Tracking changes in photosynthetic activity of native California plants
Awardee: Alannah Linden, third year atmospheric and oceanic sciences / mathematics major. Alannah has interests in a range of physical sciences subjects.
Projects
Translating Conservation Science to Policy-Driven Outcomes
The event featured a presentation by Clark Stevens, Executive Director of the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains and the lead architect for the Highway 101 Liberty Canyon wildlife over-crossing, a project that has some of its origins in the work of John Benson, one of our first La Kretz postdocs
Characterizing community biodiversity of eelgrass (Zostera marina) in the Port of LA surrounding a localized dredging event
Awardee: Candice Cross, third year Ph.D. student in Dr. Paul Barber’s lab. Candice is interested in using next- generation sequencing tools to study the role of foundation species in marine ecosystems.
Comparisons in Patterns of Antibiotic Resistance Bacteria Between Urban and Non-urban Populations of Dark-Eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis)
Awardee: Carolyn Xue, master’s student in Evolutionary Medicine program in the Yeh Lab. Carolyn hopes to promote ideas on One Health, work in preserving biodiversity, and grow her interests in art and science.
DNA methylation variation as a mechanism to alleviate inbreeding depression in the island fox (Urocyon littoralis)
Awardee: Stella Yuan, first year Ph.D. student at UCLA, co-advised by Dr. Robert Wayne and Dr. Kirk Lohmueller. Stella is interested in the evolution of small or declining populations and hopes to use genomic and epigenomic tools to further conservation efforts.
Effects of interspecific competition on habitat use by Stephens’ kangaroo rat
Awardee: Janine Fischer, Ph.D. student co-advised by Dr. Grether and Dr. Shier. Janine is interested in how aggressive interference between species influences coexistence and habitat use.
Effects of Urbanization on Gut Microbial Communities in Dark-Eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis)
Awardee: Sara Freimuth, M.S. student in the Yeh lab. Sara is interested in scientific research, science education, and science communication and hopes to intertwine them in her work with urban birds.
Intersecting effects of urbanization, diet and rodenticides on local coyote health
La Kretz postdoctoral researcher Dr. Sarah Helman is investigating the intersecting effects of urbanization, diet and rodenticides on local coyote health, working in collaboration with the National Park Service, the…
Urbanization effects on the disease ecology of dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis)
Awardee: Wilmer Amaya-Mejia, second-year Ph.D. student in the Yeh Lab. Wilmer is interested in understanding the disease ecology and eco-immunological responses of birds to address conservation and human health concerns.
Wildlife post-Woolsey Fire Recovery and Recolonization
Awardee: Chloe Nouzille, M.S. student at UCLA, co-advised by Dr. Dan Blumstein and Dr. Seth Riley. Chloe is pursuing a research-based career studying social learning behavior to increase reintroduction success and conserve endangered species.
Creating a sustainable waste management plan for the Aquarium of the Pacific – Year 2
Marine debris – trash and litter that end up in our ocean – damages the environment and threatens marine life. Marine debris is everywhere, including in our California coastal waters…
Developing a non-native vegetation plan to support habitat restoration for Sage Hill at UCLA
Sage Hill is the last piece of untouched native habitat in West Los Angeles and has the potential to become a sanctuary, outdoor class space, and hub for undergraduate research.…