Natasha Ficzycz is a Masters student in Dr. Eric Bjorkstedt’s lab at Humboldt State University. She is interested in exploring the effects that harmful algae blooms have on coastal marine resources. Her thesis is focused on gathering data on the gradients to which species of the toxic diatom, Pseudo nitszchia, enter Humboldt Bay with the use of clams as an integrated sensor.

Monica Tonty is a Master’s student in Dr. Darren Ward’s lab at Humboldt State University, which focuses on anadromous salmonids within coastal watersheds. She is interested in researching the effectiveness of different habitat restoration projects and incorporating behavioral or life history diversity. She is collaborating with the Scott River Watershed Council to analyze factors influencing juvenile coho salmon survival during freshwater rearing in different types of restored habitats, including side channels, beaver dam analogs, and off-channel ponds.

Gammon Koval is a Master’s student at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in Dr. Scott Hamilton’s Ichthyology Lab. His thesis is focused on the surf zone community assemblage and observing how it changes throughout the year as well as how marine protected areas are impacting it. This is also part of a larger, state-wide assessment investigating how marine protected areas are conserving the surf zone.

Allison Payne is a Masters student at San Francisco State’s Estuary and Ocean Science Center with Dr. Ellen Hines. Her research looks at humpback whale entanglement scars off the coast of central California to inform management decisions. She hopes to continue a career doing cetacean research that will impact conservation and policy.

Jordan Alejo is currently a Master’s student at San Diego State University in the Public Health department, specializing in Environmental Health. He is interested in the effects of anthropogenic chemicals on coastal systems, the relationship to public health, and interdisciplinary approaches to mitigate the impacts. His thesis project explores the ecological and bioaccumulative effects of tobacco waste on marine life in a coastal natural reserve.