The record.

Environmental Scientist

Applied Marine Sciences

Environmental scientist focused on water resources and pollution remediation. The work spans field research, quantitative modeling, and scientific writing in support of regulatory compliance and environmental policy.

Pollinator AI Researcher  ·  YOLOv8 monitoring

UCSB Cheadle Center for Biodiversity & Ecological Restoration

Trained YOLOv8 deep learning object detection models to automate pollinator monitoring for two federally endangered coastal plant species — Ventura marsh milk-vetch (Astragalus pycnostachyus var. lanosissimus) and salt marsh bird's-beak (Chloropyron maritimum ssp. maritimum) — at the North Campus Open Space restoration site in Goleta. Designed and executed a 9-week field season (June–September 2025) across four monitoring sites, capturing 200+ hours of footage with Panasonic Lumix cameras in yarn-delineated quadrants. Three daily shifts, randomized site order, with weather, wind, and pollinator activity logged alongside every recording. Explored integration with the HyDaT tracking framework as a next step toward quantifying visitation events. Mentored two undergraduate research trainees throughout the season.

Conducted with Dr. Katja Seltmann and Dr. Chris Evelyn (UCSB Cheadle Center).

Bombus Vosnesenskii Research Assistant

UCSB Cheadle Center  ·  Part-time

Hands-on field research collecting bee pollen and metabarcoding DNA data to document pollen collection patterns and identify native plant taxa at the genus and species level. The DNA dataset supported downstream protein-to-lipid ratio analysis and native bumble-bee / native-plant correlation modeling.

Aquatic Invertebrates Intern

UCSB CCBER  ·  NCOS

Used aquatic invertebrate microorganisms as bioindicators of slough water health and overall local ecosystem health at the North Campus Open Space. Position included field sample collection (YSI meter measurements) and species identification under microscope using a dichotomous key.

Lab Intern  ·  EEMB 148 (Upper-Division Biological Sciences Internship)

Nemophila Menziesii Lab  ·  UCSB

Investigated whether the rate of evolutionary change depends on standing genetic variation in fitness, using Nemophila menziesii as a model. Methods drew on quantitative genetics — continuous traits influenced by many genes, flower size and bloom timing, fecundity (seed data), pollinator and drought effects on flower morphology, and the effect of corolla diameter on predation. Six hours per week.

Lab Volunteer  ·  Apprenticeship

Nemophila Menziesii Lab  ·  UCSB

Earlier volunteer phase of the same Nemophila menziesii research program — plant collection, pulverization, leaf-area measurement, and data entry — building the methodological skills required for the formal EEMB 148 internship that followed.

Teaching Assistant  ·  Human Physiology (MCDB 111)

UC Santa Barbara

Taught core physiological concepts including thermoregulation, muscle function, cardiovascular dynamics, and endocrine systems, using case studies to connect theory to practical application. Led three weekly discussion sections, proctored midterm and final exams, and authored customized PowerPoint materials with case-study and worksheet integrations.

Teaching Assistant  ·  Molecular & Ecological Biology Laboratory (EEMB 2LL)

UC Santa Barbara

Led students through foundational experiments in molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, evolution, and plant biology. Taught core lab techniques including PCR, RFLP analysis, gel electrophoresis, and Gram staining, and guided students in microbial classification using 16S rDNA and colony morphology. Facilitated multi-week experimental work using Drosophila melanogaster on natural selection and genetic variation, population dynamics of protists, ecological community analysis in rocky intertidal zones, and plant identification using dichotomous keys. Beyond technique, mentored students in scientific writing, experimental design, and data analysis using R and Google Sheets.

Teaching Assistant  ·  Biometry (EEMB 146W)

UC Santa Barbara

Taught and facilitated a biometry course on statistical methods for biological research. Led weekly computer labs in R, graded coursework, and covered descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, ANOVA, linear regression, and generalized linear models. Guided students in applying these techniques to real-world environmental and ecological datasets, with attention to experimental design and model selection.

DSP Proctor

UC Santa Barbara  ·  Disabled Students Program

Provided in-class moderation and academic support for DSP students, attending up to three classes per day. Streamed course content, accommodated individual student requirements, and supported group discussion participation across two academic years.

Campus Climate Ambassador

Global Climate Pledge  ·  UCSB campus apprenticeship  ·  Remote

Represented UCSB as a campus climate ambassador, working with international sustainability mentors and peers across institutions. Attended weekly webinars while developing concrete sustainability goals for local issues and contributing to team management. Earned Green Lab Certification through the program.

Chapter Lead

Seedlings  ·  Professional Student Chapter  ·  UCSB

Led a developing professional student chapter focused on environmental mentorship and resource-sharing. Coordinated weekly mentorship sessions with faculty across campuses, managed local environmental partnerships, recorded local events, contributed to the UCSB Green Guide, and ran weekly team meetings.

Member  ·  Environmental Affairs Board (EAB)

UC Santa Barbara

Collaborated with environmentally active student peers on weekly sustainability workshops covering daily-practice and decision-making frameworks for environmental impact reduction.

Member  ·  ECOalition

UC Santa Barbara

Member of a coalition uniting UCSB's environmental student organizations to share resources and advance the campus sustainability movement.

Volunteer  ·  Animal Welfare & Marine Education

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History  ·  Sea Center

Volunteered with the Santa Barbara Channel and intertidal ecosystems exhibits, contributing to marine education and conservation outreach. Identified marine organisms and described their ecological roles, collaborated with certified naturalists on public-facing programming, and educated visitors — particularly children — on marine life identification and safety. Three hours weekly across the position; bridged research literacy with public outreach while deepening working knowledge of marine ecology.

PFAS — Rule Implementation and Treatment

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  ·  Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar Series

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances regulatory framework, treatment options for small drinking-water systems, and rule-implementation pathways.

Health Effects and Ecology of Anatoxin-Producing Cyanobacteria

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  ·  Harmful Algal Blooms, Hypoxia, and Nutrients Research Webinar Series

Anatoxin biosynthesis, ecological drivers of cyanobacterial blooms, and human and ecosystem health effects of toxin exposure.

Toxic Aromatherapy — A Melioidosis Mystery

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  ·  Emergency Response Research Webinar Series

Burkholderia pseudomallei (Tier 1 select agent) environmental contamination case study, CERCLA-authorized soil decontamination protocols, and PCR-based site verification methods.

Green Lab Certification

UCSB  ·  Climate Ambassador Program

Sustainability certification earned through the Global Climate Pledge Campus Climate Ambassador apprenticeship, emphasizing energy efficiency, waste reduction, and chemical stewardship in laboratory environments.