2021 saw The Diversity Project back in action on the reefs of Mo’orea, French Polynesia. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, our fully vaccinated crew had a great summer, without a single case of COVID. Thanks UCLA graduate students, Ashlyn Ford, Erick Zerecero, Kevin Rodriguez and Shalanda Grier for all your help!
Name: Bryce Barbee
School: UCLA
Major: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Project Title: Trait-Based Ecology Detects Changes in Macroalgal Communities
Comments on The Diversity Project: “Before The Diversity Project, I had an idea that I wanted to pursue a career in research involving field work, but my time in the program solidified these goals. TDP was my first experience conducting field research and I loved everything about it. Although there are frustrating moments while shaping project ideas and collecting data, Dr. Peggy Fong and Paul Barber did an amazing job guiding us through these rough patches. The best part about TDP is the connections that you make with your group and the faculty. With this, the support that you receive even once the program is over helped me tremendously when deciding what my future plans would be.“
Where is he now? Bryce is currently finishing his final year at UCLA. In the Fall, he will then begin his PhD at UCSB.
Name: Nicholas Durgadeen
School: University of the Virgin Islands
Major: Marine Biology
Project Title:Turbinaria ornata, a foundational macroalga, may provide an associational refuge to recruits that may facilitate vertical expansion.
Comments on The Diversity Project: “If you are considering doing The Diversity Project, do it. It’s everything people say about it and so much more. The experience you’ll gain is invaluable. Your mentors will dedicate their time and energy to help you become a confident and self-assured marine scientist. Not only will you learn from your mentors, but you will also learn from your peers and even the friends you make outside of your cohort. The skills you’ll learn are not typically taught in a classroom setting, and it’ll help you move forward in your career as a scientist or if you decide to do something else. Regardless of what background experience you have, you too will learn something new from this program.”
Where is he now? Nicholas is finishing up his degree, and applying for jobs in marine conservation, and looking into graduate schools.
Name: John Amiel Flores
Project Title: Physical Disturbance Changes Trophic Support for Herbivorous Fishes
Comments on The Diversity Project: “Participating in The Diversity Project was a life-changing experience. I earned my Scientific SCUBA certifications and learned how to conduct underwater field experiments–an extremely valuable set of skills for aspiring marine scientists. In addition to learning these skills, I also had the opportunity to work with amazing mentors that guided me through the scientific process, meet inspiring and intelligent colleagues that I can call friends, and chances to challenge myself by stepping out of my comfort zone. Whether you’re curious about a career in the marine sciences or if you’re set on pursuing this path, I HIGHLY recommend applying to The Diversity Project! “
Where are they now? John Amiel earned their B.S from UC Davis and they are now a PhD student in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department at UCLA. You can follow John Amiel’s journey in marine science through their website via johnamielflores.com.
Name: Hannah Hayes
Project Title: Physical Disturbance Changes Trophic Support for Herbivorous Fishes.
Where is she now? Hannah completed her degree at UCLA and is teaching in Spain for a year prior to applying for graduate school.
Name: Adrianna Hernandez
Project Title:Turbinaria ornata, a foundational macroalga, may provide an associational refuge to recruits that may facilitate vertical expansion.
Comments on The Diversity Project. “The Diversity Project was a life-changing experience and I am very appreciative of all that this past summer has contributed to my life. TDP gave us the chance to really see what carrying out a marine-based project from start to finish entails, to learn research skills like scuba diving, and to develop strong connections with individuals that are committed to helping you move forward in your career. It was such an awesome experience and I feel very lucky and proud to be a part of the TDP family!”
Where is she now now: Adrianna finished her bachelor’s degree and is currently a post-bac fellow at the National Institutes of Health studying RNA Biology in preparation for applying to graduate school.
Name: Janelle Layton
Major: Marine and Environmental Science
Project Title: Trait-Based Ecology Detects Changes in Macroalgal Community Traits Following Disturbance Events
Comments on The Diversity Project: “TDP helped me gain a lot of skills both inside and outside of the water. It was a great opportunity to network with peers and mentors.”
Where is she now? Janelle is currently a graduate student at Oregon State University in Fisheries Science.
Name: Juli Limon
Where is he now? Juli completed her degree and is in the process of applying to graduate school.
Name: Brianna Velasco
School: Humboldt State University
Comments of TDP: “The Diversity Project was an incredible experience beyond anything I expected from an REU. I learned so much, not only in terms of field and lab skills, but also about the scientific process as a whole. This program gave us the space to learn how to plan our own project from start to finish, but provided the support necessary to help us do so. Through our amazing mentors, I grew in experience and confidence in my own abilities, and learned what aspects of science I love. I can’t imagine a better internship to discover more about the incredible underwater world and what it means to truly do science, all in a beautiful location with a group of wonderful people who become like family. You should absolutely apply! It is beyond worth it.”
Where is she now: Brianna has taken a step back from marine science and is in the first stage of formation to become a Catholic religious sister with the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Los Angeles. (But she still loves algal taxonomy!)
Name: Lauren Williams
Comments of TDP: “TDP was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. The full submersion into living as a field researcher provided great insight into guiding my future career path. During the program, I grew as a scientist and as a person. TDP constantly pushed my comfort zone and ultimately helped to shape who I am today. “