Liam Jenny graduated from UCLA with a double major in Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences and Political Science and a minor in Environmental Systems & Society. Growing up alongside the Puget Sound, Liam’s interest in science started as a blatant curiosity of the natural world around him. Even from a young age, he felt a mission to work towards protecting the ecosystems that first inspired his love of science. Playing even a marginal role towards that goal absolutely fulfills him, and he hopes to lead a proud life aiding solutions to humanity’s greatest climate threats.
Liam’s research largely focuses on the mechanisms of environmental DNA and its applications to real world best management practices and biomonitoring. He’s conducted work on the biogeochemical processes of primary producers in Santa Monica Bay, the minerologies of deep sea California Corals, and the efficacy of Marine Protected Areas through the application of eDNA techniques. Next year, Liam will be starting a California Capital Fellowship with the CA Department of Water Resources. After finishing the program, Liam hopes to work at the intersection of research and policy and will be applying to graduate programs.
Liam believes that diversity and inclusion are essential to STEM because they bring together people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to solve complex problems. According to Liam, inclusion helps ensure that scientific research and technological advancements benefit a wider range of communities rather than only a select group.
Outside of academics, Liam is a huge music fan and loves to camp, hike, and spend time at the beach.