Meet our May/June 2018 STEMSEAS participants
Instructors
Raquel Bryant, University of Massachusetts, is a veteran of two STEMSEAS cruises.
I’m Valeria Reyes-Ortega, I’m currently a second-year Geophysics graduate student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. I work with marine Electromagnetic Methods that allows us to measure how is the propagation of energy through the Earth. By taking measurements of the electromagnetic fields, we can quantify how is the electrical resistivity and understand the geology, tectonic setting, porosity or fluid content. My biggest interests are to understand the geophysical processes occurring at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary but also I have a great passion for applying EM to look for natural resources.
Students
Hello! My name is Victoria. I am a 2nd year student in the Degree Partnership Program with Portland Community College and Oregon State University. I am coming to the end of my associates degree and working towards my BS in Environmental Sciences. I am originally from Canada. I moved to the Portland area 5 years ago where I work full time in the finance industry. I’m in school in the evenings and online. I’m extremely grateful to be able to participate in STEMSEAS! The highlights for me are to being able to work on important projects to gain experience, and meeting scientists and PhD students and gaining new perspective. I’m eager to learn what opportunities there are in the STEM field and can’t wait to set sail!
Tienna Matthews plans to receive her B.S in geoscience. She plans to further her education after receiving her Bachelor of Science degree. In her spare time she loves to travel abroad — going on different journeys to learn about different cultures.
Hi! My name is Sultana Mohammed and I grew up in New York City. I am sophomore at Barnard College, Columbia University hoping to follow an Environmental Science track. I recently was introduced to Sustainability and Environmental Science and hope to have a career in these fields. I have done research on Green Roofs and there effects on the environment and this has inspired me to continue doing research till I find the right fit for me. I am very excited for this expedition hopefully, this is the first of many!
My name is Salvador Cruz Matus. I am an undergraduate student in the CSU system, majoring in biotechnology with the short-term goal of earning my Bachelor’s degree May 2019. I am currently doing research in a plant biology laboratory and with the undocumented project. I am also President of Border Angels at my campus and Outreach Executive with S.A.C.N.A.S in an effort to advocate, encourage, and empower minority groups to overcome personal and educational obstacles in order to accomplish their goals. I believe we must sacrifice who we are today for the person we want to be in the future because we all have 24 hours in a day, and 7 days in a week, but some of us aren’t paying attention where we allocate out time.
My name is Rachel Eccles. I am from Tennessee and just graduated with my high school degree and Associates Degree this May. I’m very active, always doing sports or trying something new like fishing. I plan on pursuing some type of research for my career choice and hope to get a good introduction to research on this trip!
My name is Juan Rayo. I am 21 years old. I was raised by a single mother who is a Colombian immigrant. After the FARC situation in Colombia got heated, my mother decided to give me a better life. My mom and I came to the United States when I was 6 years old. We sought a safe environment to live in. In high school, I became a member of the chemistry, physics, and guitar club. Eventually, I got appointed to become the Vice President of my chemistry club and president of my guitar club. After graduating, I decided to further my academic career and education by enroling in Miami Dade College. I have thrived and developed so many skills ranging from interpersonal socialization to academic discipline. My skills were honed by a very intelligent and inspiring chemistry professor, Dr. David Finneran, where he taught me the true meaning of what it takes to become the best at a subject. Subsequently, I became the Vice President of Miami Dade College’s chemistry club. I provide tutoring and help to all club members and students who need assistance understanding the subject. I am in my second year at Miami Dade College and plan to graduate very soon. I’m looking to transfer to a university with a prestigious chemistry program specifically organic synthesis. Furthermore, I am very excited to meet with all of you, I want to form connections that will last a lifetime, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to embark on research as an undergraduate student.
Jackie Zaldaña- Altamirano is a San Franciscan who has always been captivated by nature. Trips with her family to Yosemite and the Great Barrier Reef woke Jackie’s interest in learning about Environmental Science. Over the last 8 years she has dedicated herself to preserving the environment by interning with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. National Park Service (NPS). Jackie is currently attending City College of San Francisco and looks forward in pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Conservation and Resource Studies. She is eager to deepen her understanding of environmental conservation methods to implement strategies that will foster long term health for the environment. She is thrilled to participate in this research led program and looks forward to building relationships with like-minded members while conducting critical research exploring our oceans.
Hello team, I’m Gabriel Perez, a nature enthusiast completing my AA in Geography at City College of San Francisco, while preparing to transfer to a 4-year University. Through my passion for eco-tourism, adventure and BBC documentaries, I began to see major shifts in the ecology of the planet. Unexplained migration changes, massive coral bleaching and invasive species introduction are altering our oceans. I no longer wanted to just be part of the problem, but instead work with scientists to understand some of the solutions. I hope to teach the next generation of nature’s stewards the importance of our planet’s biodiversity and its fragile ecosystems. Goals include visiting all the US National Parks and participating in more hands-on research.
My name is Gabriela Diaz ( 21 years old) people call me Gaby. I am from Puerto Rico and I am studying Geology at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez Campus. In my free time I like to sing also I am part of the Choir of UPRM. My career goals is to work with marine geology and geophysics environments and continue master degree in this subjects. I like to learn and share with others knowledge. This year I learned that no matter what happend in your environmet, no matter how many hurricanes affect your life, you should never give up, follow your goals and keep movin on until completed. That is the direction I am going to.
