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graduate students and alumni

| CEA-CREST Students | CEA-CREST Alumni |

Graduate students come to CEA-CREST from many different backgrounds and experiences, and work on a variety of projects across multiple disciplines. Here are just a few of our students and the research they are conducting.

CEA-CREST graduate fellows:

Rachel Andrus
Educational Background: B.A. Latin American Studies, University of Texas-Austin
Advisor: Barry Hibbs, Ph. D.

My thesis research focuses on the distribution of arsenic and selenium in the shallow aquifer of the San Diego Creek watershed. I am using stable isotopes to track redox processes that control the mobility of selenium in these groundwaters. Results show that nitrate can act to oxidize selenium. This has important ramifications for land use management strategies to reduce the load of selenium delivered to streams from groundwater baseflow. After completing my M.S. degree I hope to pursue a PhD in hydrology and nutrient dynamics.

Lisa Fong
Educational Background: BS in Marine Biology from UC Los Angeles
Advisor: Carlos Robles, Ph. D.

I am investigating how already established mussel aggregations facilitate conspecific juvenile survivorship of the mussel species Mytilus californianus. In the future, I hope to apply my skills to ecology research and education

Dominique Gordon
Educational Background: BS in Biological Sciences from UC Riverside
Advisor: Patrick Krug, Ph. D.

My research focuses on the effects of environmental competition on marine invertebrate sea slugs.

Wynee Hu
Educational Background: BA in Theatre and International Relations, USC
Advisor: Barry Hibbs, Ph. D.

I am currently working towards my masters in Environmental Hydrogeology. I'm working with UMEB student Rosa Bugarin on isotope studies in the Malibu Creek watershed.

Angela Llaban
Educational Background: BS in Marine Biology from CSU Long Beach
Advisor: Patrick Krug, Ph. D.

I am currently examining density-dependent interactions between two sea slugs, Alderia modesta and A. willowi, which co-occur in San Francisco Bay. I am interested in the consequences of being the rarer of two species when ranges overlap. My thesis examines the fitness effects of mating frequency (within and between species), and pheromonal cues for oviposition.

Alan Martinez
Major: Biology
Background: B.S. in Biology, UC Irvine.
Advisor: Dr. Carlos Robles

For the past three years, I have studied the Pisaster-Mytilus (sea star-mussel) system of the Pacific Northwest under the direction of Dr. Carlos Robles. I've spent the last three summers in British Columbia, Canada documenting behavioral responses of the keystone predator, the sea star, to changes in the mussel abundances. This study has given insight as to how a sea star regulates the community of the rocky intertidal.

Melissa Romero
Educational Background: B.S. in Biological Science/Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation from California State University, Fullerton
Advisor: Pat Krug, Ph.D.

I am looking at factors controlling the expression of alternative larval morphs in the sea slug Alderia willowi, the only known marine animal in which an individual can switch between planktotrophy (production of many feeding larvae) and lecithotrophy (few, non-feeding larvae). I will be testing possible physical cues to determine what environmental factor triggers this seasonal polyphenism in Alderia. After obtaining my M.S. in Biology I hope to enter a doctoral program.

Shelley Shaul
Educational Background: B.S. in Biological Sciences from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Advisor: Barry Hibbs, Ph.D.

I am investigating selenium stratification and mixing dynamics in the Upper Newport Bay.

Victor Ukpolo
Educational Background: B.S. in Biology from Morgan State University
Advisor: Crist Khachikian, Ph.D.

I am interested in the mass transport of chemicals in all environmental medias. Currently, my focus is in the sorption As, P and N species in soil. My goal is to use environmental science and engineering methods to improve public health in urban communities.

CEA-CREST alumni:

Meet some of our outstanding alumni. The CEA-CREST training, the Bridges to the Ph.D. program, and our network of internships have provided opportunities for CEA-CREST students, opening the doors that have led them to careers in environmental science. Former CEA-CREST students have gone on to have successful, meaningful careers in industry, government, the private sector, and academia. Here's a look at where some of them are now.

Patricia Arriola
Educational Background: M.S. in Mathematics, California State University Los Angeles.
Advisor: Robert Desharnais, Ph.D.

Patricia is currently a math teacher at Los Angeles City College. "CEA-CREST, was a launching platform for my career as a teacher. I had the opportunity to exercise my career as a Biomathematician. This practical approach to my degree has been very important to become a truly applied mathematician and a popular teacher."--Patricia Arriola

Roman Barco
Educational Background: B.S. in Microbiology, California State University, Los Angeles, M.S. in Biology, California State University Los Angeles.
Advisor: Tina Salmassi, Ph.D.

Roman is currently a student in the Marine Environmental Biology Ph.D. program at the University of Southern California, continuing his work on problems in biogeochemical cycling.

Caryl Ann Becerra
Background: M.S. Interdisciplinary Studies in Biogeology, California State University, Los Angeles.
Advisor: Crist Khachikian, Ph.D.
Current Ph.D. program: Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Caryl Ann is a current student in the Microbiology Ph.D. program at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. In May 2007, she was awarded a three-year Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowship, a prestigious award which is given for "scholarly competence as well as the promise shown for future achievement as a scholar, researcher, and teacher in an institution of higher education." Caryl Ann has demonstrated her commitment to increasing diversity in the sciences not only through her receipt of the CEA-CREST and Ford fellowships, but also through her leadership at the University of Massachusetts--not only is she the co-chair of the Graduate Education and Career Devlopment Initiative, Vice President of the UMASS chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans and President of the Microbiology Graduate Student Group, she is also a Minority Mentor with the American Society of Microbiology.

Suzanne Brunelle
Educational Background: B.S. Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA.
Advisor: John Gamon, Ph.D.

Suzanne Brunelle is currently pursuing her master's degree in biology at Cal State L.A. under the supervision of Dr. Alan Muchlinski. Suzanne is conducting an ecological study to determine the critical factors of habitat structure that allow the native western gray squirrel to co-exist with the introduced eastern fox squirrel.

Ling Cao
Educational Background: B.S. Biology. California State University, Los Angeles.
Advisor: Robert Desharnais, Ph.D .

Ling Cao graduated with a B.S. in biology in the summer of 2004. She currently does spatial model analyses of intertidal zonation in Robert Desharnais' lab. In fall 2004, Ling began the M.S. program in biology. She continued research with Dr. Desharnais but proceeded onto a more complex multi-dimensional model system to analyze the same spatial models using more mathematical variables.

Eric Chavez
Background: M.S. Hydrogeology, California State University, Los Angeles.
Advisor: Barry Hibbs, Ph.D.

After receiving his M.S. degree from CSULA in 2002, Eric went on to work as a GIS Analyst with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He is currently employed as a Natural Resources Management Specialist in NOAA's Sustainable Fisheries Division, and recently gave a CEA-CREST seminar presentation on his successful post-CEA-CREST career.

Bryant Chesney
Title: Southern California Habitat Coordinator, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA
Background: B.A., Psychology. Pomona College, CA;
M.S., Biology. California State University, Los Angeles, CA.
Advisor: Carlos Robles, Ph.D.

For Bryant's master's thesis, he used GIS techniques and traditional ecological field methods to examine spatial variation of mussel recruitment and its influence on the community structure of the rocky intertidal zone. With the experience in ecological field methods and GIS techniques Bryant gained as a CEA-CREST Fellow, he was able to gain a position as a Fisheries Biologist for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), a division of NOAA. "The skills I acquired during my graduate career have provided me with the ability to make habitat conservation recommendations and develop a GIS system for the purpose of improving fishery management activities," says Bryant. Bryant is currently employed with NOAA as the Southern California Habitat Coordinator for the NMFS. His duties include supervising research on salmon conservation and wetlands preservation.

Kwasi Connor
Background: M.S. in Biology, California State University, Los Angeles.
Current Ph.D. Program: University of Southern California.
Advisor: Carlos Robles, Ph.D.

Kwasi is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Southern California. He is looking at molecular ecology and the physiology of mussels.

Corey Garza
Background: Ph.D. UC Santa Barbara
Current Title: Professor, California State University, Monterrey Bay
Advisor: Carlos Robles, Ph.D.

After completing his CEA-CREST felloship, Corey went on to get his Ph.D. from UC Santa Barabara with the continued support of CEA-CREST through the CC Bridges Program. After completing his Ph.D., Corey worked as a NOAA researer for several years before accepting a position as a professor at Cal State Monterrey Bay.

Melissa Marie Gray
Background: M.S., Biology. California State University, Los Angeles, CA.
Current Ph.D. Program: Organismic Biology, Ecology and Evolution. University of California, Los Angeles, CA.
Advisor: Elizabeth Torres, Ph.D.

"As a Master's candidate I worked under the advisement of Dr. Elizabeth Torres on the conservation of the Channel Island fox (Urocyon littoralis). Populations of island fox have undergone a 90% decline and are now on the verge of extinction. Captive breeding colonies are being maintained on two of the islands, San Miguel and Santa Rosa. The primary objectives of my research were to assess the remaining genetic diversity of the populations and determine genetic relatedness of the potential breeding pairs in order to design a protocol to maximize future genetic diversity for captive breeding. By comparing microsatellite variation from a stable population in 1988 to variation in samples from the current populations, I also investigated the impact of the recent population bottleneck on the genetic diversity of wild fox populations. This work is to be completed prior to the next breeding season in the spring of 2001. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the areas of molecular evolution and ecology at UCLA." --Melissa Gray

Rebecca Harper
Major: Biology
Background: B. A. in Anthropology from Cal State University, Long Beach, CA.
Advisor: John Gamon, Ph.D.

"I have a strong interest in conservation biology and would eventually like to work in an area where I will have a direct impact on either preservation or restoration of the wild and its biodiversity" --Rebecca Harper

Natalie P. Jolly
Background: M.A., Geography. California State University, Los Angeles, CA.
Current Ph.D. Program: Rural Sociology. Pennsylvania State University,PA.
Advisor: Ali Modarres, Ph.D.

"As a Master's candidate, I examined the cumulative impacts of development along the Santa Clara River. In an attempt to understand the increasingly complex interactions among the built, human and natural environments, I focused my study on the urban fringe; and did a comprehensive analysis, systematically documenting development along the river and illustrating the synergistic effects of watershed development."--Natalie Jolly

Malikka Karteron
Major: Geography
Background: B. S. Marine & Environmental Science. Hampton University, Hampton, VA. M.S. California State University, Los Angeles
Advisor: Ali Modarres, Ph.D.

"I joined CEA-CREST to help further my knowledge of environmental issues and policies, and for a career in environmental justice. I believe that everyone, whatever their economic status, should share an equal quality of life. CEA-CREST will give me the tools to bring environmental science, environmental policy, and geography together to better serve my community."--Malikka Karteron

Anne Kelly
Educational Background: B.S. in Physics from Cal Tech, M.S. in Biology, California State University, Los Angeles
Advisor: Michael Goulden, Ph.D. UC, Irvine

Anne is currently pusuing her PhD in Forestry at the University of Toronto. She is studying the effects of climate change and a changing fire cycle on forest stand dynamics. "CEA-CREST has an amazing faculty of dedicated professors. The classes I took at CEA-CREST were the best I've taken. Most importantly, I encountered some major challenges during my masters program, and without the support of CEA-CREST I would not have been able to complete my degree and go on to start a PhD." --Anne Kelly

Marcos Luna
Background: M.A., Geography. California State University, Los Angeles.
Current Ph.D. Program: Urban Affairs and Public Policy. University of Delaware, DE.
Advisor: Ali Modarres, Ph.D.

"I am intrigued by the problems that arise in reconciling the protection and enhancement of public goods (i.e. environment, health, equity) and the pursuit of economic gains and preservation of high standards of living (materially, life prospects, quality of life), especially because of the torturous ways in which reconciliation must be achieved. Although we live in a nation that is unusually respectful of the rule of law, it is also suspicious and resistant to top-down decision-making. The resurrection of free-market liberalism and faith in decentralized decision-making means that future solutions must rely less on command-and-control approaches and more on cajole-and-coerce. Gaining a Ph.D. in policy research will allow me to hone in on and refine the arguments that I find important, and will also provide me with the chance to create a solid and credible foundation from which to engage in the national policy discourse." --Marcos Luna

Mercedes Merino
Major: Geology
Background: B.S. in Biology, California State University, Los Angeles, M.S. Geology, California State University, Los Angeles.
Advisor: Dr. Barry Hibbs

As a geology graduate student, Mercedes evaluated multiple sources of salinization and degradation of the binational aquifers shared by the cities of El Paso, TX and Juarez, Mexico; including irrigation return flows, treated and untreated wastewaters, and natural water/rock interactions. She used inorganic hydrochemical parameters, stable isotopes, and radioisotopes in groundwater and surface water to make the analyses.

Paul Moya
Major: Biology
Background: B.S., Biological Sciences. University of California, Santa Barbara, CA.
Advisor: Carlos Robles, Ph.D.

Paul completed his Master's thesis in marine community ecology under the supervision of Dr. Carlos Robles. He studied the interactions between the California mussel and its predators, spiny lobsters and sea stars by employing Geographic Information Systems and other advanced methods of spatial analysis to understand how predation shapes the spatial patterns of the prey populations.

Andrew Moyes
Background: M.S. Biology, CSULA
Advisor: John Gamon, Ph.D.
Current Ph.D. program: Biology, University of Utah

"After earning my master's degree from Cal. State Los Angeles in 2004, I began working towards a Ph.D at the University of Utah. I expect to finish my Ph.D. in spring, 2009, and then find a postdoctoral research position, after which I hope work as a professor of biology. For my dissertation I have been investigating the contribution of recently assimilated carbon to the soil efflux of respired carbon dioxide in ecosystems. Roots and root-associated microorganisms depend on the oxidation of carbon photosynthesized and transported in the plant only hours to days earlier, whereas bulk soil organisms (decomposers) consume much older carbon sources from soil organic matter. Partitioning total soil respiration into fast- and slow-turnover sources should dramatically improve our ability to understand how environmental drivers influence ecosystem carbon balance and to predict ecosystem feedbacks to global change. I am extremely grateful to the CEA-CREST program for providing me with excellent mentorship, a supportive network of student peers, and the financial freedom to work full-time on my degree. CEA-CREST prepared me with skills and experience that gave me a competitive advantadge when I applied for further graduate study, and that I continue to rely on as I work to become an independent researcher." --Andrew Moyes

Humberto Nation
Major: Geology
Background: B.S. in Chemistry, CSU Los Angeles.
Advisor: Dr. Crist Khachikian

Humberto is currently enrolled in a graduate program at Oregon State University.

Imelda Nava
Background: M.S., Biology. California State University, Los Angeles, CA.
Advisor: Elizabeth Torres, Ph.D.
Current Ph.D. Program: Organismic Biology, Ecology and Evolution. University of California, Los Angeles, CA.

"CSULA's CEA-CREST program has given me the foundation and opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree at UCLA. As a Master's student, I utilized mitochondrial gene sequences to assess gene flow between two populations of Porichthys notatus, a nearshore fish species off the North American Pacific Coast. The diverse and enriching experiences afforded by the varied curriculum and excellent faculty allow the CEA-CREST program to be instrumental in cultivating an environment where it is fun to learn. Their personal and financial support made it possible for me to learn and pursue a higher degree. Without their aid, I could not have attended graduate school. Thank you CEA-CREST."--Imelda Nava

Scarleth Ramirez
Educational Background: B.S. Civil Engineering, California State University, Los Angeles.
Advisor: Crist Khachikian, Ph.D. and John Gamon, Ph.D.

Scarleth Ramirez graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from CSULA in the summer of 2004. Shortly after, she began a full-time position with BP in Chicago, the largest oil and gas producer and one of the largest gasoline retailers in the United States. She plans to pursue an M.S., fully supported by BP, and possibly a Ph.D.

Noé Ramos
Educational Background: B.S. Biochemistry. California State University, Los Angeles, CA.
Advisor: Krishna Foster, Ph.D.

Noe Ramos graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry from CSULA, spring 2004. A researcher in Krishna Foster's atmospheric chemistry lab, he began the M.S. in hydrogeology program in fall, 2004. He would like to eventually pursue a Ph.D. in environmental science.

Carolina Reyes
Major: Biology
Background: B.S., Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. University of California, Los Angeles.
Advisor: Tina Salmassi, Ph.D.

"I have a strong interest in environmental microbiology and molecular biology. Like most biologists, my greatest ambition in life is to make discoveries that would further our understanding in the field of biology and biotechnology." --Carolina Reyes

Lucinda Robledo
Major: Biology
Background: B.S., Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. University of California, Los Angeles.
Advisor: Tina Salmassi, Ph.D.

Lucinda started a PhD program in the fall of 2007 at UC Santa Cruz in applied mathematics, working with Dr. Marc Mangel in theoretical ecology. "Participating in CEA-CREST introduced me to theoretical ecology and gave me support and encouragement to pursue a career in theoretical ecology." --Lucinda Robledo

Maria Rosales
Background: M.S. Biology. California State University, Los Angeles, CA.
Advisors: Sergio Escorza-Trevino, Ph.D.

"I'm a biological technician III at Southwest Fisheries Science Center, working in the Protected Resources Division (PRD). I am in charge of writing the quarterly reports, permit reports, and reports to the Tuna Conference for the division. I assist the director (Steve Reilly) in performing different tasks and will get the chance to do research and help in the Gray Whale Survey taking place in northern CA this summer. I will also be working with Sarah Mesnick in an internship program here at the lab."--Maria Rosales

Raymond Sanedrin
Background: M.S. Chemistry. California State University, Los Angeles, CA.
Current Ph.D. Program: Chemistry and Biochemistry. Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.
Advisor: Feimeng Zhou, Ph.D.

"The CEA-CREST program at CSULA provided the means for me to conduct research in field of Chemistry. The research that I performed as a Master's student encompassed the field of Analytical Chemistry. As a research chemist, I investigated the fabrication of nanostructured materials and the immobilization of DNA onto metal surfaces utilizing simple chemisorption and layer-by-layer technique."--Raymond Sanedrin

José Alfonso Silva
Educational Background: B.S. Biology. California State University, Los Angeles.
Advisor: John Gamon, Ph.D.

"I have a strong interest in pigment analysis of chaparral species including chamise (Adenastoma fasiculatum) and red shank (Adenastoma sparsifolium). Under Dr. Gamon, I studied the physiological adaptation of these plants at the pigment level."--Jose Silva

Dominic Valdez
Educational Background: M.S. Biology, California State University, Los Angeles
Advisor: Elizabeth Torres, Ph.D.

" I am presently working as an aquatic ecologist with the Australian Rivers Institute at Griffith University in Australia, part of a consortium of researchers within the Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge initiative, http://www.track.gov.au/. We are researching issues related to the sustainable use and management of Australia’s tropical rivers and estuaries.
CEA-CREST was a valuable asset to me because it provided an extensive background into multi-disciplinary research of terrestrial and aquatic systems. The program gave me an opportunity to travel and experience new cultures in Central America, and it gave me a solid network of friends, colleagues, and professionals that I still keep in touch with today. Additionally, the programs scholarship allowed for a comfortable lifestyle as student in Southern California."--Dominic Valdez

James Walker
Educational Background: B.S. in Geology, California State University, Los Angeles
Advisor: Barry Hibbs, Ph.D.

James graduated with a M.S. in Hydrogeology in the fall of 2004.

Demian Willette
Major: Biology
Background: B.S., Environmental Science. Iowa State University.
Advisor: Patrick Krug, Ph.D.

Demian is in the School of Public Heath Ph.D. program at UCLA and is currently doing field work for a year in the Carribean island of Dominica.

Brian Zutta
Background: M.S., Biology. California State University, Los Angeles, CA.
Current Ph.D. Program: Organismic Biology, Ecology and Evolution. University of California, Los Angeles, CA.
Advisor: John Gamon, Ph.D.

"My interests range from plant and animal ecology to the effects of global change, often using remote sensing as a research tool. I am finishing my Master's program at Cal State, L.A. on the use of remote sensing to assess biodiversity, and have begun my Ph.D. program at UCLA. Future projects will include ecological studies in the Andes of South America."--Brian Zutta

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