President: Georgia Third
Georgia is a 2nd year PhD student in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department, advised by Dr Eric Palkovacs in the Freshwater and Coastal Ecology lab. She has experience in studying both marine and freshwater fisheries and is currently researching eco-evolutionary dynamics in steelhead rainbow trout in both California and New Zealand. Her work aims to improve our knowledge and management of the fish, including hoping to create an evolutionarily enlightened fisheries management model for rainbow trout in New Zealand. Georgia has a passion for science education, sustainable fisheries research and management and helping facilitate field-based research opportunities.
Vice President: Paige Gardner
I am a first year PhD student in the Palkovacs Lab, where I study eco-evolutionary dynamics of salmonids. I am interested in understanding thermal tolerance and rapid adaptation of Steelhead to warming waters in the face of climate change. My goal is to use my research to inform policy and ecosystem-based management plans. In my spare time, I enjoy fishing, hiking, surfing, and reading. My favorite freshwater fish species is the Arctic Grayling!
Secretary: Adrienne Chenette
Adrienne Chenette is a master’s student in the Coastal Science & Policy Program and is working on Central Valley salmon restoration and policy. She has worked up and down the coast of California from the Klamath River to the Santa Ana River, with CA Sea Grant and NOAA through the AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards program, with Moss Landing Marine Labs, and the US Forest Service. Adrienne has been involved with AFS at multiple levels, from serving as the Vice President for the University of Montana student subunit, to volunteering on the Riparian Award Committee for Western Division AFS, to her current role as Western Representative for the Student & Early Career Professionals subsection of the Education section of national AFS. She looks forward to supporting SCMBAS and uplifting a diverse fisheries science community.
Treasurer: Harrison Pae
Hello, my name is Harrison Pae. I am currently a fourth year undergrad at University of Santa Cruz California. With aspirations of working in the fisheries industry, I am hoping to be able to network and gain experience as the Treasurer of this SCMBAS subunit. I am currently working as a Lab/Field Course Assistant at the Coastal Biology Building while also interning for Real Good Fish, a company that provides door delivered seafood in order to minimize transport. I am hoping to meet like minded individuals through the AFS while also promoting a better atmosphere for my peers and our members.
Undergraduate Representative: Serena Miranda
Serena is a second year undergraduate majoring in Environmental studies/Biology. She is most interested in the protection and chemistry of freshwater ecosystems as they continue to be threatened by climate change effects. As an undergraduate, she has interned with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) where she learned about the management of protected species and the science behind marine heatwaves by doing projects with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Weather Service. She built an extensive network and widened knowledge about working alongside government environmental agencies. She plans to continue to nurture her education by being proactive in opportunities and actively participating in communities to connect science and humanities in order to spark change.
Public Relations Chair: MiLinh Nguyen
MiLinh Nguyen is a third year undergraduate at UC Santa Cruz majoring in marine biology. She is currently researching behaviors and parental care in wrasses under the Alonzo Lab. She plans on continuing her studies in graduate school and, in the future, completing more research similar to what she did in the Alonzo Lab. In her free time, she likes to go snowboarding, ice-skating, and playing volleyball.
Public Outreach: Jenna Contuchio
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair: Chamonix Toledo
Chamonix is a master’s student in the Coastal Science and Policy program. She is passionate about collaborating with resilient island communities to enhance marine stewardship, support fisheries management, and engage traditional and indigenous knowledge systems. During her studies as an undergraduate, she collaborated with the non-profit, One People One Reef (OPOR), which works with the communities of Ulithi Atoll, Yap, FSM. She has worked closely with Ulithian communities in both Micronesia and Hawaii hosting focus groups and gathering oral histories to develop a broader understanding of the perceptions of spearfishing and its role in the future of fisheries management. Working extensively with both qualitative and quantitative methods, she utilizes a holistic approach to fisheries management and research.
SCMBAS Faculty Mentor: Eric P. Palkovacs
Associate Professor, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Associate Director, Institute for Marine Sciences, Fisheries Collaborative Program
University of California, Santa Cruz
The Palkovacs Lab studies the factors that shape ongoing evolution in fish populations and implications for ecosystems and human uses. Google Scholar
General questions? Send an email to SCMBAS!