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!
Vice President: Georgia Third
Georgia is a 3rd 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 ecosystem-based fisheries management model for rainbow trout in Lake Taupo New Zealand. Georgia has a passion for science communication, sustainable fisheries research and management and helping facilitate field-based research opportunities.
Secretary: Serena Miranda
Serena is a third 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.
Treasurer: Isaiah Gilmore
Hello, my name is Isaiah Gilmore, and I’m excited to serve as the treasurer of the fish club (SCMBAS). I’m a sophomore studying Ecology and Evolution, with a strong passion for fisheries science and education. Originally from LA County, I enjoy hiking, gardening, fishing, and anything that lets me escape the city and connect with nature. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this club and look forward to contributing however I can while pursuing my degree. I also look forward to working alongside this accomplished cabinet and learning as much as possible from them.
Undergraduate Representative: Grace Kellison
Grace Kellison is a second year student studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She is most interested in restoration work in relation to freshwater environments and community ecology. As a student at UC Santa Cruz, she has enjoyed participating in local volunteer opportunities such as the Coastal Watershed Council’s River Health days along the San Lorenzo and working with the Long Marine Lab’s Survey Slug field biology program. She is passionate about science communication and is currently working as a GIS intern for the UCSC Puma Project
Public Relations Chair: Abigail Ward
I am a first year graduate student in EEB in the Palkovac's lab. My research focuses on thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency in steelhead in California and understanding the implications of this on population dynamics. I am very excited to be the PR chair for our local AFS chapter, getting to pour some of my creative energy into this role! In my free time, I love creative writing, exploring new places, reading novels, painting, and playing volleyball
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!