Biodiversity Center Interns

2022

JessicaHeidelberg

Jessica Heidelberg

Summer 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2020

chaerichun

Chaeri Chun

Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, Rolling Hills Estates, CA

Summer 2020: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

Ever since I entered high school, I have been interested in biology and medicine. These interests are what lead me to participate in the ARIP Program, where I get to explore a new level of biology and experience science hands-on. By being able to learn from experts through this internship opportunity, I hope to acquire knowledge in marine biodiversity and genome sequencing as well as gaining new skills in scientific research.

genejeoung

Gene Jeoung

Crescenta Valley High School, La Crescenta, CA

Summer 2020: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

I plan to make the most out of ARIP even in the midst of COVID-19 bringing almost all activities to an abrupt stop during the summer of 2020. Even though my forte is most definitely not in biology, I hope to gain invaluable knowledge and experience throughout my time in the program and apply what I know to assist the lab and their research. In my free time I enjoy coding, making mobile applications, and playing the guitar.

hyereesohn

Hyeree Sohn

Marina High school, Huntington Beach, CA

Summer 2020: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

I am an incoming senior who joined this program in hopes to learn more about research and further my knowledge about biology. My interest in science and STEM based research drew me to this program and this opportunity allows me to follow through with my interests. I also love going to the beach, taking walks, cooking, baking, and anything outdoors.

jungeunlee

Jungeun Lee

Northview High School, Johns Creek, GA

Summer 2020: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
As I have always been fascinated by biology and hands-on research, I was very excited and honored to have the opportunity to join the ARIP program this summer. As I have not had many opportunities to advance my research and leadership skills, I hope to further develop these skills through this program while making valuable contributions to this field. Currently, I am pursuing a career in the medical field. However, as I am unsure about my definite major, I am eager to see how this program will influence my thoughts. In my spare time, I enjoy singing, skating, traveling, and exploring new cafes.

yenacho

Yena Cho

North Gwinnett High School, Suwannee, GA

Summer 2020: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

I am an upcoming senior at North Gwinnett High School. I am interested in research and I also want to become a lab pharmacist. By joining the 2020 ARIP program, I want to learn more about how real life labs work and what we would do in a professional laboratory. I love practicing archery and listening to kpop, especially Exo and Blackpink.

2019

SarahRothman

Sarah Rothman

University of Southern California

Major: Environmental Studies

Fall 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

I am a junior majoring in Environmental Studies with minors in Geology and Communication Policy and Law. I love to be outside, especially around the ocean. In my free time, I play for the USC Field Hockey team, go swimming, and explore trails around Southern California.

ChangJunSon

Chang Jun Son

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, Virginia

Summer 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
I am looking forward to join ARIP this year and I wish to participate in research regarding my interest: marine biology. I hope to be able to learn more about laboratory procedures as well as procedures including the process of writing research papers.

EstherCho

Esther Cho

Sunny Hills High School, Fullerton, CA, USA

Summer 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
Throughout the internship, I hope to gain more knowledge and learn new skills from different teachers. I also want to collaborate with new people and have fun. In my free time, I like to practice archery, volunteer for underprivileged kids, and listen to k-pop. BTS and BlackPink is my jam!!

EunSangPark

Eun-Sang Park

Northwood High School, Irvine, CA

Summer 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
Since ARIP program is my first experiance with internship, I will try my best and I hope to gain deeper understanding in biology and marine science. In my free time, I like to watch movies and play guitar. In the future, I hope to find a job that I can enjoy.

HyojinLee

Hyojin Lee

Northern Valley Regional High School, Demarest, NJ

Summer 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
I will remember my goal — to prepare myself to be a scientist in the future — and try my best during the program. This will be a challenge for me, but I want to enjoy and learn a lot from this program.

JoshuaSuo

Joshua Suo

Reservoir High School, Fulton, MD

Summer 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
In this program I hope to learn and gain a better understanding in the STEM field to expand my territories, but not only that, but also to contribute to what we are doing. I also hope to meet new people and new friends in the near future.

JunSangPark

Jun-Sang Park

Northwood High School, Irvine, CA/USA

Summer 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
In my junior year, I took AP Environmental Science class, which became my favorite class because it covered topics that I was always interested in throughout my life. I was seeking for activities related to environmental science, and that was when I found out about the ARIP program. I am planning to major in biology and eventually get into a medical school. However, since I love music, I am wishing to minor in piano or vocal in college. If I get to do both, that would be fantastic.

LeahSVozzi

Leah S. Vozzi

Eastern Regional High School, Voorhees, NJ

Summer 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
I am an upcoming senior who decided to participate in this internship to further my college application. I enjoy swimming and doing hands-on research. I am looking forward to meeting new people and more about biology.

PaulHKim

Paul H. Kim

Georgia Instituted of Technology

Summer 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

SeungHeonCha

Seung Heon Cha

Chapman University
Palo Alto Senior High School, CA, USA

Summer 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
I would like to expand my scientific knowledge and understanding through this internship program. Although I love to study and read about science, I am a bit on the weaker side of some areas, and through this program I would like to cover these gaps and hopefully learn something new on the way.

SeungHyukKim

Seung Hyuk Kim

Boston University

Summer 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
I am here to get some experience in a different field of science than one that I study in.

aniawebb

Ania Webb

University of Southern California

Major: Environmental Science and Health

Summer 2019 – Fall 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center student

Spring 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Ania is junior at the University of Southern California who transferred from UC Santa Cruz at the start of her junior year. She is majoring in Environmental Science and Health and plans to pursue scientific illustration after attending graduate school. In her free time she loves to ski, hike, draw, listen to music, and get boba with friends.

linqiyang

Linqi (Elly) Yang

University of Southern California

Major: Enviromental Science and Health

Spring 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

I have been obsessed with oceans since childhood, so I got my SCUBA diver and scientific diver certifications as quickly as possible after I came to California for school. But even though I started learning since kindergarten, I’m still a terrible swimmer.

2018

nataliehayashibara

Natalie Hayashibara

University of Southern California

Major: Environmental Studies

Fall 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Natalie is a senior at the University of Southern California and is majoring in Environmental Studies, minoring in Spatial Studies, and pursuing a Master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems and Technology. She spends a lot of time outdoors, looking at plants, cycling, and cooking. In the future, she hopes to find a career that allows her to explore the world and help others.

AlecBurge

Alec Burge

Georgia Institute of Technology
Milton High School, Milton, Georgia, U.S.A.

Summer 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2018 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
The sciences is something that has always intrigued me, especially biology and chemistry. ARIP is the perfect opportunity to not only expand my opportunities, but also gain experience in a field that genuinely interests me. I hope to be able to apply the knowledge given to me in my future endeavors.

ChanhoYoon

Andrew Yoon

University of California, Irvine
University High School, Irvine, California, U.S.A.

Summer 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2018 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
I am a rising junior at University High School in Irvine, California. I am interested in marine science and biology a lot and intend to major in this field of science. I like to watch movies and play games during my free time. By joining ARIP 2018 program, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the STEM field as well as meet new people and make new friends around the world.

SunghyukKwon

Eric Kwon

Georgia Institute of Technology
McIntosh High School, Peachtree City, Georgia, U.S.A.

Summer 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2018 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

My primary academic interest is applying computer science to medical science, and more specifically, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence. I’m participating in ARIP because, like all of you, I understand the importance and value of this opportunity to take on research. I hope to use the knowledge I gain from this program to make meaningful contributions to the world. I’m looking forward to working with all of you: Let's make this a productive summer!

HyeonbeenShin

Hyeonbeen Shin

Georgia State University
Walton High School

Summer 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2018 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
i will try my best to make this experience the best one that it can be.

HyojunSon

Hyojun Son

Avon Old Farms School, Avon, Connecticut, U.S.A.

Summer 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2018 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

NawonYoon

Julia Yoon

New York University (NYU)
University High School, Irvine, CA, U.S.A.

Summer 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2018 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
Since the ARIP program is my first experience with internship, I would like to seek challenges that can influence and motivate me to find topics that I enjoy learning. With other members and professors, I want to develop not only my personal interest, but also some leadership skills, including as communication and creativity. With experts and team members who are willing to encourage and mentor me throughout the program, I am looking forward to participate at genetic barcoding and learn more about research papers.

JuliannaKim

Julianna Kim

Mercer University
Tallulah Falls School, Tallulah Falls, Georgia, U.S.A.

Summer 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2018 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
I am very excited and honored to have the opportunity to join the ARIP program this summer. I have not had many chances to practice my researching skills, and this camp will help me a lot with that. So through this camp I am hoping to learn a lot and have fun while doing so.

KaitlynJung

Kaitlyn Jung

Johns Hopkins University
Northview, Johns Creek, GA, U.S.A.

Summer 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2018 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
My name is Kaitlyn Jung. I hope to gain research skills that would help me in the future when I take AP science courses. Because I am already considering pursuing a science career, I hope this program will give me a proficient background to when I will start to write my thesis (the far future). This is the first program that I will be able to utilize my science skills in creating a final product. I believe this will influence my insight in the science field and strengthen my knowledge of different ways to research.

MinyoungKim

Minyoung Kim

University of California
Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA, U.S.A.

Summer 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2018 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
Through the ARIP program, Minyoung hopes to obtain more scientific skills in performing labs and learn to write scientific manuscripts under direct guidances from distinguished professors and collaborations with some of the most intelligent and passionate students from around the world. In her free time, Minyoung loves to model for her photographer friend, explore the complicated world of Adobe After Effects while chomping on Jalapeños Cheetos, and binge watch The West Wing on Netflix.

ShawnLee

Shawn Lee

Duke University
Portola High School, Irvine, CA, U.S.A.

Summer 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2018 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
My name is Shawn and I am a rising junior at Portola High School. I hope to gain more research experience from this program, such as knowing how to conduct an experiment and also how to write a research paper about the experiment I conducted. I also hope to learn new information that helps me grow as a student.

YenaChung

Yena Chung

Emory University
North Gwinnett High School, Suwanee, GA, U.S.A.

Summer 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2018 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
I am a rising senior at North Gwinnett High School. My interests are reading, movies, and listening to music. I am considering a future career in medicine, and by participating in the ARIP, I hope to deepen my knowledge of scientific subjects and current research methods.

devinbutler

Devin Butler

University of Southern California

Major: Environmental Studies and Music Industry

Spring 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Devin is a Junior at the University of Southern California. She is currently majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Music Industry. She has always had a passion for nature and hopes to follow a career path that allows her to spend time outdoors. In her free time she enjoys playing and writing music, painting, hiking, and spending time with her two boxer dogs.

noellecrowley

Noelle Crowley

University of Southern California

Major: Environmental Studies

Spring 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Noelle is a senior at the University of Southern California and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, with a focus on Marine Biology. She is a research assistant in Dr. David Caron’s aquatic microbiology lab, and researches harmful algal blooms and biotoxin production. She is also a scientific diver, and NASM certified personal trainer. Noelle plans on receiving her Masters in Boulder, Colorado, and then entering the environmental field as an Environmental Consultant. She is captain of USC’s Climbing team, and in her free time enjoys climbing and hiking outside, reading, photography, and petting as many animals as possible.

2017

elizabethkim

Elizabeth Kim

University of Southern California

Major: Environmental Science and Health

Spring 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center student

Fall 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center research student

Spring 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center research student

Fall 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Elizabeth is a junior at the University of Southern California. She is majoring in Environmental Science and Health, with an emphasis in pre-health. She plans to pursue a career as an orthopedic doctor. In her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors, and loves to surf.

AlyssaYeh

Alyssa Yeh

University of California, Los Angeles
Torrey Pines High School, San Diego, CA

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

I am a rising junior at Torrey Pines High School in California. I'm very interested in biology and I enjoy learning about an array of subjects. In my free time, I like to go to the movies, read/write stories, and experiment with many different types of art media. By joining ARIP this summer, I hope to gain experience working with experts and fellow scientists in a professional lab setting. After graduating high school, I hope to pursue my interests in studying biology or medicine.

AudreyYeh

Audrey Yeh

University of California, San Diego
Torrey Pines High School, San Diego, CA

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

I am a rising junior at Torrey Pines High School. In my free time I enjoy painting portraits and learning to use various artistic media. I also have an interest in digital arts such as animation and games, biology, environmental sciences, and chemistry. I am excited to learn more about working in a professional lab with other aspiring scientists. After graduating high school, I hope to major in an art or biology-related subject!

BlakeHan

Blake Han

University of Pennsylvania
Wisdom Mission School, Cypress, CA

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

I am involved in ARIP because I hope ARIP can help me further my dreams to study Marine Biology. I've always been fascinated with aquatic life, and would very much like to join with other like minded people and connect with them, while being guided onto the correct path. I hope to go to a college where I can study my passions and not boring educational standards

BryantHwang

Bryant Hwang

Cornell University

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

KyungeunKim

Erica Kim

Emory University
Flint Hill School, Oakton, VA

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

Erica is a rising sophomore at Flint Hill School. Although she is not yet certain about which field she is interested in or to pursue in later years, she is very fascinated in anatomy and bioengineering. Erica wants to be involved in various biology fields and now joined ARIP to not only find out more about biodiversity, but also to find a career passion.

SeEunNa

Grace Na

Universit of Michigan, Ann Arbor
La Plata High School, La Plata, MD/USA

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

My interest in science such as Biology leads me to partake in this internship. I am involved in ARIP to have an opportunity to learn in a new way. I hope to acquire more knowledge and be able to apply it to my career in the future.

GracePark

Grace Park

University of Southern California
Arnold O. Beckman High School, Irvine, CA

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

Grace is a rising senior at Beckman High School in Irvine, CA. She is interested in pursuing a career in the STEM field, especially in the areas of chemistry and biology, and possibly becoming a doctor. As part of her school's research team, Grace enjoys laboratory work and collaborating with other students. She is greatly looking forward to learning about marine biodiversity and gaining unique experience as an intern at the Marine Biodiversity Center.

HojungChung

Ho Jung Chung

Occidental College
La Canada High School

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

My name is Ho Jung Chung, and I am going into 11th grade at La Canada High School. My favorite subject so far are chemistry and general science classes, least favorite being English classes. I am involved in ARIP program to gain experience upon the real world application of science and learn to interact with people outside of my school. Throughout the program, i hope to augment my understanding of science as a whole.

InsuPark

In Su Park

La Canada High School, La Canada, CA/US

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

Inspired by great teachers and friends, I am very interested towards Marine Biology and environmental science and how they actually impact our world today. I also enjoy participating in labs and doing research projects for Biology. I am also very excited to learn more about the Marine Biodiversity and DNA sequences. I hope I am able to branch off my career or field related to this internship.

IsaacYLee

Isaac Lee

Johns Hopkins University
Gretchen Whitney High School, Cerritos, CA/USA

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

I am interested in the environmental and natural/biological sciences. Because my school did not offer an Environmental Science course, I self-studied for the AP exam. I really enjoy actively learning and working with my hands. I believe the ARIP is a great opportunity for me to further understand and acquire knowledge about the sciences. Not only do I want to gain the experience of attending a summer course in a college setting, but I also want to learn all that there is to offer through the program.

JasmineNoh

Jasmine Noh

University of California, Los Angeles
Mira Costa, Manhattan Beach, CA/USA

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

I had the opportunity to join the new Biotechnology course at our school and through my experience in the class, developed an interest in laboratory work and biology. I would like to expand my experience working in this field to give me a better idea on what I would like to do in the future.

JessicaYeh

Jessica Yeh

Princeton University
Duluth High School

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

Researchers within the field of genome sequencing are the masters of the incredibly complex and elusive language from which life itself is constructed. The manipulation of this language pushes the breadth of science itself and is the key to mastering our evolutionary futures. Being a part of such an incredible field has long been a childhood dream, and participation in this internship will be the first step in my journey to further research and understanding of the DNA sequence.

SooyunJang

Sooyun Jang

University of Virginia

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

I have dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since I was little. Learning about animals always interests me. I chose to participate in ARIP 2017 program because I get to research about marine biodiversity. I hope I learn more about animals and science from this program.

DavidChoi

WooJin Choi

Beckman Highschool, Irvine, CA

Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)

Many things interests me, but there are few other things that especially interest me more than any other things. I like every different kinds of animals, traveling, and filming. I liked the concept of ARIP, because students can learn many things directly from professors in well constructed program.I hope I can successfully finish program and furthermore film scientific documentary and go to usc for film.

katyabalakhovsky

Katharine Balakhovsky

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Major: Environmental Studies; minor: Cinematic Arts

Spring 2017 – Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Fall 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer

Summer 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Katya is a student at the University of Southern California, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a minor in Cinematic Arts. She is a member of the USC Ski and Snowboard team and of the USC ENST Scientific Dive Team. She enjoys spending time in nature and interacting with all sorts of different animals. She also likes to travel, draw, and go to concerts.

savannahbenes

Savannah Benes

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Major: Environmental Studies

Spring 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Savannah is a senior at USC from San Diego, CA. She is currently majoring in environmental studies, and wants to pursue a career in marine biology. In her free time, Savannah likes to scuba dive, go to concerts, play with puppies, and bartend.

2016

dongjoonnam

Dong Joon Nam

University of California, Los Angeles
Grover Cleveland Charter High School

Summer 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2016 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

Dong Joon Nam is a rising senior attending Grover Cleveland Charter High School. He joined us through Advanced Research and Internship Program (ARIP) in Summer 2016. He not only has great passion for Marine & Coastal Science, but also has interest for Biology, Environmental Science, and sustainable practices in various fields including archaeology. Being a So Cal native, Eric has visited the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County on many school field trips and is very thrilled to work at the Marine Biodiversity Center.

gregbae

Greg Bae

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Oakton High School, VA

Summer 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2016 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

Greg is a rising senior at Oakton High School in Virginia. He is very passionate in the field of STEM, especially physics and engineering. He was originally interested in engineering but gained a lot of perspective in molecular biology during this internship. He loves researching and learning new things about the world. He is also on the school’s debate team and golf team, so he loves going outside and traveling. He hopes to go into the field of engineering or science in college.

gyunakim

Gyuna Kim

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Saint James High School, Montgomery, AL

Summer 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2016 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

Gyuna is a rising senior at Saint James high school in Montgomery, AL. She spends time with her robotics team and is interested in STEM areas, especially engineering. She is excited to gain further experience in marine biodiversity.

irenelee

Irene Lee

University of Southern California
West Ranch High School

Summer 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2016 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

Irene is a rising senior at West Ranch High School located in Southern California. She enjoys learning about various subjects, especially in the STEM field. Irene joined ARIP this summer to learn more about molecular biology and biodiversity and is excited to work with Marine Biodiversity staff at the Natural History Museum.

juliannelee

Julianne Lee

University of Southern California
Palos Verdes High School, CA

Summer 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2016 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

Julianne is currently a rising sophomore at Palos Verdes High School. She has a strong interest in biomechanics and anatomy. During her free time, she likes to paint pictures, dance, sing, travel, and swim. If you could describe her in four words, she is very passionate, diligent, supportive, and adventurous. Her dream is to become a dentist or a taxonomist.

jungyunjang

Jungyun (Jenny) Jang

University of Virginia
McLean High School, VA

Summer 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2016 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

Jenny graduated from McLean High School in Virginia. She is trying to gain experience in many fields, and has an interest in biology. She had such a fun time working in the lab! She learned so much from working with good people. She now hopes to pursue biology because she was inspired from passionate teachers.

yunlee

Yun Lee

Rowan University
Camden County College Camden, NJ

Summer 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2016 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)

Yun started his freshman year at Rutgers and is continuing his sophmore education at Camden County College. As an undergraduate he is studying biology and is interested in branching off to forensics.

marcusleher

Marcus Leher

Harvard-Westlake High School

Summer 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Marcus is a sophomore at Harvard-Westlake High School in Studio City. He is passionate about science and math, and has always loved observing nature and animals. He is also on his school swim team, and enjoys playing table tennis during his free time. Marcus hopes to major in a STEM related field after graduating high school.

lynnsong

Lynn Song

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Major: Environmental Science and Health, Economics

Spring 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Lynn is a junior at the University of Southern California double majoring in Environmental Science and Economics. She is interested in environmental policy and sustainable practices in various fields including industry. Being a So Cal native, she has come to the Natural History Museum on many school field trips and she is very excited to work at the Marine Biodiversity Center. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, making ceramics, golfing, and taking long walks on the beach.

2015

emena

Eilen Itzel Mena

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Major: Roski School of Art & Design and Price School of Public Policy

Fall 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

I am from the Bronx, New York and am now living in Los Angeles attending the University of Southern California studying Fine Art and Urban Planning. I am interested in cultural preservation in the urban areas through the arts. I like to consider myself as a renaissance woman, loving the humanities but trying to get into STEM. I am excited to be working as the Art Intern for the Marine Biodiversity Center at the Natural History Museum.

menloe

Matthew Enloe

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Major: Environmental Studies

Fall 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Matthew is a So Cal native majoring in Environmental Studies. He is interested in sustainable food production including aquaculture, hydroponics, and entomophagy (eating bugs). In his free time he enjoys skateboarding, knitting, gardening, and skepticism.

kelseybailey

Kelsey Bailey

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Major: Political Science, minor in Photography

Summer 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN intern

Summer 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Spring 2013 – Spring 2014: BioSCAN student

Fall 2012 – Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center student

Kelsey is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Photography. She used to fear worms, but after her first day curating Polychaetes (marine worms), she is slowly getting used to them (after all they are no longer alive). She is fond of antiquated forms of photography, voluminous clouds, eclectic music, coffee, butterflies and being sassy.

2014

cordeliaxie

Cordelia Xie

Princeton University

Major: Public and International Affairs with emphasis in Health and Wellbeing

Summer 2014: BioSCAN intern

Summer 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Cordelia is a rising junior at Princeton University majoring in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs with an emphasis in Health and Wellbeing. She is interested in the public health implications of the changes urbanization has had on biodiversity. She has always been passionate about art and does a bit of drawing and painting, so she is very excited to work at the NHM over the summer. Cordelia enjoys everything Japanese, ranging from dramas to Pocky. Being on the east coast during the school year, she is enjoying every bit of the California sun.

jenessawall

Jenessa Wall — Assistant Collections Manager

University of California, Santa Cruz, CA (B.Sc. 2014)

Summer 2014 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center staff

Summer 2014 – Summer 2015: BioSCAN staff

2013 – Summer 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

2013 – Summer 2014: BioSCAN intern

Summer 2011 – Summer 2012: NSF Decapoda intern

Summer 2011 – Summer 2012: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Jenessa joined the Marine Biodiversity Center in 2014 as Assistant Collections Manager after obtaining her BA in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She grew up exploring the natural world in the vast rainforests of the Pacific Northwest and has continued that curiosity in her career at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County where she is one of the project managers for the Diversity Initiative for the Southern California Ocean leading the workflow for specimen collection, specimen curation and data curation as well as building a DNA barcode library for the marine invertebrates of Southern California. Each year she also mentors a cohort of USC work study students and interns carrying out field biology, curation of collection material and molecular biology projects for the MBC.

jennifershen

Jennifer Shen

University of California, Berkeley and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S. 2014)

Major: Environmental Engineering

Fall 2012 – Fall 2013: Marine Biodiversity Center student

Spring 2013 – Fall 2013: BioSCAN student

Spring 2014: BioSCAN intern

Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Jennifer is a first-year Masters student studying Environmental Engineering. As an undergrad at the University of California Berkeley, she studied Environmental Science and Economics. She enjoys exploring zoos and museums, especially ones with dinosaurs because they are very interesting and exciting.

brianshaw

Brian Shaw

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Summer 2013 – Spring 2014: BioSCAN intern

Summer 2013 – Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Spring 2013 – Spring 2014: BioSCAN student

Spring 2013 – Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center student

Summer 2012: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer

Brian Shaw is a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California. Ever since he could remember, he has had an affinity for all sciences including biology. In his spare time, he likes to listen to music — classical, rock, and electronica — on top of hanging out with friends. Other hobbies include reading comics, playing the piano, and surfing the web.

2012

silkemariano

Silke Ann Mariz Mariano

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Fall 2013 – Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center student

Fall 2013 – Spring 2014: BioSCAN student

Summer 2012: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Spring 2011 – Spring 2012: Marine Biodiversity Center student

Silke Ann is a sophomore majoring in Biophysics and hopefully minoring in Astronomy. She loves stargazing (not happening in LA), travelling, reading, anime and pandas(!). Whenever she has time, she watches Asian romantic comedy dramas and plays badminton or tennis. She is nocturnal. She has been in close proximity with the ocean all her life, having lived in the Philippines up to the age of 13 and Hawaii until she was 18.

2006

laishanmui

Lai Shan Mui

Fall 2004 – Spring 2006: NSF Isopods intern

Fall 2004 – Spring 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Scientific illustration.

2005

rachelstern

Rachel Stern

Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA

Major: Biology

Summer 2005: NSF Isopods intern

Summer 2005: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Rachel is doing an internship in the lab summer 2005. She's having a smorgasbord of learning experiences from specimen sorting, extracting, amplifying, sequencing isopod DNA, to editing sequences. Rachel is hoping to get a SCUBA certification soon and pursue her interests in marine biology.

2003

stevemelendrez

Steve Melendrez

Fall 2003: NSF Isopods intern

Fall 2003: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Scientific illustration.

aaronsunshine

Aaron Sunshine

Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Summer 2003: NSF Isopods intern

Summer 2003: Marine Biodiversity Center intern

Digitization of isopod technical literature.