Biography:
Originally from Chicago, IL, Jess found a deep connection to the water from a young age when she became a competitive swimmer. They received their undergraduate degree in Marine Biology from New College of Florida where they were a co-captain of the school’s swim club and the TA for their student-run dark room.
Immediately after graduating from New College in the Spring of 2022, Jess joined the Phycology lab at MLML and made yet another cross-country move to California. For their masters thesis, they use scientific diving to learn about environmental factors and physiological responses driving reproductive output in a local fucoid, Stephanocystis osmundacea.
During their time at MLML Jess has become a NAUI Instructor, and works as the assistant to the Diving Safety Officer (aDSO), helping teach AAUS classes in the summer and fall.
Research Interests:
- Seaweed reproduction & Ecology
- Population biology
- Invasive and native species interactions
- Scientific research diving
- Interdisciplinary research
- Aquaculture
