Mentors
Joe Montoya is a Professor of Biological Sciences and Director of the PhD Program in Ocean Science and Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is a biological oceanographer and biogeochemist whose research focuses on the marine nitrogen cycle and the role of nitrogen-fixation in structuring the flow of nitrogen and carbon through planktonic ecosystems. His work is highly interdisciplinary, incorporating work in plankton biology, marine chemistry, and isotope biogeochemistry both at sea and in the lab. He has worked extensively in offshore waters, as well as in coastal regions influenced by the freshwater plumes of large rivers including the Amazon, Mekong, and Mississippi. He has a strong interest in education and outreach. In 2022, he became director of the Graduate Program in Ocean Science and Engineering (OSE) at Georgia Tech.
Dr. Agata Piffer Braga is a seagoing physical oceanographer working as a postdoctoral scholar at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego (UCSD). Her research centers on multi‑scale ocean fronts, with a particular focus on river‑plume fronts, the dynamic boundaries where fresh river water meets the ocean. These fronts are important for mixing of nutrients, pollutants, sediments, and other river‑borne constituents, shaping coastal and open ocean ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles. Because its processes span a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, she combines high‑resolution observations (satellites, AUVs, ship-based instrumentation, drones, surface drifters) with process‑based numerical modeling to capture the full spectrum of front dynamics. Agata completed her B.Sc. and M.Sc. at the Oceanographic Institute of the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and her Ph.D. in Computational Sciences & Engineering at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Agata is one of our inaugural ChOP Fellows.
Dr. Theresa King is a postdoctoral fellow at the Colorado School of Mines where she works to understand oceanographic changes around Antarctica since the Last Glacial Maximum. Her research in paleoceanography (oceans of the past) seeks to answer questions of how and when oceanographic changes in the Southern Ocean influence the Antarctic Ice Sheet. This is important information to provide context for the changes we see today, and to better inform future climate predictions. For this work, we are unable to directly observe changes that happened thousands of years ago, so Theresa relies on marine archives that record ocean changes like deep-sea corals and sediment cores. She uses isotope geochemistry, sedimentology, and data cyberinfrastructure tools to investigate changes through time. Theresa has an interdisciplinary marine-science background with her BS from Coastal Carolina University, MS from Stony Brook University, and PhD from the University of South Florida. When she’s not working, Theresa can be found exploring Colorado hikes with her dog. Theresa is one of our inaugural ChOP Fellows.
Jen Valenzuela is a professional mariner soon to be joining NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO). Having an affinity for fieldwork, she gained foundational experience as a field technician, assisting with shark surveys and research affiliated with Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) and participating in NSF-supported field surveys of elasmobranchs, cetaceans, and corals in northwestern Costa Rica. She has also served as a teaching assistant for Mission College’s Tropical Ecology Field Studies program, introducing community college students to research activities in Cabo Blanco and Monteverde, Costa Rica. Jen’s path has been non-linear, as she originally comes from a visual communications background. She has a keen interest in science communication and enjoys bridging creative expression with her passion for the ocean. As a current member of the STEMSEAS Alumni Advisory Committee, Jen provides program support, improvements, and outreach. Serving as a mentor for this expedition will be a full circle experience — she was previously aboard R/V Atlantis as a student participant in the June 2025 STEMSEAS cohort!
I’m Stefani Martyenko. I studied Oceanography and Marine Affairs at the University of Washington, where I developed a deep appreciation for marine science and the power of hands‑on research. I’ve sailed aboard the tall ship Robert C. Seamans, conducting fieldwork on algae and coral reef ecosystems, and later joined the Thomas G. Thompson with the OOI program, supporting ROV operations and researching hypoxia along the Oregon coast. I currently work with UNOLS, helping coordinate and strengthen oceanographic research across the United States and internationally. In this role, I lead national Marine Facilities Planning efforts, support vessel scheduling, manage communications and outreach, and work closely with scientists, operators, and agencies to ensure safe, efficient, and collaborative research at sea. Going out to the open ocean has been transformative for me, and the memories I’ve made on research vessels are unforgettable. I’m genuinely thrilled for the students participating in this STEMSEAS program and know they will carry these experiences with them for years to come. A little about me: I love the outdoors and staying active—whether hiking, spending time on the beach, paddleboarding… I’m also an avid traveler who never gets enough of exploring new places. Museums are a personal favorite, and I make a point to visit a few wherever I go. I am also a fan of Arctic and Antarctic exploration.
Hello! I’m Mimi Johnston, the UNOLS MATE intern! I graduated from the Marine Technology program at Cape Fear Community College. While in school, I spent many days offshore on our floating classroom, the R/V Cape Hatteras, as well as in the Cape Fear river on board the R/V Martech as a work study student. I gained a lot of experience with different types of oceanographic equipment, as well as ship operations, and developed an interest in the technology used in ocean sciences. I have a passion for sailing as well, and have spent most of the past year at sea on a variety of vessels, sailing all over the western Atlantic, from all the way down in Martinique up to Halifax, Nova Scotia! On occasion, I’m both a sailing and skiing instructor, depending on the season. Although I live and work at sea, I grew up in the mountains of North Carolina, and I have a deep interest in environmental science and conservation. I’m fascinated by wildlife both on land and in the ocean, and the ecosystems they live in. I’m looking forward to getting more experience on a working vessel and learning the inner workings of what goes into a scientific research cruise. I’m excited to be a part of bringing STEMSEAS and UNOLS together!
Students
Hi there, my name is Ashley Gibson. I’m majoring in geology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. My particular interest is on the relationship between large-scale volcanic processes and tectonics. Mid-ocean ridges just blow my mind! I’ve had the privilege of studying volcanoes and related processes both at my university and during internships, and I’m looking forward to continuing my learning with STEMSEAS. Outside of school, I enjoy reading and writing with a nice cup of tea.
Hi! My name is Carly Ackerman, and I’m currently studying Marine Science at Coastal Carolina University. My interests include microbiology and marine mammals, and I hope to eventually work with some. I grew up on the New Jersey coast, so the ocean has always been a big part of my life. In my free time, I like to read, SCUBA dive, and hangout with my friends at the beach. I’m so thankful for this opportunity with STEMSEAS, and I’m excited to get to know everyone!
Hello! My name is Chrishera Smith, and I’m an undergraduate geoscience student at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. I currently serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Machinery Repairman Second Class. In 2025, I participated in the Research Experience for Veteran Undergraduates (REVU) at Yale University, an experience that sparked my interest in becoming a researcher. Currently, my research at FAU focuses on investigating sediment dynamics and microplastic abundance following hurricane season. I’m excited to participate in this expedition because STEMSEAS provides a unique opportunity to learn, gain new experiences, and connect with people from different backgrounds. In the future, I hope to pursue graduate study in geology and continue exploring marine geophysics and Earth systems through research. In my free time, I enjoy writing, reading, photography, and running.
Hello! My name is Dean Magara, and I am a senior double majoring in Computer Science and Data Science, with a minor in Mathematics, at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. I am deeply passionate about the intersection of artificial intelligence and Earth science. Currently, I am developing a vision-language AI model to estimate cropland carbon dioxide absorption by fusing satellite spectral imagery with ground-based biophysical measurements. I am thrilled to join the STEMSEAS expedition to see how raw environmental data is collected in the field and explore how large-scale machine learning can be applied to complex oceanographic datasets. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and listening to music.
Hello-my name is Em Kribs! I am currently studying Environmental Science at Whatcom Community College in Washington state. I aspire to make discoveries in my career that will lead to a more sustainable future with healthier ecosystems.This school year I am doing research on the biomagnetic fields around trees and their means of communication. I recently moved to Washington from Colorado and have been very inspired by the ocean’s potential for new discoveries. I am especially interested in biodiversity and how that impacts the health of the ocean. In my free time I enjoy sailing, tidepooling, photography, and travel!
Hello! My name is Erick Montesino, and I am a third-year Biology student at George Mason University concentrating in Environmental and Conservation Biology. I have a deep passion for wildlife, ecology, and conservation, especially when it comes to understanding and protecting the natural world around us. I have always been fascinated by marine biology and hope to pursue a career in marine ecology and conservation after graduating in Spring 2028 and continuing my education in graduate school. As a first-generation college student, I am especially excited to explore new opportunities in science and discover where my curiosity can take me. One of my long-term goals is to contribute meaningful research to the field of conservation and, hopefully, one day, discover and study species that are new to science. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in STEMSEAS. I look forward to gaining hands on experience at sea, learning from scientists and fellow students, and expanding my understanding of marine science and the many possibilities that exist across our oceans. I am excited to see where this experience takes me!
My name is Evelyn See, I am a geosciences major at Piedmont Virginia Community College. I am primarily interested in sediments and fossils. I have an especially deep interest in the Paleozoic oceans, and am excited to learn about our modern ocean. I’m a photographer and hiker in my free time, and am looking forward to my first proper expedition on a boat. I’m quite excited for the opportunity to join STEMSEAS this September!
Hello, my name is Jacqueline (Jackie) Corona! I am originally from the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, California and currently a junior at Columbia University in New York City. While majoring in Astronomy, with a minor in Earth and Environmental Sciences, I am interested in how geologic, oceanic, and icy archives preserve information about planetary evolution and how those records can be used to reinterpret biosignatures on celestial bodies. My research projects have primarily been in paleoceanography and geosciences, through the reconstruction of past Earth environments using proxies from marine sediment cores, including coral reef fossils and seafloor microfossils. I am excited to be taking my experiences out into the open sea on this expedition! Outside of academics, I enjoy reading all kinds of genres, doing yoga, hiking, or dancing with my dance group on campus. I am also interested in humanitarian aid, helping to increase STEM opportunities, and provide better academic guidance for underrepresented communities, especially first-generation low-income students.
Hi! My name is Megan Siwak, and I am an undergraduate at Temple University pursuing a double major in Earth and Space Science with Teaching, and Biology, with a minor in Chemistry and a certificate in Astrophysics. My interests lie primarily in oceanography and geoscience communication and education. Previously, I’ve studied Southern Ocean biogeochemistry with Dr. Rebecca Beadling, satellite representation of surface winds at UNH, and biophysics of the Galápagos archipelago at MBARI. When I’m not studying, I can usually be found playing the piccolo with Temple’s marching band, mentoring first-year science students, or going on adventures. I’m excited to experience life at sea, to learn more about fieldwork, and to get to know everyone onboard!
Hello! My name is Nadjila Sediki and I am an undergraduate student studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of California San Diego. Growing up by the coast, the ocean and the research conducted on it always intrigued me, but I never imagined I would have the opportunity to partake in a voyage like this. As I furthered my engineering education, I became vastly interested in bio-inspired robotics. This led me to join the Bio-Inspired Robotics and Design Lab at UCSD, where I now conduct research on bio-inspired robotic propulsion, which I really enjoy! Besides school, I love to read, binge interesting adventure or mystery shows, and travel. I am incredibly excited for this STEMSEAS opportunity and can’t wait to learn so much about life at sea!
Hello! My name is Willow Bowen Ricca. I am a 3rd year Environmental Resources Engineering major at Cal Poly Humboldt, with an interest in hydrology and renewable energy. My research is currently focused on adaptation planning for sea level rise at a county airport. I am also interested in energy systems and hope to work with rural communities to develop solar micro grids. I think STEMSEAS will provide me with the opportunity to learn new ideas and interests that can be implemented into my engineering career. Outside of school, I garden, bike, and I recently took up backpacking! This will be my first time overnighting on a boat and I am very excited for the new experience.
Hello! My name is Erick Cano-Salas, I am an Earth & Environmental Science major at Washington State University. My passion lies in fieldwork, habitat restoration, and conservation science. Growing up working in agricultural land at a young age instilled in me a strong work ethic and a desire to protect natural resources. In my free time, I love experimenting with cinematography and exploring the outdoors. I am so excited for the opportunity to participate in this STEMSEAS expedition and gain more hands-on experience working on a research vessel. I look forward to connecting with the team, learning from everyone on board, and continuing to grow as an environmental scientist. Thank you.
