Oliviya Wyse

California State University, Monterey Bay; Marine Sciences (B.S.)

Visiting Undergraduate Student Researcher

Oliviya Wyse is a visiting summer student at the Nielsen Lab from CSU Monterey Bay. There, she studies Marine Science and enjoys hiking and camping in her free time. Thanks to her internships with COAST and UROC, Oliviya has been able to join us at the Nielsen Lab to help us conduct research, participate in fieldwork, and explore the vast opportunities Sonoma State University's Department of Biology has to offer. In the future, Oliviya plans to continue her education and recieve her Ph.D. in Marine Sciences. 

Zak Beltz

Sonoma State University; Environmental Studies and Planning (B.A.)
Undergraduate Student Researcher

Zak Beltz joined the Nielsen Lab in Spring 2013 after expressing great amounts of interest in invertebrate biology. While participating in research and fieldwork with the lab, Zak has broadened his passions in marine ecology and conservation. Zak received his Bachelor's of Arts degree in Environmental Studies and Planning (ENSP) major, with a concentration in Conservation and Restoration, in May 2013, and will be a Research Assistant for the Tortuguero Green Turtle and Leatherback Research and Conservation Program in Costa Rica this coming August.

Katayoun Darabi Farsi

Sonoma State University; Biology (B.S.)

Undergraduate Student Researcher

In Spring 2013, Katie Darabi Farsi became an independent student researcher for the Nielsen Lab, as well as the founder of the Nielsen Lab Blog. She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology in May 2013, and hopes to pursue a career in science communication. In the lab, Katie conducted research on zooplankton and phytoplankton abundance, under the guidance of graduate student Suzanne Garcia.   

Preston Malm

Sonoma State University
Graduate Researcher

Before coming to Sonoma State University, Preston received his Bachelor's degree from UC Davis in 2008. His marine ecology experience spans a wide spectrum of organisms. Preston has worked with the Nature Conservancy on the restoration of endangered salmon habitats, as well as Bodega Marine Laboratory where he examined the population connectivity of bivalves in San Francisco Bay. Preston decided to continue his education at Sonoma State University, in the Nielsen Lab, where he focused his Master's thesis on the role of sand grain size in the structure of talitrid amphipod populations on sandy beaches of northern California. In his free time, Preston is an avid maritime enthusiast, and plays the mandolin. 

Suzanne Garcia

Sonoma State University
Graduate Researcher

Suzanne Garcia joined the Nielsen Lab as a MS student in the spring of 2012. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She did her undergraduate work examining food web dynamics and harmful algal blooms. For her Master's thesis, she plans continue working with phytoplankton by examining the influence of ocean acidification on coastal phytoplankton communities. As part of her degree work, she is a TA for Sustainability in Our World, a freshmen-level course for students interested in pursuing STEM majors.

Ahoy There!

The Nielsen Lab set sail aboard Integrity on March 9, in Bodega Bay. They collected phytoplankton and zooplankton samples from various parts, kept insulated for later research. More pictures here.

State of the California Central Coast Symposium

On February 27th through March 1st, the Nielsen Lab will be attending the symposium on the State of the California Central Coast. At this conference, the Marine Protected Areas of the California Central Coast will be discussed, with focus on the most recent five years. 
Learn more here: MAP Website