plants and animals I don’t recognize and asking, “What’s that?” I’m looking forward to the STEMSEAS cruise to make connections with new folks, see marine science in action, and learn more about marine research and careers.
Fer Juárez Durán is a 4th year student at the Colorado College in Colorado studying Astrobiology, specifically lipid biomarkers in geologic records. Juárez Durán has always been interested in all things related to science, but as they aged, they refined their interests to the intersection of space science and life. In pursuit of questions like Are there other lifeforms in space? What planetary bodies may sustain or harbor life? and How can we define life and where are its origins?, Juárez Duran has nurtured new interests and hobbies such as art, extracurricular sports, and spirituality (among others).
Juárez Durán hopes to use the A-STEP/STEMSEAS program to explore oceanographic research and acquire new skills/experiences that may otherwise be unavailable to students of similar backgrounds. Juárez Durán sees their experience on board the Sally Ride as a significant moment of growth and an opportunity to inspire others to pursue their goals.
