Coastal & Marine Conservation

Eric Medina studies how coastal wetland restoration can improve habitat, protect urban spaces, and increase access to green space. He is excited about the opportunities climate adaptation presents for envisioning futures that prioritize both the ecological systems California’s cities rely on and the daily quality of life for people.

Mukta Kelkar is a marine ecologist who bridges foundational ecology with applied conservation and social science in order to inform marine conservation approaches for a changing climate.

Jonisha Aubain researches the design, construction, and techno-economic analysis of tidal energy technology for application in isolated island communities. Her goal is to increase technical opportunity for enhancing local energy systems with emphasis on community involvement and independence.

Bryan Plankenhorn (Port Gamble S’Klallam) is an Indigenous scientist exploring harmful algal bloom drivers and reintroducing Indigenous narratives and knowledge into marine resource management. They are deeply committed to supporting Indigenous communities across the United States by amplifying Indigenous perspectives in scientific research and federal policy.

Nia studies how climate change and other anthropogenic impacts are affecting the biogeochemistry and ecosystem function of coastal wetlands.

Rafeed's research focuses on offshore wind development perceptions and impacts on coastal communities. Although Rafeed has a brain trained in natural and social sciences, his heart lies in photography and science communication.

Asta combines social and natural science approaches to study the effects of contaminants of emerging concern in the environment and public health. Drawing upon environmental organic chemistry, trophic ecology, and public health he explores PFAS bioaccumulation in marine food webs.

Tanner Waters (he/him) is a Ph.D. candidate in the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA. His graduate research focuses on using the emerging technique of environmental DNA metabarcoding to assess the impact of coastal...

Timnit Kefela is an environmental scientist, organizer and educator who seeks to better understand (micro)plastic pathways, fates and impacts in effort to inform and design liberatory infrastructural solutions for pollution mitigation and...