2023
Mollie Ball
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: Wu-Jung Lee
Mollie is a rising senior attending The University of Washington to study Biology (Evolution, Ecology
and Conservation and Marine Biology. This summer, she is an intern within DINO SIP recording bat calls and echolocation in Union Bay Natural Area with the overall goal of understanding which species use the restored natural area and how. Mollie also works for the Seattle Aquarium as a Field Program Lead for the Beach Naturalist and Cedsr River Salmon Journey programs. In her free time, Mollie enjoys tidepooling, hiking, reading, embroidery, and napping.
Maria Hernandez
Institute: Heritage University Toppenish, WA
Mentor: Trevor Harrison
Maria Isabel Barrios Hernandez is a senior and a first-generation Latina currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a minor in Psychology, and Medical Laboratory Science at Heritage University which is located on Yakama Nation Land in Washington State. This summer she hopes to gain new skills, build her confidence, network, and obtain valuable work experience.
Samuel Basa
Institute: Pitzer College
Mentor: Chris Chickadel
Sammy is a rising Junior at Pitzer College studying Environmental Science. This summer, he is working with Chris Chickadel in the Air-sea Interaction and Remote Sensing Department, where he is modeling how sediment moves in turbulent water as part of a larger research project which aims to create models that can predict sediment transport in nearshore environments. While the work Sammy is doing is very new and different to him, he is enjoying the challenge and is excited to see where these awesome experiences will take him. Outside of academics, he finds joy in being out in nature, hiking, backpacking, and freediving.
Ildiko Kremper
Institute: Western Washington University
Mentor: Peter Brodsky
Ildikó is a recent graduate of Western Washington University, where they earned their bachelor’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Organismal Biology. She credits her passion for hands-on research to her experiences at Ocean Research College Academy, an innovative two-year early college program that encourages student-driven research projects as an integral part of the curriculum and school culture. For their next step, Ildikó is planning to apply to graduate school for their Master’s, with a focus in using bioacoustics as a surveying tool for animals in otherwise difficult-to-study environments. This summer, Ildikó is working with Pete Brodsky and Chanelle Cadot through the Applied Physics Laboratory on a project to determine the acoustic impact of the local light rail transport in the surrounding waters. In their free time, Ildikó enjoys reading, hiking, learning about philosophy and history, and spending time with animals.
Noah Lesure
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: Todd Hefner
Noah is a rising junior at the University of Washington pursuing a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This summer, he is working with Dr. Todd Hefner to study the impacts of non-linear internal waves on acoustic propagation on the Washington shelf. In his free time, Noah enjoys bouldering, going out with friends, listening to new music, and going on hikes.
Juno Littlewood
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: Dana Manalang
Lillian Oval
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: James Girton
Lillian is a rising sophomore at the University of Washington studying marine biology. This summer she is working with the Applied Physics Laboratory analyzing data from acoustic floats. During her free time, she likes to go paddle boarding and paint.
Elizabeth Pawelka
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: Emilio Mayorga
Elizabeth is a rising junior attending the University of Washington, currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in physics and astronomy. At the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) this summer she is working with Senior Oceanographer Emilio Mayorga on using Python to advance accessibility and understanding of data received from autonomous underwater floats and studying data interpretations related to internal waves and climate change implications. In the future, she hopes to pursue a dual-title PhD in astrophysics and astrobiology with the aspiration of working as a researcher for the public and private space exploration industry, and eventually a National Laboratory. In her free time, she enjoys swing dancing, star gazing, designing planetarium public talks, and relaxing in the sunshine with a good romance novel.
Carolina Valdez
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: Zoli Szuts
Carolina is a junior at the University of Washington. Her studies involve Political Science and Marine Biology. Environmental politics and issues of climate change impacting vulnerable coastal communities has primarily driven her research this summer. She’s looking forward to her project that involves collecting samples and analyzing Puget Sound’s water circulation system and EM-Apex data with Dr. Zoltan Szuts at the Applied Physics Laboratory. What she hopes to experience this year is to learn as much as possible about the depths of the oceans and collaborate with others who share a passion for oceanography and technology.
Mya Valenzuela
Institute: University of Texas El Paso
Mentor: Trevor Harrison
Mya is an undergraduate in the University of Texas at El Paso. She is currently a senior and has been doing undergraduate research for about two years. This summer in DINOSIP she plans to gain new field skills, as well as get a glimpse of what oceanography is and see if it’s the future path that she wants to take on. She also looks forward to building new connections and growing as a professional.
Angel Ventura Perez
Institute: University of Washington
Mentor: James Girton
Angel is a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso majoring in environmental science in education. This summer he is working with Dr. Girton on how the mix layer is moving regarding the wind’s speed. All the concepts and programs used are new to him. It is difficult but fun at the same time. He hopes this summer he can make connections with mentors and colleagues.