For nearly two decades, the Marine Biodiversity Center has hosted numerous projects. These projects achieved their goals due to the work of a number of staff, interns, students, research students, and volunteers, many of whom worked in different roles at different times.

This page lists the staff and other personnel who have been directly associated with the Marine Biodiversity Center.

Staff

	Victoria Westover — Senior Digitization Coordinator University of Southern California Major: Political Science and Environmental Studies Spring 2022 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center staff Fall 2021 – Spring 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2018 – Spring 2020: Marine Biodiversity Center student Victoria is a freshman who hopes to tie her love of politics to her love of the marine life by enacting effective change in environmental policies. Victoria’s passion to protect marine organisms began at a young age during one of her deep sea fishing excursions in the Sea of Cortez. She enjoys running and going to the beach. Victoria worked alongside Hubbs-Seaworld Research Institute and the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife raising and releasing White Sea Bass and Rainbow Trout.
	Caroline Haymaker — Associate Collections Manager Fall 2021 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center staff
	Vijay Barve — Digitizing Project Manager Spring 2021 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center staff
	Jenessa Wall — DigIn Specialist University of California, Santa Cruz, CA (B.Sc. 2014) Email: jwall@nhm.org Location: Ennis, Montana 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.
	Adam Wall — Collections Manager University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Email: awall@nhm.org Phone: 213-763-3450 Location: Marine Biodiversity Center, Ground Floor 2011 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center staff 2013 – Summer 2015: BioSCAN staff 2008 – 2011: Marine Biodiversity Center student 2008 – 2011: NSF Decapoda student Meet Adam Wall, Collections Manager of Crustacea, ADSP (Associate Director of Special Projects) of NHMLA’s Diversity Initiative for the Southern California Ocean (DISCO) Project, and Board Member of the NHMLA’s Community Science (AKA Citizen Science) Working Group. In my role as Crustacea Collections Manager I am responsible for overseeing the curation, digitization, and loans of specimens for research or exhibit, and visitor access related to the world’s fourth largest collection of Crustacea specimens. My research interest within the crustaceans is as broad as the NHMLA collections itself, which has specimens from both across the world and across all major crustacean taxa. My research focus is in population genetics, phylogenetic, systematics and taxonomy of Isopoda (AKA pill bugs, roly polies, or slaters), Anostraca (AKA Fairy Shrimps or Sea-Monkeys), and deep sea hydrothermal vent Decapoda (shrimps and crabs). I have conducted extensive research throughout the eastern Pacific Ocean as well as in Central America and Australia. In my role as Associate Director of Special Projects (ADSP) for NHMLA’s Diversity Initiative for the Southern California Ocean (DISCO) Project, I am responsible for developing the novel pipeline capable of processing the some 25,000 specimens needed to develop a DNA barcode database for marine invertebrates of California — ranging from Point Conception to the Mexican border. This includes specimen collection, identification, photo and museum vouchering, DNA extraction, DNA barcode sequence generation, and depositing sequence data into international sequence databases such as NCBI and BOLD. I am also responsible for enabling the integration of the DNA barcoding efforts of our DISCO project into the actively developing fields of metabarcoding and environmental DNA (eDNA) for both species diversity studies as well as rare (endangered) and invasive species detection through strong collaboration with leading institutions in these emerging fields of molecular biology. All of these are novel tools we are developing with the hope to aim directly at some of the most important problems facing society today, including, but not limited to, climate change, shifts and changes in global biodiversity, and increased extinction rates in the Anthropocene. As NHMLA Community Science Working Group Board Member, I am involved with developing NHMLA’s initiative to include all residents of Los Angeles in Community Science projects as part of our mission to be a museum for and of LA, personally co-leading two Community Science projects. One project is for the remote transcription of museum specimen data, and the second is the NHMLA based DISCO Project which partners with community scientists to monitor invasive species in southern California marinas.
	Dean Pentcheff — DISCO Project Manager Duke University and University of California at Berkeley Email: pentcheff@nhm.org Phone: 213-763-3217 Location: Marine Biodiversity Center, Ground Floor Fall 2016 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center staff Summer 2015 – Fall 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer 2013 – Summer 2015: BioSCAN staff 2012 – 2013: Marine Biodiversity Center staff 2005 – 2012: NSF Decapoda staff Dean is coordinating NHM’s Diversity Initiative for the Southern California Ocean. Prior to that, he was a co-founder and coordinator of NHM’s BioSCAN survey of urban-to-non-urban arthropod biodiversity. He has a background in bioinformatics related to taxonomy and specimen collections and, prior to that, research experience in marine biomechanics focusing on animal-fluid interactions.
	Regina Wetzer — Curator, Marine Biodiversity Center Director, PI of Diversity Initiative for the Southern California Ocean (DISCO) University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC (Ph.D. 2000) Email: rwetzer@nhm.org Phone: 213-763-3217 Location: Marine Biodiversity Center, Ground Floor 2002 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center staff 2016 – present: PI, Diversity Initiative for the Southern California Ocean (DISCO). 2013 – 2015: Co-PI, Biodiversity Science: City and Nature (BioSCAN). 1993: Collections Management Consultant for San Diego Natural History Museum. 1987 – 1993: Senior Collections Manager, Department of Marine Invertebrates, San Diego Natural History Museum. 1985 – 1987: Collections Manager, Invertebrate Section, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History Museum. Morphological and molecular crustacean systematist. Invertebrate taxonomist. Relational database design for museum collections, laboratory information management systems, and bibliographic inventories. Extensive experience in database development, construction, and analysis.
	Kathy Omura — Collections Manager University of Alaska, Fairbanks (B.Sc. 1987) Major: Wildlife Management Email: komura@nhm.org Phone: 213-763-3386 Location: Marine Biodiversity Center, Ground Floor 2001 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center staff 2013 – Summer 2015: BioSCAN staff Laboratory Supervisor, Department of Zoology, University of Hawaii-Manoa. Laboratory Technician, Institute of Marine Science, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Benthic invertebrate sample processing, curation, identification, and taxonomy. Extensive invertebrate taxonomic experience with emphasis on polychaete worms. Training and supervision of students and laboratory assistants. Quality control of data entry and taxonomic identifications.
2014
	Phyllis Sun — Assistant Collections Manager University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (B.F.A. 2011) Major: Fine Arts Email: psun@nhm.org Phone: 213-763-3386 Location: Marine Biodiversity Center, Ground Floor Fall 2008 – 2011: Marine Biodiversity Center student 2011 – 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center staff 2013 – 2014: BioSCAN staff Phyllis earned a Bachelors in Fine Arts from the University of Southern California's Roski School of Fine Arts, emphasizing photography, drawing, and design. While at USC, she worked for the Marine Biodiversity Center, photographing specimens and assisting with the start up of a photographic database for the Malacology and Invertebrate Paleontology collections. Phyllis joined the Marine Biodiversity Center as staff in 2011, where she helps curate and database specimens. Phyllis hopes to continue her interest in curation and conservation.
2011
	Emma Freeman — Curatorial Assistant University of of Southern California, B.A. 2009, Environmental Studies Fall 2009 – Summer 2011: Marine Biodiversity Center staff Administrative Assistant, Dinosaur Institute, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Research Assistant, Alcohol and Brain Lab, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California. Student, Paleoclimatology Lab, University of Southern California. Emma enjoys learning about the great diversity of marine invertebrates and all their weird ways. She loves natural history museums.
2009
	Kris Netchy — Curatorial Assistant University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, B.S. 2004, Zoology Summer 2008 – Summer 2009: Marine Biodiversity Center staff Research and Field Assistant, University of Guam Marine Laboratory, 2006-2008. Research Assistant and Molecular Lab Technician, Florida Museum of Natural History, 2005-2006. Collections Assistant, Florida Museum of Natural History, 2003-2006. Marine invertebrate taxonomy, particularly knowledgeable regarding tropical aspidochirote holothurians. Marine invertebrate evolution, speciation, and biogeography. I absolutely love learning about all aspects of marine invertebrate biodiversity and natural history through curation and observation of live organisms in the field!
2007
	Darolyn Striley — Curatorial Assistant University of California Los Angeles, Westwood, California, B.A. 2002, Women's Studies 2002 – 2007: Marine Biodiversity Center staff Darolyn worked for our Museum as Curatorial Assistant in the Crustacea Department where she helped move the University of Southern California Allan Hancock Foundation collection. She coordinated volunteers and workstudy students into a team who helped shelve in taxonomic order the 100,000+ lot collection. She enjoys sorting and identifying invertebrates and encountering specimens in the field, like this ocypodid crab in Huatulco, Mexico, which seconds later took a chunk off her finger.
2005
	Krista Zala — Curatorial Assistant University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, B.S. 2001, Biology and Women’s Studies 2002 – 2005: Marine Biodiversity Center staff While spending weekends on the shores around Vancouver Island, Canada, Krista developed a great fascination for intertidal creatures and seaweeds. In field courses while working on her undergraduate degree at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Center (BMSC), she studied the morphological diversity of Macrocystis intergrifolia, used fitness models to predict brooding and broadcast spawning in benthic invertebrates, and studied dialect change in killer whales. She has worked as a nature interpreter, a research assistant at BMSC, and as a public educator at The Land Conservancy of British Columbia. Now that she's in L.A., the MBPC has her surrounded by marine snails — let's hope she can outrun them!
	Neftali (Nefty) Camacho — Curatorial Assistant California State Polytechnic, Pomona, California, B.S. 2002, Zoology 2002 – 2005: Marine Biodiversity Center staff Teaching Assistant, Invertebrate Zoology, Cal Poly Pomona, 2000-2002. Laboratory Assistant, Entomology, Cal Poly Pomona, 2000-2002. Research Assistant, Entomology, Cal Poly Pomona, 2000-2001. General marine invertebrate curation, identification, and taxonomy. Experience in identification and curation of insect families both terrestrial and aquatic. Field research experience capturing and identifying Hymenopterans (bees, wasps). Nefty’s interests are phylogeny and social animal behavior. His fascination in phylogeny stems from his interests in family trees, figuring out where organisms came from and how they changed over time. His interest in animal social behavior is rooted from observing his flock of pet guinea hens interacting with one another. He hopes his work adds to the preservation and knowledge of our natural world.
2002
	Phil Hoover — Curatorial Assistant 2001 – 2002: Marine Biodiversity Center staff Invertebrate survey sample processing.

Interns, Digitizers, Students, Research Students, and Volunteers

	Caylin Mobley University of Southern California Fall 2024 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Caylin Mobley is a sophomore at the University of Southern California, where she is majoring in environmental studies with a pre-law concentration. She is passionate about protecting the environment through all methods, but especially in the courtroom. Though her future lies in policy, she is enamored with marine biodiversity, especially in Southern California. Caylin discovered her love for the environment at a young age, as she grew up in a beach town and hasn’t known a life that doesn’t involve the ocean. When she isn’t studying or working, you can find Caylin surfing, hiking, or reading outdoors.
	Juliana Granados University of Southern California Fall 2024 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Juliana Granados is an undergraduate student pursuing her degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California. Sequentially, she plans on attaining her doctorate in biology and succeeding in field research to improve the natural world. Stemming from her Colombian roots, she is passionate in advocating for her Latino community and for the planet. From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to London, England, natural history museums have always ignited her love and desire to pursue biology, and now at the MBC, she began to do so.
	Luke Dorado University of Southern California Fall 2024 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Luke Dorado is a sophomore at USC majoring in Film & Television Production at the School of Cinematic Arts. Growing up moving from state to state, he discovered a keen interest in storytelling and learning about all things new and different. These passions have led him to develop interests in filmmaking, photography, writing, and music, through which he strives to tell stories that expose audiences to new concepts and emotions. Now at the Marine Biodiversity Center, he is excited to be on the team and use his talents to contribute to the museum’s digitization project.
	Naomi Rodriguez University of California Los Angeles Fall 2024 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Naomi completed her Bachelor of Arts in Art History with a minor in Anthropology from The University of California, Los Angeles. Naomi has worked within museum institutions – most recently in Membership at NHMLAC – looking to expand her knowledge on educational programs, specifically arts education for marginalized groups. Along with her passion for Art History, Naomi loves going to the movies, learning about marine life, watercolor painting, and reading. She is very excited to join the MBC team and can’t wait to see what she gets to learn and share with others.
	Ryan Moinazad University of Southern California Fall 2024 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Ryan Moinazad is a Freshman at the University of Southern California pursuing a Dual Degree in Biological Sciences (Cell, Molecular, Developmental) and Legal Studies with a minor in Healthcare Studies on a pre-medicine track. He is especially interested in evolutionary biology and the applications of phylogenetic research to the medical field, and ultimately plans to attend medical school. Originally from Seattle, WA, Ryan loves the outdoors and can be found hiking, swimming, and exploring new places when not at work or school.
	Yume Kamal California State University Dominguez Hills Fall 2024 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Yume is a masters student at CSUDH who has an interest in science and research. She has more experience in micro/molecular biology lab settings, but is ecstatic about using her time as a masters student and working in this lab to broaden her knowledge and experience.
	Emma Perez University of Southern California Fall 2023 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Emma Perez, an undergraduate student at the University of Southern California, is pursuing a major in Public Relations and a minor in Cultural Anthropology. Her roots in Los Angeles cultivated a keen interest in anthropology, nurtured through frequent visits to the Natural History Museum. Emma has a background in data collection management and hopes to further develop her skills. She hopes to pursue an impactful career that would allow her to combine her knowledge of public relations and anthropology.
	Linden Olmstead University of Southern California Fall 2023 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Linden Olmstead is a freshman studying Chemical Engineering at USC with the hopes of going into sustainable energy research as a career. He enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music, going out to eat, spending time in nature, and learning more about the world. He’s always been interested in the ocean and its creatures and is excited to be working with the Marine Biodiversity Center.
	Rikki Lopez Barajas University of Southern California Fall 2023 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Riki Lopez Barajas is an undergraduate student at the University of Southern California as a Computer Science Games major. Hailing from South Side Chicago, he eagerly attempts to expand his horizons every day in the exciting city of Los Angeles. Riki’s interest in marine life and passion for cataloging led his path towards the National History Museum, where he hopes to observe countless unique critters normally found in the depths of the seas and oceans that others may never see in person.
	Halle Hunt University of Southern California Spring 2023 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Halle is currently a freshman at USC pursuing a B.A. in Philosophy and Cognitive Science. She hopes to further pursue these points of study in academia to further our understanding of identity, sense of self, and memory. Growing up on a farm in rural Connecticut and spending significant periods in Rincón, Puerto Rico, Halle has had an interest in environmental research and conversation from a young age. She is thrilled to be a part of the Marine Biodiversity Center team and work to digitize the fascinating collections the NHM holds.
	Torriana Avery University of Southern California Spring 2023 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Torriana is a freshman at the University of Southern California studying Global Health with a side passion for marine studies. Besides studying all things health related, growing up in Northern California has enhanced her love for studying anything involving the sea and plans to expand her knowledge while working in as an assistant in digitizing marine invertebrates.
	Calder Swiderski University of Southern California Fall 2022 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Calder is a freshman at the University of Southern California in the Interactive Entertainment major! He has been working with data collection and entry for three years and is super excited to be a part of the DigIn project! He is very passionate and dedicated to his work and hopes that his work with this project will change the world for the better!
	Chloé-Eloïse Mallet University of Southern California Fall 2022 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Chloé-Eloïse Mallet is a freshman at the University of Southern California, studying a BFA in film production. She holds a strong curiosity about the natural world and the intersection between art and science. During her upbringing in South Africa she discovered a fondness and appreciation for the environment and hopes to explore that further in college.
	Elisa Xia University of Southern California Fall 2022 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Elisa Xia is currently a third-year student at the University of Southern California. She is pursuing a degree in Communication and Product Design. She’s been to the Natural History Museum of LA a few times before and always enjoyed her visits. So, it’s an exciting opportunity to get involved with the DigIn project and actually work with other NHM staff. During her free time, she enjoys watching shows, cooking, going on walks and doing yoga.
	Emma Chickman University of Southern California Fall 2022 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Emma is a student at the University of Southern California, majoring in Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies. She hopes to be a conservationist later on, focusing on the marine ecosystems and coral reef. She is also pursuing a minor in Geographic Information Systems and Sustainability Science, hoping to be able advocate and improve sustainability globally. Emma enjoys nature, being in the ocean, and walking.
	Hannah Joh University of Southern California Fall 2022 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Hannah is an Environmental Studies major at USC. She has been fascinated with the natural world from a young age, and continues to foster her passion for the environment during her free time. She loves to volunteer at the aquarium and at animal adoption centers.
	Raaif Bokhari University of Southern California Fall 2022 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Raaif is a freshman currently pursuing a B.S. in Applied and Computational Mathematics at the University of Southern California. He is passionate for environmental causes, and spends his time watching arthouse films, taking late-night walks, and learning more about LA.
	Stella Baldwin University of Southern California Fall 2022 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Stella is a current sophomore with an unrelenting passion for STEM research, specifically in mineralogy, ecology, paleontology, and biological sciences. As a member of USC’s Freshman Science Honors program last year, she performed research with THRASH lab depicting nutritional and salinity preferences of pelagic marine bacteria. In addition, she also studied circadian rhythms in female kelp gametophytes with USC’s Nuzhdin Lab. She is the president of USC’s Society for Earth Science Students, co-director of outreach for USC’s Global Medical Brigades, and a member of USC’s Biological Sciences club. In her free time, she marches in the Trojan Marching Band and watches Friends. After college, she hopes to dedicate her time to STEM data accessibility and research.
	Welela Solomon University of Southern California Fall 2022 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Welela is a current freshman at the University of Southern California pursuing a B.S. in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. She hopes to further her education with graduate studies and aims to one day work in the medical field. Outside of academics and work, Blaire loves spending time with friends and family, swimming, listening to music, and exploring new places around the world.
	Ailani Bonilla University of Southern California Spring 2022 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Ailani is a current student at USC pursuing a B.S. in Geological Sciences. She hopes to continue her education by pursuing a PhD in this field, and plans to one day become a paleontologist. Her goal is work as a paleontologist at the Natural History Museum. Outside of school, Ailani enjoys spending time with friends and family, and watching tv shows and movies.
	Saeed Dardas University of Southern California Spring 2022 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Saeed is a current freshman at the University of Southern California pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience. He hopes to further his education after undergrad by pursuing a medical degree and getting involved in the medical field. Outside of academics and work, Saeed enjoys spending time with friends and family, the outdoors, cooking, and playing basketball.
	Chloe DerGarabedian University of Southern California Fall 2021 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Chloe is a freshman at USC pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a B.A. in Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change. She hopes to go into the field of research to advocate for sustainability and environmental justice. She enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and listening to music in her free time.
2024
	Amara Marrero University of Southern California Fall 2023 – Spring 2024: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Amara Marrero, a sophomore at USC majoring in environmental studies, enjoys spending time with her family and watching Mike and Molly. She expresses enthusiasm about her position at the Natural History Museum.
	Griffin MacRae University of Southern California Fall 2023 – Spring 2024: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Griffin MacRae is a senior at USC pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Astronautical Engineering. He plans on pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering to go into robotics with space/extraterrestrial applications. He’s from southwest Florida with a passion in both marine life and sustainability. He enjoys going to the beach, surfing, and is getting his scuba certification to start diving. He’s passionate about marina biology and is excited to start digitizing for the Marine Biodiversity Center.
	Kat Katish University of Southern California Spring 2023 – Spring 2024: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Kat is a first year grad student at Keck School of Medicine, pursuing a Masters in Public Health. She’s passionate about community health and human rights, and enjoys learning about ecology and animals. Kat recently joined the Marine Biodiversity Center to work with their great team and increase data accessibility for researchers across the world. She has a sweet cat named Roma Tomato, and can typically be found reading horror novels, doing a puzzle, or cooking tasty meals.
	Wila Mannella University of Southern California Fall 2022 – Spring 2024: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Wila is a freshman at the University of Southern California with a major in ocean system science and a minor in computer science and robotics. She loves all this ocean and marine related, and enjoys activities such as scuba diving, and hanging out with friends on the beach in her spare time.
	Diana Cuevas-Diaz University of Southern California Spring 2022 – Spring 2024: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Diana Cuevas-Diaz is a Washington state native, pursuing her B.S Degree in Computer Science and Business Administration. She just recently joined the Marine Biodiversity Center as a way to take part of a meaningful project and further develop personal and interpersonal skills through the collaboration with a large team.Outside of academics, she is passionate about music and the outdoors and loves to be in the company of family and friends.
	Michael Veres University of Southern California Spring 2022 – Spring 2024: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Michael is a freshman class member at USC majoring in Human Biology. As he also tackles a minor in Psychology he hopes to one day make it into medical school to ultimately become a Psychiatrist and help others. Aside from this, Michael enjoys movies, hanging with friends, and good food.
2023
	Yui Hashiyada University of Southern California Spring 2023 – Fall 2023: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer
	Haley Ku University of Southern California Fall 2022 – Fall 2023: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Haley is a freshman at USC pursuing a B.A. in International Relations on a Pre-Law Track. She is currently involved in research within the IR department and hopes to study abroad during her undergraduate education. Excited to explore outside of the realm of social sciences, Haley is ecstatic to work for the Marine Biodiversity Center.
	Raney Kennedy University of Southern California Major: Anthropology Fall 2021 – Fall 2023: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Raney is a sophomore at the University of Southern California studying biological anthropology. She hopes to continue her studies after college and continue with museum work later on in life. Following her graduation from USC, Raney began a full-time job en NHMLA’s Mobile Museum group.
	Savannah Masters University of Southern California Major: Environmental Studies Fall 2021 – Summer 2023: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Savannah is a sophomore at USC and hopes to use her education to help ensure a healthy planet and ecosystems for future generations. She has a passion for environmental justice and has loved learning about science from a very young age. She works as an intern for the Asbestos Disease Awareness organization to ban the use of carcinogenic asbestos in America and is now very pleased to also be working at the Marine Biodiversity Center. Savannah is still undecided about her exact career path, but her main goal is to make the world a better place through the preservation of the natural environment. In her free time, she enjoys painting, being outdoors, and singing.
	Anika Ricks University of Southern California Spring 2023: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer
	Brianna Schroeder University of Southern California Spring 2023: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Brianna is a senior at USC pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry. She aims to obtain a career in the dental industry with a specific focus in Orthodontics and Cosmetic Dentistry. Growing up in the Southern California area, Brianna has always been passionate about the marine environment around her and has recently joined the team at the Marine Biodiversity Center to further this interest. Alongside this, Brianna enjoys cinema and television, fiction novels, and can often be found caring for a wide variety of houseplants.
	Destinee Handly University of Southern California Spring 2023: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Destinee is a first generation student in her senior year at USC pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and two minors in the School of Cinematic Arts. She is currently involved in psychology and neuroscience research but her primary interest is in behavioral ecology. This intrigue has led her to work as a teaching assistant for the USC Nautical Science program while pursuing her captain's license and scientific diving certification while working for the Marine Biodiversity Center.
	Maude Malone University of Southern California Spring 2023: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Maude Malone is a freshman undergrad student studying in Media Arts and Practices at USC with a possible minor in Engineering Innovation for Global Challenges. She is very passionate about creating art and plans to pursue a multimedia career in documentary film-making and journalism grounded in humanitarian efforts. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, creating art through different mediums, and picnics in the park.
	Bill Azerrad BA Math Brooklyn College. MS IT Keller School of Engineering. Fall 2022 – Spring 2023: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Worked as a software engineer for Boeing on the C-17. Lives in Los Angeles.
	Colton Liu University of Southern California Fall 2022 – Spring 2023: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Colton is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in biochemistry at the University of Southern California. In his early years he discovered his fondness for animals, and ever since, he has continued to nurture it. Colton’s curiosity to uncover more about the world of fauna has led him to his work at the Natural History Museum, where he presently works as a collections digitizer. In his time away from work and school, Colton loves spending his time solving jigsaws, wood carving, and wandering the world.
2022
	Christina Wang University of Southern California Fall 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Christina is a freshman at the University of Southern California studying Computer Science. She enjoys learning about biology.
	Kali Bissanti University of Southern California Fall 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Kali Bissanti (They/Them) is currently pursuing a Geological Sciences degree at USC and one day would love to go to grad school for Paleontology. They are also involved in many theatre productions at USC, often as costume or scenic designer, or as technical director. Kali loves being outside and their heart belongs to the PNW. In their free time, they like to hike, paint, and read.
	Addison Berg University of Southern California Spring 2022 – Fall 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Addison is a senior at the University of Southern California studying the intersection of neuroscience with computer science. Besides school, Addison spends his time outdoors hiking, playing soccer, and weightlifting.
	Brandon Yanuskevich Fall 2021 – Fall 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Brandon has been a member of the Guest Relations team at the Natural History Museum since 2019, and he adores the opportunity to share the museum with family, friends, and the Los Angeles community. He took up residence on planet Earth some decades ago, and has the experience agreeable enough to be an outspoken advocate for human rights, climate change awareness, and greener energy. When he finds free time, Brandon enjoys getting lost in the woods, gaming with friends, catching snowflakes on his tongue, making lists of recreational activities, and scribbling varying qualities of prose.
	Liliana (Lili) Alvarado California State University at Fullerton Fall 2021 – Fall 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer I have been a part of the Natural History Museum for almost two years as a part of the Guest Relations team. I am a recent graduate from California State University Fullerton, I recieved a bachelors in Criminal Justice and a month later became certified as a Domestic Violence Advocate. I’m very passionate about helping my community and I love to learn new things. I look forward to helping R&C in this project and learning more about it and the hard work that goes into this research.
	Miguel Herrera Fall 2021 – Fall 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer I have worked for the museum for about 2 years and have been with the R&C team since fall. I am working towards becoming a pilot and absolutely love talking about video games, comic books, and the Marvel Universe. I love most kinds of food, especially noodle dishes and I wouldn’t say no to a ramen invitation. I look forward to learning new things and new facts about the species that live on this Earth.
	Jessica Heidelberg Summer 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center research student
	Julio Mora Mendoza University of Southern California Summer 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Julio is a senior at the University of Southern California studying as a Pre-Vet, hoping to become a wildlife biologist or veterinarian. Outside college, Julio likes to spend his time on numerous activities, including exploring new places in Los Angeles, hiking, swimming, and listening to music.
	Lauren Wall University of Southern California Summer 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Lauren is a current student at Redlands High School. She is most interested in biology and literature, and plans to go to a university in Northern California after she graduates. Outside of work, she enjoys playing sports such as soccer and volleyball, and is an avid reader.
	Joanne Gahan University of Southern California Spring 2022 – Summer 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer
	Justin Wang University of Southern California Spring 2022 – Summer 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Justin is a current freshman at the University of Southern California majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. He’s passionate about research, and hopes to pursue a graduate degree and work in medicine in the future. In his free time, Justin loves spending time with friends, hiking, watching movies, and exploring everything Los Angeles has to offer.
	Mackenzie Franks University of Southern California Spring 2022 – Summer 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Mackenzie is a junior studying Environmental Studies, she will be studying abroad in the Galapagos Islands this fall. She intends on joining the Peace Corps after graduation and eventually have a business in sustainable fashion. She has studied sea turtles in Costa Rica and has a passion for teaching children.
	Gabriel Alcoset University of Southern California Spring 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer I’m a USC junior majoring in Environmental Studies. Some hobbies of mine include painting, being with friends, and gaming.
	Hanbin Kim University of Southern California Spring 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Hanbin is a freshman at USC currently majoring in Environmental Studies. He enjoys doing anything outdoors whether it’s for hiking or fishing. In his free time, he likes to listen to music or go running.
	Jose Vasquez University of Southern California Spring 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer I am a senior at USC graduating this spring. My academic passions include ethical theory, environmental sustainability, and the role the state plays in making both ends meet. Upon graduating, I will earn my Master’s in Public Administration at Columbia University, where I will start this fall. Outside of school, I love boxing, making photos, playing piano, and hiking.
	Kaila Espiritu University of Southern California Spring 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Kaila Espiritu is a current first-year at the University of Southern California studying Environmental Studies and History. She hopes to pursue a career in environmental law and policy with respect to marine conservation. In her free time she loves to read, swim, listen to music, and travel.
	Laura Quirke University of Southern California Spring 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Laura Quirke is a senior at USC studying Biological Sciences and she is from Queens, New York. She is interested in all things science and loves the outdoors and animals. In her free time she enjoys painting, reading, drinking coffee, and spending time with friends.
	Melissa Finegan University of Southern California Spring 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Melissa is a senior at USC studying neuroscience. She currently conducts research in a molecular biology lab on campus studying bacteria and is very passionate about the environment and learning about the natural world. She hopes to pursue a graduate degree in either biology or neuroscience and will be taking a year off after graduating to continue research while she applies.
	Wen Ting Fei University of Southern California Spring 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Wendy is a Freshman at USC currently pursuing her chemistry degree in undergrad. She likes to watch dramas and listen to music. During her free time she likes visiting museums, making crafts, or creating new dishes.
	Victoria Westover University of Southern California Major: Political Science and Environmental Studies Spring 2022 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center staff Fall 2021 – Spring 2022: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2018 – Spring 2020: Marine Biodiversity Center student Victoria is a freshman who hopes to tie her love of politics to her love of the marine life by enacting effective change in environmental policies. Victoria’s passion to protect marine organisms began at a young age during one of her deep sea fishing excursions in the Sea of Cortez. She enjoys running and going to the beach. Victoria worked alongside Hubbs-Seaworld Research Institute and the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife raising and releasing White Sea Bass and Rainbow Trout.
2021
	Blaire Goldberg University of Southern California Major: Biological Sciences and Dance Fall 2021: Marine Biodiversity Center student Blaire is a current senior at the University of Southern California pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a minor in Dance. She hopes to further her education with graduate studies and aims to one day work in the medical field. Outside of academics and work, Blaire loves spending time with friends and family, musical theater, taking spin classes, and exploring all the Los Angeles area has to offer.
	Mike Guevara Fall 2021: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer My name is Mike Guevara I’m a guest relations associate at the Natural History Museum. I have a Bachelors of the arts in Anthropology and have worked on many projects with the R&C department in my years at the museum.
	Nancy Yanez University of California, Riverside Major: Sociology/Lae and Society, and English Fall 2021: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer Nancy has worked at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County for almost 5 years in the Guest Relations department. She graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a degree in Sociology/Law and Society and a minor in English. She loves learning new things and loves animals.
	Ryan Nieto Fall 2021: Marine Biodiversity Center digitizer
2020
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	Hannah Morton University of Southern California Major: Environmental Studies Spring 2020: Marine Biodiversity Center student Hannah is a junior at the University of Southern California pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, with an emphasis in marine ecology. She is currently working towards her AAUS Scientific Diver certification, and also enjoys recreational diving in her free time. When she isn’t in class or working, Hannah enjoys spending time outside as a student guide for USC’s outdoor club, as well as horseback riding, sailing, and running.
	Amber Pitts University of Southern California Major: Psychology and Linguistics Fall 2019 – Spring 2020: Marine Biodiversity Center student Amber is a junior at USC majoring in psychology and linguistics. She plans on becoming a licensed therapist and speech pathologist. In her free time she loves to write and dance with her competitive dance team at USC.
	Valerie Araki University of Southern California Major: Biochemistry Fall 2019 – Spring 2020: Marine Biodiversity Center student Valerie Araki is a Freshman at the University of Southern California. She majors in Biochemistry and is considering a minor in Neuroscience. She has not yet decided what career path she will pursue, but is on the Pre-health track for graduate school. She loves the beach, cats, the MCU, and visual arts. she hopes that one day the world will acknowledge the threat of Climate Change and stop ignoring the issue.
2019
	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.
	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.
	Alyssa Nelson California State University, Long Beach Major: Marine Biology Fall 2017 – Fall 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Alyssa attends California State University Long Beach and is majoring in Marine Biology. When she isn’t volunteering in the MBC lab at the museum, she is studying in the school library, working out in the gym, or exploring what Southern California has to offer.
	Makenzie Hajek University of Southern California Major: Art History Spring 2019 – Fall 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Fall 2017 – Spring 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center student Makenzie is a sophomore getting a degree in Art History while also completing a pre-med track. She wants to pursue a career as a wildlife veterinarian focusing on large exotic animals (elephants, rhinos, giraffes, lions, etc.). In her free time, she loves horseback riding, traveling for the sake of interacting with the native wildlife, hiking with her dogs, swimming piers, reading literally everything and attempting to eat at every possible restaurant in L.A.
	Jessica Carrillo University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biomedical Engineering Fall 2018 – Fall 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center student Spring 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Spring 2017 – Fall 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Jessica is a sophomore at USC planning to major in Biomedical Engineering. She is a Latino Alumni Association Scholar, writer and social media chair for the online magazine Society.19, and works with USC Viterbi’s pre-college engineering program. She enjoys cooking and baking, spending time with friends and family, weight training, and making people laugh .
	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.
	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!!
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	Paul H. Kim Georgia Instituted of Technology Summer 2019: Marine Biodiversity Center intern 2019 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
2018
	Angelina Lim University of Southern California Major: Biochemistry Fall 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center student Angelina is a freshman majoring in biochemistry at USC. She enjoys running in the trails around Los Angeles, especially those in her hometown of Simi Valley, a small town just an hour away from LA. She also likes to visit museums with friends and families, especially the Hammer Museum and Getty Villa. Her greatest wish is to find the best ice cream and boba locations in Los Angeles.
	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.
	William Pankey University of Southern California Major: Anthropology Fall 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center student Currently a sophomore seeking to graduate with a masters degree. I love traveling and seeing what the world has to offer. Some of my favorite things to do are to hangout with friends and play Super Smash Bros. I hope to work for National Geographic one day.
	Jayesh Sharma University of Southern California Major: Neuroscience Fall 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center student Spring 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Fall 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center student Jayesh Sharma is a freshman majoring in Neuroscience at USC. He has a passion for research, in fields varying from Marine Biology to Stem Cell Regeneration. In his free time, he likes to game, read, and watch anime.
	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.
	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.
	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!
	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.
	Hyojun Son Avon Old Farms School, Avon, Connecticut, U.S.A. Summer 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center intern 2018 ARIP (Advanced Research Internship Program)
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	Derek Morimoto University of California, Berkeley Major: Environmental Engineering Science and Marine Science Spring 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Derek is a sophomore majoring in Environmental Engineering Science and pursuing a minor in Marine Science. He hopes to explore these two interests and help create technology that protects the oceans. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, snowboarding, and maintaining his fresh and saltwater fish tanks.
	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.
	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.
	Eva Hilton University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Health and Human Sciences; Healthcare Studies Summer 2017 – Spring 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Eva is going to be a senior at USC planning to pursue a career in the healthcare field. She is part of the USC ENST Scientific Diving Team and enjoys diving with her friends whenever she can. Her dream job is to be a trauma surgeon living on the beach so she can enjoy all of the things she loves. She also likes to go to as many concerts as she can, wake surf in San Diego, watch Game of Thrones on repeat, and eat sushi all day long.
	Sujin Jeong University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Psychology and Human Biology double-major Fall 2016 – Spring 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center student Sujin is Psychology and Human Biology double-major who thoroughly enjoys standing inside the great redwoods near her home in Northern California. You can often find her attempting to build an excellent rapport with the dogs of strangers or organizing her Google calendar to a tee. Her favorite film to relentlessly sob to is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Her favorite film to expel an amused puff of air from her nose in lieu of an audible laugh is White Chicks. Her favorite person is whoever took the time to actually read this.
	Gracie Mowery University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Planning, Policy, and Design; Minor: Architecture Fall 2015 – Spring 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center student Gracie is originally from rural Ohio, where her family has lived for multiple generations. Like her mother and grandfather, she can often be found making art (and yes, quickly scribbled doodles on paper scraps of cuddly monsters and fairy shrimp are indeed art). She plans on incorporating what she learns about the natural environment in the lab with what she learns about the built environment in her urban planning classes.
	Kiana Gomez University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Philosophy, Politics and Law Fall 2014 – Spring 2018: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Kiana is a freshman majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Law and planning to minor in English. She hopes to visit every museum in the world (the cool ones at least) and loves reading, eating, and watching every episode of 30 Rock on Netflix over and over again. Her roommate can recite lines even though she’s never watched an episode herself.
2017
	Alexandra Karaim University of Southern California Major: Writing for Screen and TV Fall 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center student Alexandra is a freshman at USC's School of Cinematic Arts. Although she loves the arts, she also has always been interested in science and history and wants to tie these things into what she writes in the future. She plays both the guitar and the tenor saxophone. Originally from Arizona, she is really enjoying the weather in California, and she loves making frequent trips to the beach.
	Sean McNeely University of Southern California Fall 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Sean is a USC freshman studying biology… or anthropology… or economics… or something. Despite his intellectual indecision, he has maintained a love for biological discovery and research since an early age. Raised in Washington D.C., he enjoys big cities and cool weather. By working at the Biodiversity Center, he hopes to do his small part in preserving and understanding our local ecosystems.
	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.
	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!
	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
	Bryant Hwang Cornell University Summer 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center intern 2017 ARIP (Advanced Internship Research Program)
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	Jennifer Pan University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biomedical Engineering Fall 2016 – Spring 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Fall 2015 – Spring 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Spring 2015: BioSCAN volunteer Jennifer is a sophomore in Biomedical Engineering at USC. She is also a coffee addict and thinks museums are awesome. In her free time she likes to go running, try new restaurants in LA, and play video games.
	Annika Hoy University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Applied Mathematics with minors in Psychology and Spanish Fall 2014 – Spring 2017: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Annika Hoy is originally from Northern California and in her free time she likes to ride horses and motorcycles. She’d like to thank her mom, who will probably post a link to this on Facebook (if she can figure out how to post a link).
2016
	Jim Cline 2002 – 2016: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer 2003 – 2006: NSF Isopods volunteer Jim's urge to be a wide-view visionary has resulted in three technical papers, numerous electronic documents, and two websites. He foresees a time when DNA from creatures living today may be used to create thriving ecosystems in huge space colonies orbiting the Earth, connected by space elevator technologies — perhaps only a few decades from now. Jim has not only volunteered for Invertebrate Paleontology making thin sections of fossil corals and for the MBC until 2004 helping with curation, but he has also been instrumental in databasing and preparing the online Isopod Image Database, work that is ongoing: Check it out.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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
	Claire Malarkey University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Piano Performance Fall 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Claire is a freshman at USC studying Piano Performance. She loves hiking and skiing, and spends a lot of her free time on the coast in Washington.
	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.
	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.
	Sivakami Ananthasingam University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Neuroscience Fall 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Spring 2015: BioSCAN volunteer Hello everyone! My name is Sivi. I'm a junior studying Neuroscience/Pre-Med at USC. I hope to one day become a physician of emergency medicine. I have a passion for volleyball, global health, and reading. I have always had a fear of insects and feel that working on BioSCAN projects will help me conquer my fear and learn about a branch of science that I wouldn’t have normally been able to study in-depth.
	Mark Paraschuk University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Computer Science and Business Administration Fall 2014 – Fall 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Born Estonian, raised Russian, Mark Paraschuk brings the free-willing, European spirit to the lab. He is currently majoring in Computer Science/Business Administration at USC. He was drawn to the BioSCAN project by his love for the natural world and the prospect of participating in groundbreaking research regarding urban biodiversity. His interests vary far and wide, but a steady constant in his life is his love for tea and reading.
	Lindsay Hafen University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biological Sciences Spring 2015 – Fall 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Spring 2014 – Fall 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Spring 2014 – Fall 2014: BioSCAN research student Summer 2013 – Fall 2013: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Summer 2013 – Fall 2013: BioSCAN volunteer Lindsay is studying biological sciences at the University of Southern California. She enjoys traveling, reading, painting and, of course, biology! She isn’t sure what her future career will be, but she has been inspired by the Natural History Museum and thinks it will have something to do with biology. Her favorite insect currently are European honey bees.
	Chen Liang University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Chemical Engineering Spring 2015: BioSCAN volunteer Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer My name is Chen and I am a freshman majoring in chemical engineering (struggling over the possible emphases in ChemE). I come from Beijing, China and I speak Mandarin. This is my first time studying abroad and I feel excited and overwhelmed at the same time. I have been doing Taekwondo for two years and currently I am a member of the USC Taekwondo club. I love to cook and bake. My favorite food is Korean food (can’t live without Kimchi) thus my favorite part of LA is Ktown. I am a dog person and I have two dogs back at home, a poodle which looks like a teddy bear and a Yorkshire terrier. I miss them a lot! I have never thought of working with insects but I believe I will learn a lot from this experience.
	Christina Rouse University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Environmental Studies Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Spring 2015: BioSCAN volunteer Christina is a Trustee Scholar and a Sophomore Environmental Studies major at the University of Southern California. She is rescue and scientific diver certified; in her free time she is active in philanthropic work in Los Angeles.
	Daniel Kim University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Neuroscience Spring 2015: BioSCAN volunteer Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer
	Phoebe Lew University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Computer Science Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Phoebe is a sophomore hailing from a sleepy suburb in eastern Washington. She thinks the lab has the nicest people she’s worked with so far, and more importantly, the best coffee. When she’s not coding or working, she can be found in the physical education building at martial arts practices, or reading post modernist fiction.
	Rebecca Fang University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Environmental Engineering Spring 2015: BioSCAN volunteer Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Rebecca is a sophomore studying Environmental Engineering at USC. Aside from exploring the great outdoors, she enjoys playing guitar, creative writing, and basketball. One day she hopes to work in the clean energy industry while learning as many languages as she can!
	Ruth Park University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Sociology Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Ruth is a junior majoring in Sociology at the University of Southern California. After switching majors over seven times, she decided to settle with Sociology because she wants to focus on social change. In her free time, she likes to hike, play with her two poodles and bunny, read books by Jane Goodall and dance in the kitchen while baking. If she were stranded on an island and could only choose one food to eat and one insect species to live with, she would choose to eat only baguettes and live with bees (so she could eat its honey and use its venom for medicinal purposes). She would also try to smuggle in some Reese’s Pieces even though she knows she not allowed to.
	Samantha Cadwell University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biological Sciences Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Sam Cadwell is a super!senior at USC working on a BS in biological sciences, emphasis education. As a professional artist & aspiring scientist, the life goal is to educate the next generation in biological conservation. A native Southern Californian, Sam still manages a taste for exotic weather; she has lived in Alaska & New Zealand, has traveled to eleven countries over three continents abroad and twelve states at home. She enjoys trail running, yoga, camping, art, & gardening. Friends & family describe her as “a dirty hippie.”
	Sungwon Byun University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Chemical Engineering Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student I’m currently a junior at USC studying chemical engineering. I am interested in discovering ways to decrease harm to the environment from industrial processes. When I’m not thinking about school, I most enjoy spending time in the sun with Bear, my pitbull puppy.
	Tam (Henry) Nguyen University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Computer Science Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student
	Dana Handy University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Environmental Studies Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student In my experience at USC I have been able to study abroad in New Zealand, become a scientific SCUBA diver and do research in Guam and Palau. Outside of school my hobbies include rock climbing, snowboarding, hiking and camping. I am originally from San Diego and hope to return after I graduate in order to accomplish my Masters at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. I am very passionate about ocean conservation and hope to pursue a career in marine biodiversity and conservation or in environmental education.
	Emma Ross University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Environmental Studies and Italian Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN volunteer Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Emma is a senior majoring in Environmental Studies and Italian. After graduation, she plans on going to Brisbane, Australia to see where life takes her. Ever since she was 12, and began scuba diving, she knew she wanted to help the marine environment. She hopes to find a career in Coral and Coastal Management, focusing in outreach and ecotourism. Her favorite animal is the sperm whale (who on average can dive 4000 ft., how cool!). She enjoys listening to music, learning new languages, and really loves cheese!
	Jed (Niko) Gonzalez University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and minor in Natural Sciences Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student I graduated Thousand Oaks High School in 2011. Transferred in to USC from Moorpark College in 2013. Expected graduation from USC is 2016 with a BS in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and a minor in Natural Sciences. I want to pursue medicine somewhere down the line but I am also thinking about taking a few years off to do some humanitarian work first. My brother and I are the first generation born in the USA and we currently live in Thousand Oaks, California.
	Jessica Jung University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Economics with minor in Dance Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Jessica is a junior majoring in economics and considering a minor in dance. She has been dancing since the age of six and have taken classes in ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, and Chinese Folklorical. She also has a yorkshire terrier that she spoils way too much and is her baby. Not only that but she is also a major foodie and is always looking for new things to try.
	Kevin Shamash University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Global Health and Biological Sciences Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student My name is Kevin Shamash and I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I am a Senior at USC majoring in Global Health and Biological Sciences and plan on going to Medical School next year. I enjoy skiing, relaxing on the beach, hiking, playing the saxophone and classical literature. I heard about the BioScan project from a professor working on the project and jumped at the opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of the city I grew up in.
	Kimberly Morales University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student My name is Kimberly Morales. I am Puerto Rican and Pacific Islander. I was raised in Florida, never more than 15 minutes away from the beach. I am currently a freshman at the University of Southern California with a double major in Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences and looking into a minor in cultural anthropology. In my spare time, I like photography, hiking, surfing, or simply going to the beach. I am excited to be a member of the BioSCAN project and am looking forward to the what’s in store!
	Rachel Song University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Fine Arts with minor in Psychology Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Rachel is a senior with a fine arts major and psychology minor. Born in Los Angeles, she moved around a total of fourteen times and lived in places such as Seoul and San Diego. Her current obsessions include: honey roasted peanut butter, outdoor movie screenings, and home-made smoothies. She is a barista with great adoration for coffee and pastries. She hopes to travel around the world some day.
	Sean Roth University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Film Production Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Sean is a senior who will be majoring in Film Production. Since he could walk he would wander around his backyard catching insects and studying them. His passion for living things led to aspirations of becoming an entomologist but when he discovered photography he couldn’t get cameras out of his hand. Making films is the culmination of all of his interests: telling stories, making beautiful images, and interacting with the world around us.
	Sonia Boller University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Environmental Studies Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN volunteer Fall 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Sonia Boller is a senior majoring in Environmental Studies. Ever since she was little she has loved being outdoors and exploring the wonders of the natural world. In addition to her love of nature, she also enjoys reading, listening to music, and cooking vegan food. Her dream job involves traveling around the world taking photos that promote awareness and conservation of our natural resources.
	Ben Refoua Milken Community High School Summer 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN volunteer Summer 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Benjamin is a junior at Milken Community High School. Ben has always loved bugs and science. Benjamin also likes to spend his time playing sports. Benjamin is a part of the Milken Community High School water polo and swim team. Benjamin also loves to travel and visit new places.
	Ernesto Figueroa University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biomedical Engineering Summer 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Summer 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Ernesto is a senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering. He enjoys the unique mix of human biology with the numbers and math associated with engineering. During his spare time, Ernesto enjoys sitting on the couch watching movies and staying current with his favorite sports teams. He is usually not too fond of bugs, so Ernesto keeps his knowledge of insects in the workplace and prefers to believe they do not inhabit his yard or home.
	Juhi Vora University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Occupational Therapy with minor in Religion Summer 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Summer 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Juhi is a (incoming?) sophomore majoring in occupational therapy and minoring in religion at the University of Southern California. She never imagined she would be working with insects as she has a rocky relationship with cockroaches, but after starting work at the Natural History Museum and learning more about the diversity within the insect world, she has become fascinated by them. She enjoys learning new things about all fields and in her free time she likes to craft, explore Netflix, and surf the web.
	Tammy Lee University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Environmental Studies Summer 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Summer 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Tammy is a senior majoring in Environmental Studies. Although she has always had an irrational fear of insects before, she is glad to be a part of a project where she can study these organisms and grow to love their unique charms. In her free time, she likes to learn about Korean culture and think about her next meal.
	Yangzi (Jessie) Guo University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biochemistry with minor in Video Game Animation Summer 2014 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Summer 2014 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Jess is a rising sophomore majoring in biochemistry with a minor in video game animations. Currently, she does not know what she wants to do in the future yet but a veterinarian is on the top of her reasonable jobs list. Pop star and food critic are on her unreasonable but fun jobs list. Always wanted a pet that’s not a tomagatchi. Besides staring at interesting invertebrates, she enjoys kbbq, boba, all types of music, and video games.
	Christine Tran University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Psychology, minor in Public Health Fall 2013 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2013 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Christine is a junior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Public Health. She is pursing a future in the medical/health field. She likes visiting museums; this is how she developed an interest in working in one. She enjoys music and playing piano. Her favorite parts of the day (besides working at the MBC, of course) are eating and sleeping.
	Nicole Wongk University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Chemical Engineering Fall 2013 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2013 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Nicole is a junior majoring in chemical engineering. She hopes to use her degree to design and produce haircare products. Her interest in the Biodiversity Center was sparked when she saw a poster on campus offering the opportunity to work with real specimens that could end up on display at the museum! On the weekends she enjoys playing her violin at church and roller skating at Venice Beach or anywhere there’s a smooth surface and music. She loves to travel, especially outside of the United States.
	Sharon Oh University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Animation and Digital Art Fall 2013 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2013 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Sharon is a freshman majoring in Animation and Digital Art in the USC School of Cinematic Arts. In her spare time she likes to sleep, swim, sew, draw, and play video games. If she were an animal she would be a monstrous fusion between a Shiba Inu, a Barn Owl, and a rabbit. If you own a Shiba Inu, you should let her pet it. So far her favorite insect is the Cuckoo Wasp because it looks like it’s covered in fabulous glitter.
	Julia Garcia University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Health and Humanity Summer 2013 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Summer 2013 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student 2014: BioSCAN research student Julia is a sophomore majoring in Health and Humanity. She hopes to one day become a psychiatrist so she can finally get paid to hang out with crazy people. For now, she enjoys entertaining herself by watching shows like Dexter and guesstimating the number of fairy shrimp in a lot!
	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.
	Jean Pongsai University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Fine Arts Spring 2013 – Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Fall 2011 – Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Jean is a freshman majoring in Fine Arts. She plans to pursue fashion design in the future. Her special talent is squirrel calling, and yes, they do run over to her. Whenever she is bored, she likes to watch scary movies. Her favorite food is curry, so please buy her some.
	Chase Puentes University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Environmental Studies Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Chase is a senior studying Environmental Studies and Communication at the University of Southern California. Originally from sunny San Diego, Chase is passionate about conservation both on land and in marine environments having spent much of her life in the outdoors hiking, camping, rock climbing, swimming, and otherwise adventuring. She loves movies and travel, and intends to work abroad after graduating in December 2015 before applying to graduate school. Chase’s dream career is to work as a research explorer for National Geographic, her favorite flavor of ice cream is pistachio, and she considers Sherlock to be the best TV show on air.
	Daniel Keroles University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biological Sciences Spring 2015: BioSCAN student Spring 2015: Marine Biodiversity Center student Daniel Keroles is a senior studying Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California. He is currently in the process of applying to pharmacy school and hoping to begin in the fall of 2015. His past lab work includes Drosophila lifespan in Genetics and is now a member of the BioSCAN team in the Natural History Museum. Aside from working in labs, Daniel likes to spend his time exploring Los Angeles restaurants and playing guitar.
2014
	Christy Lee University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biology Fall 2014: BioSCAN volunteer Fall 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Christy is a freshman majoring in Biology at USC. She loves watching tv and reading and often procrastinates on all her work. Her favorite foods are all fruits except apples, which she finds pretty boring. Currently, her goal is to find good, cheap boba tea close to USC if she ever finds time to explore.
	Katie Han University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biology Fall 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2014: BioSCAN student Katie is a freshman majoring in biology. Since she was a kid, Katie has loved doing science experiments, and she hopes to pursue a career in the medical field. In her spare time, she plays golf, goes hiking, and composes her own music on the piano. Katie also loves coffee and food.
	Harleen Marwah University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Spring 2013 – Fall 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Spring 2013 – Fall 2014: BioSCAN research student Harleen Marwah is a Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Major from Upland, CA. Harleen aspires towards medical school, and plans to use her voice as an M.D. to facilitate communication between the science, business, and policy worlds. At USC, Harleen works at the USC Office for Wellness and Health Promotion, serves as the Outreach Coordinator for Students Taking Action in the Name of Diversity, and serves as a co-founder and director of the undergraduate ambassador program for USC’s Keck School of Medicine. Through her research at the Natural History Museum, Harleen’s passion for environmental health and for bridging the gap between science and policy has grown. And of course, she has become an advocate for those adorable fairy shrimp.
	Milo Borsuk Freedman Wildwood School 2013 – 2014: BioSCAN volunteer 2013 – 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer
	Anayenzi (Ana) Acosta University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biomedical Engineering Summer 2014: BioSCAN student Summer 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center student Anayenzi is a sophmore interested in pursuing Biomedical Engineering. Her personal philosophy is that “a smile is the universal language of kindness”. She enjoys watching black and white films, jamming out to 80s music, trying new foods, and exploring different parts of LA. Her favorite part about working at the museum is the opportunity to take a “sneak peak” at the beautifully designed, but often hidden, world around us!
	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.
	Jose Diego University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Astronomy with minor in Natural Science Summer 2014: BioSCAN student Summer 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center student Jose is majoring in Astronomy and minoring in Natural Science. He has always been interested in science but has never had the opportunity to work with insects. He enjoys learning new things in fields he has not studied in depth. In his free time he enjoys playing soccer and video games. In the future he aspires to earn a Masters in Geophysics and a PhD. in Astrophysics.
	Allara Uota University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Human Biology with minor in Web Technologies & Applications Spring 2014: BioSCAN volunteer Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Summer 2014: BioSCAN research student Allara enjoys swimming, surfing, wasting time on the internet, hand-lettering, and obsessing over Australian hip hop. At this point in time, she has no idea what she wants to do with her life after graduation, but she’s working on figuring that one out.
	Jennifer Camello University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Anthropology Spring 2014 – Summer 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Spring 2014 – Summer 2014: BioSCAN research student Fall 2013: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Fall 2013: BioSCAN volunteer Jennifer is a junior majoring in Anthropology and hopes to one day become a pediatrician. She used to want to become a museum curator because she loves Ancient Greek artifacts and history, so maybe this position will sway her back to the museum life. She is fond of baking, global health, dark chocolate, tea, and traveling.
	Janie Chen University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Fall 2013 – Summer 2014: BioSCAN research student Fall 2013 – Summer 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Summer 2013: BioSCAN student Summer 2013: Marine Biodiversity Center student Janie is a freshman majoring in Health Promotion Disease Prevention. In her free time, she enjoys reading. Though it’s too hard for her to pick an absolute favorite, her favorite book of the moment is A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. Her dream is to become a coral reef gardener in Australia. Blind Pilot, Passion Pit, and TOKiMONSTA are tied for first place in her iTunes most played. If she could choose a superpower, she would choose to have the ability to speak every language in the world.
	Christina Li University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biological Sciences Spring 2013 – Summer 2014: BioSCAN student Fall 2012 – Summer 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2013 – Spring 2014: BioSCAN research student Fall 2013 – Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Christina is a Biological Sciences major. She likes to watch dramas & movies in general in her spare time. Occasionally, she also likes to play the piano. She loves to be around animals, especially furry ones. She is volunteering at the Natural History Museum because it is a fun place to gain more experience in a field she had not previously considered.
	Maria Peltekova University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (B.A. 2014) Major: English Spring 2013 – Summer 2014: BioSCAN student Fall 2011 – Summer 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center student Maria is an English major who is happy to have an excuse for wandering over to the Museum everyday. If she were a fruit, she would be a strawberry; if she were an animal, she would be a cat; if she were a day, she would be Monday; and if she were a specimen in a marine bio lab, she would be an Uca mjoebergi, though she wouldn't mind being a Eubranchipus holmanii.
	Jenessa Wall 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.
	Bronte Yang University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Spring 2014: BioSCAN volunteer Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer
	Tim Gonzalez University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Spring 2014: BioSCAN student Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center student
	Brenda Ho University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Sociology Fall 2013 – Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2013 – Spring 2014: BioSCAN student Brenda is a senior majoring in sociology. She plans to attend law school after graduation. One day she dreams of pursuing her love of cooking, baking, and all things food. She applied to the Biodiversity Center because of her interest in nature. She really looks forward to learning more about the evolution of insects and how the environment effects them.
	Edwin Lee University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biological Sciences Fall 2013 – Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Fall 2013 – Spring 2014: BioSCAN research student Edwin is currently a junior studying Biological Sciences at University of Southern California. He enjoys hiking, swimming, and watching movies. He loves working with cool insects in the Nature Lab and aspires to work in medicine after graduation. He really hates celery. He is 20 years old, but still very much enjoys watching Cartoon Network.
	John Lee University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Economics and Mathematics Fall 2013 – Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2013 – Spring 2014: BioSCAN student John is a senior studying Economics/Mathematics. Although he is a numbers person, he enjoys working on hands-on projects and activities rather than spending time on at desk in front of the computer. He is glad about working at the museum because he gets to see and learn about interesting things, especially dinosaurs. Since childhood, he liked reading about the universe and wishes that there was an outer space exhibit at the museum.
	Nathan Nguyen University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biological Sciences Fall 2013 – Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Fall 2013 – Spring 2014: BioSCAN research student Nathan is a junior studying Biological Sciences with a minor in Italian. He plans to pursue a career in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. His hobbies include snowboarding, the beach, traveling, concerts, camping, fine dining, and just spending time with friends and family. He has a great passion for music and science.
	Tochukwu Madu University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Psychology and Biology Summer 2013 – Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Summer 2013 – Spring 2014: BioSCAN volunteer Tochi is a senior Psychology and Biology double major at USC from Cerritos, California. He is pre-med with hopes of becoming an endocrinologist. He is also currently working in the Mind in Development at USC due to his interest in early childhood development and social cognition. When he was a child he used to collect ladybugs and perform operations on fig beetles that got trapped in his pool. In his free time he enjoys playing basketball and watching National Geographic documentaries.
	Kristi Gadalla University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (B.Sc. 2014) Major: Biomedical Engineering Spring 2013 – Spring 2014: BioSCAN student Spring 2013 – Spring 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center student Kristi is a junior studying biomedical engineering. Since childhood she has loved fishing and catching small crabs with her bare hands. To date she considers eating an entire Freebirds super monster burrito in one sitting to be her greatest accomplishment. While eating obscene amounts of food is currently her most treasured talent, running obscene distances is a close second.
	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.
	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.
	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.
2013
	Brian Loyd University of California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Anthropology and History 2013: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer 2013: BioSCAN volunteer Brian is a graduate of UCLA, with a bachelors in Anthropology and History. Having been both an employee and volunteer in the Education and Exhibits Department at NHM, Brian is seeking to broaden his horizons by working behind the scenes with the BioSCAN Project. Brian’s passions include Indian Pale Ales and 16-bit video games.
	Estella Hernandez Whittier College, Whittier, CA Spring 2005 – Fall 2013: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Estella enjoys camping and hiking. Her interest in the outdoors led her to the Natural History Museum. Estella has learned basic invertebrate taxonomy and identifies Puget Sound specimens under a dissecting microscope sorting them to phylum or class. She also assisted with the curation of the Fiji Collection — organizing specimens by lot number, printing and associating labels with specimens. And she loves bears!
	Mark Floro University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biomedical Engineering Spring 2013 – Summer 2013: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Mark is a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Born and raised in Huntington Beach, Mark loves Southern California and going to the beach. He also enjoys watching movies and exploring Los Angeles. He hopes to learn important research skills by working in the Biodiversity Lab.
	Tristan Jordan University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Spring 2013: BioSCAN student Spring 2013: Marine Biodiversity Center student Tristan is a freshman majoring in Biochemistry and plans to minor in Economics. Since he was young, he has been passionate about the study of nature and life. One of his goals is to pursue biological research that contributes to medicine. In his spare time, he enjoys playing piano and drawing manga.
	Eddy Giang University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biological Sciences Spring 2013: BioSCAN research student Spring 2013: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Fall 2012 – Spring 2013: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Eddy is a senior majoring Biological Sciences. His interest in the field of biology first started at a young age, hiking with his family and exploring rivers for any moving life forms. In his spare time, Eddy enjoys the outdoors, photography, traveling, and cooking.
	Mark LeBlanc California State University, Long Beach (M.S. 2014) Spring 2012 – Spring 2013: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Mark is a grad student in biology at CSULA, and he currently plans to present his thesis on the taxonomy of a new species of Caribbean ostracod in summer 2012. Outside of ostracods, Mark’s other hobbies include medieval fantasy novels, dark synth-pop albums and aspirations of travel. After graduating he hopes to pursue a career studying the evolutionary relationships among crustacean taxa.
2012
	Giovani Zelada University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Human Biology Fall 2012: BioSCAN student Fall 2012: Marine Biodiversity Center student Giovani is a Sophomore majoring in Human Biology and considering a minor in Theatre. He is passionate about helping his community, motivating him to become a physician. His favorite part about working at the MBC is receiving exposure to the variety of marine animals in the ocean.
	Kristal Ha University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Spring 2012: Marine Biodiversity Center student I am currently a freshman majoring in Biochemistry and am planing to minor in Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Volunteerism. I hope to become a dentist and one day start an organization that works to provide dental care to those in less developed areas. My favorite part about this job is that it helps me overcome my irrational fear of all kinds of animals.
	Rollin Baker University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Fall 2011 – Spring 2012: Marine Biodiversity Center student Rollin is a freshman majoring in Electrical Engineering and with minors in math and physics. He is from East Lansing, Michigan and is really looking forward to winter so he can laugh at all his friends stuck in snow back home. He also wants to give a shout out to his dad, who will probably show this to anyone and everyone he possibly can.
	Sana Ahmed University of Southern California, Los Angeles Fall 2011 – Spring 2012: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Sana graduated from USC with a B.S. in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies. She enjoys running, photography and reading. In addition to volunteering at the MBC, she works as an Emergency Medicine Scribe. She finds the MBC to be a nice change of pace from the ER.
	Nicole Chang University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Fall 2011 – Spring 2012: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Fall 2010 – Spring 2011: Marine Biodiversity Center student Nicole is a freshman majoring in Biological Sciences. She loves international travel, shopping, cupcakes, chocolate, and dogs. She is very excited to work at the Natural History Museum.
	Jonathan Sepulveda University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biomedical Engineering Fall 2009 – 2011: NSF Decapoda volunteer Fall 2011 – Spring 2012: NSF Decapoda intern Fall 2009 – Spring 2012: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Jonathan is a sophmore studying Biomedical Engineering. When not up in the mountains shredding the slopes (the recent snow reminds him of home in Toronto, Canada), he is enjoying the California sun playing tennis or basketball. He loves working with animals (dead or alive!) and hopes to become a vet someday.
2011
	Jenny Callahan University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Fall 2011: Marine Biodiversity Center student Jenny is a freshman majoring in Engineering. She is from Boston (and loves the Boston sports teams!) and does not miss the cold weather. She enjoys playing tennis and having fun. She is very excited to be working at the Museum.
	Phyllis Sun University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (B.F.A. 2011) Major: Fine Arts Fall 2008 – 2011: Marine Biodiversity Center student 2011 – 2014: Marine Biodiversity Center staff 2013 – 2014: BioSCAN staff Phyllis earned a Bachelors in Fine Arts from the University of Southern California's Roski School of Fine Arts, emphasizing photography, drawing, and design. While at USC, she worked for the Marine Biodiversity Center, photographing specimens and assisting with the start up of a photographic database for the Malacology and Invertebrate Paleontology collections. Phyllis joined the Marine Biodiversity Center as staff in 2011, where she helps curate and database specimens. Phyllis hopes to continue her interest in curation and conservation.
	Adam Wall University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 2011 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center staff 2013 – Summer 2015: BioSCAN staff 2008 – 2011: Marine Biodiversity Center student 2008 – 2011: NSF Decapoda student Meet Adam Wall, Collections Manager of Crustacea, ADSP (Associate Director of Special Projects) of NHMLA’s Diversity Initiative for the Southern California Ocean (DISCO) Project, and Board Member of the NHMLA’s Community Science (AKA Citizen Science) Working Group. In my role as Crustacea Collections Manager I am responsible for overseeing the curation, digitization, and loans of specimens for research or exhibit, and visitor access related to the world’s fourth largest collection of Crustacea specimens. My research interest within the crustaceans is as broad as the NHMLA collections itself, which has specimens from both across the world and across all major crustacean taxa. My research focus is in population genetics, phylogenetic, systematics and taxonomy of Isopoda (AKA pill bugs, roly polies, or slaters), Anostraca (AKA Fairy Shrimps or Sea-Monkeys), and deep sea hydrothermal vent Decapoda (shrimps and crabs). I have conducted extensive research throughout the eastern Pacific Ocean as well as in Central America and Australia. In my role as Associate Director of Special Projects (ADSP) for NHMLA’s Diversity Initiative for the Southern California Ocean (DISCO) Project, I am responsible for developing the novel pipeline capable of processing the some 25,000 specimens needed to develop a DNA barcode database for marine invertebrates of California — ranging from Point Conception to the Mexican border. This includes specimen collection, identification, photo and museum vouchering, DNA extraction, DNA barcode sequence generation, and depositing sequence data into international sequence databases such as NCBI and BOLD. I am also responsible for enabling the integration of the DNA barcoding efforts of our DISCO project into the actively developing fields of metabarcoding and environmental DNA (eDNA) for both species diversity studies as well as rare (endangered) and invasive species detection through strong collaboration with leading institutions in these emerging fields of molecular biology. All of these are novel tools we are developing with the hope to aim directly at some of the most important problems facing society today, including, but not limited to, climate change, shifts and changes in global biodiversity, and increased extinction rates in the Anthropocene. As NHMLA Community Science Working Group Board Member, I am involved with developing NHMLA’s initiative to include all residents of Los Angeles in Community Science projects as part of our mission to be a museum for and of LA, personally co-leading two Community Science projects. One project is for the remote transcription of museum specimen data, and the second is the NHMLA based DISCO Project which partners with community scientists to monitor invasive species in southern California marinas.
	Andrew Phillips Historic Resources Specialist, Fairfax Museum, Virginia Summer 2011: NSF Decapoda intern Andrew works in a small history museum in Virginia, preserving artifacts and helping put on public programs. One of his favorite places is the Hall of Dinosaurs at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, another is the High-Water Mark on the Gettysburg battlefield. In college he studied American history and went on to get a Master’s degree in Museum Studies. He enjoyed being able to help with the digitization of the decapods, but his historian side was not a fan of destroying books.
	Cherisse Datu Summer 2011: NSF Decapoda intern Assisted with the digitization of the Decapoda reprints from the Smithsonian Institution Crustacea Section.
	Ekin Dinc Smithsonian Institution Summer 2011: NSF Decapoda intern After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a History and Religious Studies degrees in 2009 I started volunteering at the Fairfax Museum and Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History. Right now I work as a part time Historic Resources Specialist at the Fairfax Museum. After working on the coral collections in the Invertebrate Zoology department at SI, I'll start working on the Encyclopedia of Life as a contractor this September.
	Heidi Cho University of Southern California, Los Angeles Summer 2011: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Heidi is a Biological Sciences major. She loves traveling with her family and dog, Disney movies, singing, playing piano, and museums. She enjoys walking around the empty exhibits of NHM before opening hours. At the Marine Biodiversity Center, she loves looking at a variety of organisms in the collections room and helping sort specimen. She's not sure what her future career will be, but hopes it will be fun and inspiring!
	Kasey Hanson Alfred University, New York Major: Ceramic Engineering Summer 2011: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Kasey is a sophomore studying ceramic engineering. He enjoys surveying a wide range of scientific disciplines. In addition to volunteering for the MBC and Crustacea, Kasey works at his summer internship at the City of Hope. Kasey intends on pursuing a career in the sciences and traveling abroad as much as possible.
	Kate Feil Summer 2011: NSF Decapoda intern Assisted with the digitization of the Decapoda reprints from the Smithsonian Institution Crustacea Section.
	Laura Dietrich Summer 2011: NSF Decapoda intern Assisted with the digitization of the Decapoda reprints from the Smithsonian Institution Crustacea Section.
	Shana Longo Summer 2011: NSF Decapoda intern Assisted with the digitization of the Decapoda reprints from the Smithsonian Institution Crustacea Section.
	Stephanie Canington Auburn University, Alabama Summer 2011: NSF Decapoda intern I am a Junior Anthropology student at Auburn University. I spent my summer interning with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History’s Invertebrate Zoology Department.
	Viji Shook George Washington University, International Affairs, M.A., and University of Southern California, Economics and International Relations, B.A. Summer 2010 – Summer 2011: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Viji is taking a brief detour from the hectic road of life to explore careers in the natural sciences. She is currently volunteering at the Dino Lab in addition to the Marine Biodiversity Center, and has volunteered in the Insect Zoo as well. Her many interests include an advanced yoga practice, baking, gardening, hiking, biking, playing mahjong and traveling abroad. She recently came back from an exhilarating trip to Borneo and Brunei which included exploring the Mulu Bat Caves (see photo). Best experiences at the MBC — identifying unlabeled specimens and munching on yummy cinnamon toast.
	Maegan Hilliard University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Neuroscience and Health Promotions and Disease Prevention Spring 2011: Marine Biodiversity Center student Maegan is a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention originally and originally from Virginia. She plans to pursue a career in researching neurological diseases. In her spare time, Maegan likes to play volleyball, hike, travel, and bake cupcakes.
	Shanil Guanasekara University of Southern California, Los Angeles Major: Biomedical Engineering Spring 2011: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Shanil is a senior studying Biomedical Engineering. He enjoys reading, cinema, independent music and soccer. He hopes to pursue a career in research, both in the USA and back home in Sri Lanka.
2010
	Molly Schaeffer University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: International Relations and minor in Natural Sciences Fall 2010: Marine Biodiversity Center student Molly is a sophomore majoring in International Relations and minoring in Natural Sciences (pre-med). Molly hopes to one day be an epidemiologist with the World Health Organization and help third-world governments eradicate disease. Molly has always loved the ocean and so she is excited about curating marine invertebrates. She knows she and the critters will become fast friends. In her spare time, Molly enjoys listening to music and reading.
	Maricela Zurita California State University, Bakersfield, CA Major: Family Studies and minor in Sociology Summer 2010: Marine Biodiversity Center student Maricela is a sophomore at Cal State Bakersfield majoring in Family Studies and minoring in Sociology. She hopes to one day work helping those in need. She is looking forward to the summer season and camping at Mono Lake. She is always up for a challenge and loves doing new things, which is one of the reasons she is working at the MBC.
	Miles Beal-Ampah University of Houston, Texas Summer 2010: Marine Biodiversity Center student Miles is a graduate of St. John Bosco High School and currently a sophomore at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. He is studying Psychology, with hopes of becoming a criminal lawyer. Miles is also a High Jumper for the University of Houston Track and Field team, with a career best of 6ft. 10in. In his spare time he enjoys playing basketball, reading, watching movies, and hanging out with friends.
	Tyvaey Lott Palisades Charter High School, Pacific Palisades, CA Summer 2010: Marine Biodiversity Center student Tyvaey, or Ty, is a Senior at Palisades Charter High School. He enjoys playing football and practicing marshal arts. Ty loves science but has not yet decided his future career plans. After graduating from high school he intends to go to college.
	Janette Havens University of California, Berkeley (B.Sc.) Major: Conservation and Resource Studies Spring 2010 – Summer 2010: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Janette graduated from Cal with a B.S. in Conservation and Resource Studies. As an undergraduate she worked at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology in the Ornithology and Herpetology Departments. She was also heavily involved in the biodiversity informatics project known as VertNET. She is currently working at Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach as an Environmental Science Intern. Janette hopes to learn more about marine organisms while volunteering with the MBC and contribute to the curation of the extensive marine invertebrates collection. Her interests include hiking, horseback riding, bird watching and watching sports. GO BEARS!
2009
	Allison Chu University of Southern California, Los Angeles Major: Piano Performance and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Summer 2009 – Fall 2009: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Allison is a junior, double-majoring in Piano Performance and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. She enjoys ice-skating, hiking, and swimming, as well as arts and crafts, concerts and Pixar movies. She's a foodie in many senses, from baking, cooking to eating, and has a mild obsession with the TV series, How I Met Your Mother. Her incentive for volunteering at NHM is mainly due to her biology teacher, Professor Wetzer, whose enthusiasm and passion for her work sparked Allison's interest in the field of marine biology. She's not exactly definite on what her future profession will be, but hopes that it'll be enjoyable and with lots of fun people.
	Chase Femrite University of Southern California, Los Angeles Major: Biology and minor in Physics and Philosophy Summer 2009 – Fall 2009: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Chase is majoring in Biology and minoring in Physics and Philosophy. His goal is to pursue a career in some aspect of biological research — his interests ranging everywhere from neuroscience to marine organisms. He is excited for the opportunity to further his knowledge and experience in marine biodiversity. In Spring 2010 he is planning on undertaking a research semester at the USC Wrigley Institute on Catalina Island.
	Jeanette Carpenter University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biochemistry Spring 2009: Marine Biodiversity Center student Jeanette is a freshman Biochemistry major. When she's not in class or at work, she is reading books by Jane Austen, watching “House,” eating oreo cream pie, or, if she's lucky, sleeping. She is excited to be working with all of the little critters in the lab and preserving them with untold amounts of alcohol.
	Ashley Avery University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biological Sciences Fall 2008 – Spring 2009: Marine Biodiversity Center student Fall 2008 – Spring 2009: NSF Decapoda student Ashley is a second year Biological Sciences major, which has spurred her interest in the Natural History Museum. Ashley is overly fascinated with anything that has to do with science. She plans to gain experience related to biological research and wants to pursue a career in bio-medical research after graduating from USC.
	Cynthia Godfrey University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Health and Humanity and minor in International Relations Fall 2008 – Spring 2009: Marine Biodiversity Center student Cynthia is a Pre-Med undergraduate majoring in Health and Humanity and minoring in International Relations. She loves anything related to the ocean, including water sports such as jet skiing. She can outrace anyone! Working with the MBPC represents an amazing opportunity for her to explore biology “outside the book,” and she hopes that it will open the door to opportunities such as research and fieldwork across the world. After practicing as a Hematologist and Oncologist, Cynthia will retire to a tiny cottage on the shores of Fiji watching the sunset and singing her favorite tunes by The Strokes.
	Kristan Culbert University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Peace and Conflict Studies Fall 2008 – Spring 2009: Marine Biodiversity Center student Kristan is a sophomore pursuing a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies as well as searching for a major course of study she will fall hopelessly in love with. She hopes to go on to either grad school or medical school and eventually work for a NGO. She enjoys speaking French to anyone who will listen, loves chemistry, reading, going for long hikes in the wilderness and on occasion pretending she is Julia Child. Kristan hopes to get really cozy with the specimens she is organizing and to explore the “dungeon” under the NHM.
2008
	Saw Hun University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biology Fall 2008: Marine Biodiversity Center student Saw is a freshman majoring in Biology with pre-med emphasis and doubling in Political Science. She is debating whether or not to add a minor in Fine Arts. Saw is interested in anything scientific, and is excited to work in a place that is committed to scientific pursuits. When she’s not handling dead animals or has her face stuck in a book, she likes to draw, listen to music and figure out how to expand her artistic side.
	Christina Chen University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 2007 – 2008: NSF Decapoda student 2007 – 2008: Marine Biodiversity Center student Originally from the Midwest — Troy, Michigan — Christina has immensely enjoyed the changes in weather, environment, and lifestyle that have come with studying at USC. She is a freshman majoring in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and is leaning towards pre-med or occupation therapy, for now. Natural history museums have always given her the chills because of the excitement of connecting with the past and seeing the myriads of organisms out there, so working with Crustacea has been an extremely beneficial experience. On her free time, she enjoys spending time with church members, playing guitar and piano, and eating yummy food.
	Celia Carter University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Communication and Cinema Production Spring 2006 – 2008: NSF Decapoda student 2004 – Spring 2006: NSF Isopods student Fall 2004 – 2008: Marine Biodiversity Center student Celia is a sophomore at the University of Southern California and is currently majoring in Communication. She would like to double major in Cinema Production and later direct music videos or mix movie soundtracks. Working at the museum has definitely given Celia insight to all of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Researchers don’t just go out into the field, pick up dead animals and put them on display. There is so much more that is done that no one even knows about, but she’s slowly learning. She'd like to give a shout out to the echinoderms chillin’ on the shelves of the collection room.
	Natalie Bray Lycée Français High School, Los Angeles, CA Summer 2008: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Natalie will be a high school senior this Fall. She has worked at the Natural History Museum for the past four summers with the Adventures in Nature Summer Camp and is also volunteering for the MBPC. Natalie hopes to study marine biology in college and to work in museums around the world. She is broadly interested in coral reefs and creatures living in the abyss.
	Isaac Ahn University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Fall 2007 – Spring 2008: NSF Decapoda student Fall 2007 – Spring 2008: Marine Biodiversity Center student A Los Angeles native, Isaac is a sophomore majoring in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies with a pre-pharmacy emphasis. He has been a frequent visitor to the museum and truly appreciates working behind the scenes. When he is not working on the Tree of Life project or studying, Isaac loves to play the violin and watch trashy reality shows.
	Anita Rai University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biology Fall 2006 – Spring 2008: NSF Decapoda student Fall 2006 – Spring 2008: Marine Biodiversity Center student Originally from Santa Barbara, CA, Anita is a junior majoring in biology and Spanish with a pre-med emphasis. While thinking about pursuing a career in medicine, Anita is also a swimmer and water polo player. She loves the beach, surfing, reading, listening to music and, of course, Trojan Football (fight on!). Originally a sophomore transfer from UC Berkeley, Anita is loving life at USC and is having a great time learning about research and science while working at the museum.
2007
	Paige Johnson Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA Spring 2007 – Fall 2007: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Paige is a senior philosophy major, but seeing as philosophers are in low demand, she is interested in pursuing a career in a Natural History Museum. She has broad interests, and enjoys arts and crafts, exploring the outdoors, animals (both alive and preserved in jars), horror films, formal logic and traveling. She also enjoys novels and films that are set in natural history museums and make them seem unrealistically dangerous and exciting. Paige has studied in England and dreams of moving there someday and working at the London Natural History Museum.
	Janna Brancolini University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Health and Humanity and Print Journalism Spring 2007: NSF Decapoda student Spring 2007: Marine Biodiversity Center student I am a sophomore double majoring in Health and Humanity and Print Journalism at the University of Southern California. I hope to eventually become a science reporter, and I am especially interested in international health. I was born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, and I was very excited to trade winter for the ocean when I came to L.A. for college. I am involved with Troy Camp, Habitat for Humanity, and the Daily Trojan student newspaper at USC. “Troy Camp” is an organization that works with kids in the USC neighborhood during the school year and takes them camping in the mountains in May. Little known fact: I love roofing houses, and I will be training to become a Crew Leader with the LA Habitat for Humanity chapter this summer. I've also become a beast with the PhotoShop lasso tool thanks to Dr. Martin's Hawaii crab pictures. My hobbies include martial arts, reading, writing, going to the beach, playing the violin, and photography.
2006
	Erin Ostrander University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biology Fall 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Erin is a senior in biology who enjoys running, hiking, sailing, and tae kwon do. Erin is interested in marine biology, which is what led her to the Natural History Museum. Erin volunteers for the MBPC to learn more about crustaceans and work on a research project for her marine biology class. She has learned about the organisms from the islands of Palau (Micronesia) through her work on recently collected invertebrates. Erin assists with collection work, associating specimen labels with the organisms, and incorporating them into the research collections.
	David Luangpreseuth University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biological Sciences and minor in Public Policy and Development Fall 2006: NSF Decapoda student Fall 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center student David is a Sophomore majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Public, Policy, and Development. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis, surfing, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. He has mastered preparing SEM images for publication and is scanning rare books for the Decapod Tree of Life Project. However, after graduating from USC, David plans on attending medical school so that he can become a surgeon. Also, he might be terrified of plastic hands in the Crustacea lab.
	Michael Pecson California State University, Long Beach, CA Summer 2006 – Fall 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Michael, aka Pecson, is a self-taught biologist. He has logged countless hours watching the Discovery Channel with an emphasis on Animal Planet. As far as he can remember, he has always done well in his science classes and is a self-proclaimed cornucopia of knowledge and obscure facts. Michael hopes to one day become a full-time employee at the NHM.
	Elizabeth Liu Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biology Summer 2006: NSF Decapoda student Summer 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center student Elizabeth is a junior majoring in Biology. She enjoys playing tennis, cooking, watching funny movies and going to the beach. Having the opportunity to work in the museum has definitely opened her eyes to the different possibilities out there for those interested in Biology. This experience has definitely intensified her love for biology and made her appreciate all the work that scientists must do. She intends to continue volunteer work in the Crustacea lab and publish her work on dendrobranchiate gills.
	Laura A. Ponce University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI Summer 2006: NSF Decapoda research student Summer 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Laura is a senior at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, majoring in biology. As an REU intern during the summer of 2006, she enjoyed learning about isopod morphology, taking a multitude of SEM images, and finding strange parasitic isopods in her barnacles. She hopes to continue to pursue her interests in biological research by going on to graduate school, hopefully somewhere near the very awesome Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. Laura also enjoys spending time at the beach, relaxing with a good book, watching movies with her friends, discovering new music to rock out to, and finding interesting new places to see.
	Jennifer Zieba University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biology Biology and Cinema Television Summer 2006: NSF Decapoda student Fall 2005 – Spring 2006: NSF Isopods student Fall 2005 – Summer 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center student Jen is a Sophomore majoring in biology and minoring in cinema television. She enjoys SCUBA diving, rock climbing, sailing, camping, reading, and various amounts of nerdy things (i.e., Star Trek and Steve McQueen). Working at the museum has let Jen do some real hands-on work with the specimens she has been studying for so long in school. Jen’s favorite specimen is the little alien baby living in the Crustacea collection room.
	Elisabeth Wetzer Bundesrealgymnasium Wien 14, Vienna, Austria Major: Mathematics Summer 2003: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Summer 2003: NSF Isopods volunteer Summer 2004: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Summer 2004: NSF Isopods volunteer Summer 2005: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Summer 2005: NSF Isopods volunteer Summer 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Summer 2006: NSF Isopods volunteer Elisabeth has a particularly strong interest in studying the natural sciences. Her interests there have led her to volunteer at the Museum to gain direct experience in science, discovering how biologists work by working with them. While working in the MBPC, Elisabeth has had the chance to learn that doing science, like many other endeavors, is 20% technical and 80% personal; people have far more to do with the working environment than the specifics of the work itself. Besides coffee races and lunches, Elisabeth spent most of her time sorting specimens from the Oregon State University Andrew Carey collection. She hopes to return soon.
	Jean Christophe Le University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Spring 2006: NSF Isopods research student Spring 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center research student Chris is a junior majoring in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Ever since he saw Jurassic Park as a kid, he was fascinated by the inner workings of a lab. Having a chance to get hands-on experience with invertebrates is broadening his biology experience. Chris is passionate about acting and modeling. He also practices and instructs martial arts. He is a black belt 3rd degree in Tae Kwon Do and recently began learning a new form of Chinese martial arts called Wushu Kung Fu.
	Christian Perrodin University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biology and minor in Biotechnology Science Fall 2005 – Spring 2006: NSF Isopods student Fall 2005 – Spring 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center student Besides being a die-hard Trojan fan, Christian is a Junior, currently a biology major with a minor in biotech science. Christian is also a pre-med student with hopes of entering a medical school by the Fall of 2008. He enjoys surfing in the summer, snowboarding in the winter, and being in the outdoors whenever at all possible. On the weekends Christian enjoys riding BMX and spending time with his family, but only after tons of homework and studying is completed. Being a part of the museum staff has opened an entirely new realm of interests. “Finally I get to apply the knowledge learned in previous biology classes.” Upon first being introduced to the museum he was absolutely floored by the incredible collection of marine organisms. Christian plans to become a pediatrician and have his own practice.
	Jessica Wedemeyer University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Theatre and Broadcast Journalism Fall 2005 – Spring 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center student Jessica is a Freshman studying theater and broadcast journalism. Ever since she was a child, Jessica has loved museums. She's very excited to be working behind the scenes now, making her small mark on information that'll be around for decades to come. Besides playing with animals that have been dead, some for 30 years or more, Jessica enjoys music, movies and searching for new hand creams to moisturize her alcohol dried out hands.
	Jocelyn Vivar University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Fall 2005 – Spring 2006: NSF Isopods student Fall 2005 – Spring 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center student Jocelyn is a Sophomore majoring in health promotions and disease prevention with an emphasis in substance abuse. Jocelyn is a well rounded pre-med student with an interest in working in Marine Biology. She is a very involved and dedicated student who is currently in six clubs and in a leadership position for the Trojan Chemistry Club. In those rare occasions when she has free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, her cat Kiwi and volunteering with Padres Contra el Cancer (Parents Against Cancer).
	Lai Shan Mui Fall 2004 – Spring 2006: NSF Isopods intern Fall 2004 – Spring 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center intern Scientific illustration.
	Jennifer McCard University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Environmental Sciences Spring 2006: NSF Decapoda student Fall 2003 – Spring 2005: NSF Isopods student Fall 2003 – Spring 2006: Marine Biodiversity Center student Jennifer first visited the Natural History Museum on a fieldtrip for her freshman biology class. A few weeks later, she began working in the Research and Collections Department with Regina Wetzer and her isopods. She is currently helping in the molecular lab extracting, amplifying, and sequencing isopod DNA. Jennifer is planning to major in Environmental Studies, and she is glad to be gaining experience in the current scientific arena.
2005
	Lara Leitner Milken Community High School, Los Angeles, CA Summer 2005: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Lara is a Senior. She enjoys gymnastics and dance and is fascinated by animal behavior. Lara volunteers for the MBPC to get hands on experience with preserved invertebrates. She hopes to become a zoologist in the near future.
	Chase LaFrance Chadwick School, Palos Verdes, CA Summer 2005: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Chase is currently classifying and preserving polychaetes. He is interested in computers, chemistry, and genetics. Chase thinks that it is only a matter of time before places like “Jurassic Park” become a reality and extinct creatures’ DNA can be used to bring them back. Chase has no definite ideas what his major will be beyond high school, but it is apparent that it will somehow be science related.
	Erika Ciriano Manual Arts High School, Los Angeles, CA Summer 2005: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Erika is a Junior. She started volunteering in the MBPC because she heard it was a great experience, and she needed the service hours for school. It's a great help for science class!
	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.
	Jonathan Brown University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Major: Biology Fall 2004 – Spring 2005: NSF Isopods student Fall 2004 – Spring 2005: Marine Biodiversity Center student Jon has always enjoyed learning about biology and is excited to finally get some real experience in this field. Born and raised in Ohio, Jon somehow finds his way to the beach every weekend. He is often overheard muttering about how Californians don’t realize how lucky they are. He is currently a freshman at the University of Southern California, majoring in Biology. Jon is also learning to surf and is taking salsa-dancing classes at USC in an effort to 'woo' the ladies. He wants to someday become a research scientist in the field of genetics.
2004
	Sara Moore Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA Summer 2004 – Fall 2004: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Sara is currently in her third year at Santa Monica College. She is a biology major with a strong interest in ecology and environmental science. She started volunteering in the MBPC because she wanted to experience biology firsthand and familiarize herself with some of the practical aspects of doing biology.
	Emi Yoshimura Stanford University, Stanford, CA (B.S. and M.S.) Major: Biology Spring 2004 – Fall 2004: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Emi has been working at the Museum for a little over a year in the Education Department. First she worked as a Gallery Interpreter, and presently her position is Outreach Instructor. In her spare time she volunteers for the MBPC as a way to familiarize herself with the Museum's vast and diverse research collections. Emi is sorting the Great Barrier Reef Expedition 2003 material.
2003
	Steve Melendrez Fall 2003: NSF Isopods intern Fall 2003: Marine Biodiversity Center intern Scientific illustration.
	Paola Karen Morales San Francisco Zan Morano, Guatemala City, Guatemala Fall 2003: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Karen is a visiting student from Guatemala. She is spending her winter school break volunteering at the Museum to familiarize herself with the technical aspects of biology and to improve her English language skills. When not assisting with the curation of the Allan Hancock Foundation Sponge Collection, Karen was busy attending English classes. She plans to continue her education in the field of Bio-Medicine.
	Aaron Sunshine Stanford University, Stanford, CA Summer 2003: NSF Isopods intern Summer 2003: Marine Biodiversity Center intern Digitization of isopod technical literature.
2002
	James Grama Granada Hills High School, Northridge, CA Summer 2002: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer James is interested in learning as much about the world as he possibly can. He is expanding his horizon this summer by helping with day to day activities in the Marine Biodiversity Center, while taking this opportunity to explore the backrooms of the museum and learn how the research endeavor is accomplished in the natural sciences and specifically in natural history museums. His goals include becoming a professional in a field related to history or science and to stay a life long learner. He will be a junior this Fall. His enthusiasm is contagious. His energy is boundless.
	Lindsay Keating Westridge School for Girls, Pasadena, CA Summer 2002: Marine Biodiversity Center volunteer Lindsay has been visiting the Museum with her father for years. Her strong interests in science and hands-on learning extend well beyond the classroom to our laboratory. She is donating her time and energy to help with a variety of curation tasks — some great fun — others just need doing. She is interested in exploring the many different subdisciplines of science as she begins evaluating possible career choices. As a freshman this Fall, she is looking forward to excelling academically, while preparing to go on to college and graduate school. Lindsay’s thoughtful and reflective nature are a prescription for success whatever her choices.
1980
	Caroline Haymaker Fall 2021 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center staff
	Vijay Barve Spring 2021 – present: Marine Biodiversity Center staff

Biodiversity Center Personnel

Staff

Interns, Digitizers, Students, Research Students, and Volunteers