Mentor
Dr. Brandi Kiel Reese is an Assistant Professor of Microbial Ecology at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She earned her B.S. from SMU in Geology, M.S. from UC Riverside in Soil and Water Sciences with a focus in biogeochemistry of hypersaline lake sediment, and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in Oceanography with a focus in microbial ecology of marine sediment. Brandi’s research combines geology, chemistry, and microbiology to better understand life beneath the seafloor. In addition to being a scientist and running a research lab, she has also participated as an instructor of IODP School of Rock to provide K-12 teachers an experience at sea.
Students
My name is Charles Hendrickson and I am a third year student at the University of California, Santa Cruz. I am majoring in Marine Biology BS and will begin taking my upper division classes starting this fall quarter. I hope to begin my undergraduate research at UCSC by working in a salmon fisheries lab. When I graduate, I plan to continue my studies in marine biology and oceanography at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Recently, I traveled to Fiji to earn my PADI Advanced Open Water scuba diving certification and also to learn coral reef surveying techniques. The techniques I learned in the field were incredibly useful and have made me a much more confident diver; however, as of now, I have no field experience working on research vessels. I am incredibly excited to learn as much as I possibly can at STEMSEAS and meet as many new people as I can. My hobbies include surfing, diving, swimming, and fishing.
Christopher Bullis is a junior at Western Washington University, majoring in Geology. He was born and raised in New Jersey, and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman for seven years. After leaving the Navy, he started taking classes at Seattle Central College, where he was first introduced to Geology and Oceanography in a class setting. Chris’ goal is to find a career in research, particularly in marine geology.
My name is Loren Walker. I’m currently studying Geology as an undergraduate at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. I don’t know down which path life will take me, but along the way I wish to do what I can to restore the environment! Whether through regulation or research, my educational goal is to be improve the health of our amazing planet. Being surrounded by seasoned scientists during their work will be a wonderful and enlightening experience. I hope to get a bit of hands-on experience while learning about various important areas of study. Besides that, it’s just going to be fun being out at sea! I’ve always loved the ocean. I’m so happy and grateful to have been gifted this opportunity. I’m really looking forward to it!
Faith Schell is a student at Oregon State University.
