Student Spotlights

All Student Spotlights

Madigan Boborci

The REEF

Tropical Aquarist Intern

Madigan is a fourth year aquatic biology major and Bentson Scholar from Chicago, IL. At The REEF, she helps make sure all the animals are fed, happy, and healthy. Outside of the The REEF, she is a captain of the UCSB Club Field Hockey team, and involved in the Burkepile Lab and SCUBA club.

Working at the REEF has allowed me to learn more about the ocean in our backyard as well as explore my passion for aquatic biology in a hands-on way that allows me to bring a new perspective to working in labs in MSI.

Madigan Boborci holds a pinkish sea slug at The REEF

Sophia Cabral

The REEF

Informal Science Educator

Sophia is second year aquatic biology major from Burbank, CA. At The REEF, she helps with outreach programs, preparing food, and caring for the marine life as well. She is also involved with the Hofmann Lab.

Being a part of the MSI community has taught me the real-life work that people in my major do and allowed for me to grow in my teaching and learning abilities. In addition, it has opened my eyes to all the opportunities that my major can lead to.

Sophia Cabral holds a shell at The REEF

Francesca DiMundo 

Lambert Lab

Research and Restoration Assistant

Francesca is a fourth year environmental studies major and German language minor from Pasadena, CA. As part of the Lambert Research Group, she is usually found in the greenhouse or the field, growing happy and healthy native plants. She is also assisting in monarch distribution research and conducting independent research concerning pesticides and soil microbial communities in the Schimel Lab. In her free time, she loves to hike, surf, read, and explore!

I love working in the Lambert Lab because I get to be outside, play in the dirt, and make a difference restoring native habitat!

Francesca with backpack hiking in mountain trail, bluest sky

Fiona Diskin

The REEF

Informal Science Educator

Fiona is a second year aquatic biology major from West Chester, PA. At The REEF, she assists with program rotations, aquarist tasks, and trainings. Outside of The REEF, she is head of philanthropy at Alpha Phi Fraternity.

Being a part of the REEF has solidified my passion for exploring the wonders of our oceans, and given me the opportunity to share what I love with others.

Fiona Diskin hols a gigantic seastar at The REEF

Madison Hampton

The REEF

Informal Science Educator

Madison is a fourth year zoology major from Riverside, CA. At The REEF, she assists with programs and aquarist tasks. Outside of The REEF, she is part of California Recreational Fisheries Survey and a volunteer at the Sea Center on Sterns Wharf.

I love working at the REEF, it allows me to share my passion for the ocean with the community and has taught me so much. I will forever be grateful to have been a part of this family!

Madison Hampton holds a sea slug

Chloe Jenniches

The REEF

Informal Science Educator

Chloe is a fourth year College of Creative Studies biology and environmental studies double major from San Francisco, CA. She loves to explore the awesome ecosystems that exist in Our Channel with students and community members! Beyond her REEFer duties, she is a member of the Culver Lab through the Marine Science Institute, and she is a part of SCUBA and Freediving Club! She also has a plot at the UCSB Community Garden and can be found weeding and watering her plants most days!

I absolutely love to learn about the natural world and have participated in a few awesome marine biology projects at UCSB! I'm super excited to be leading my own project this summer!

Chloe Jenniches holds shells at the REEF

Lauren Jennings

The REEF

Special Exhibits Aquarist Intern

Lauren is a fifth year College of Creative Studies biology major from San Diego, CA. At The REEF, she helps lead our staff in maintaining the facility and keeping our animals happy and healthy. Outside of The REEF, she has interned at Coal Oil Point Reserve and the Culver lab.

Working at the REEF and in the Culver Lab has helped strengthen my global awareness, critical thinking, and leadership skills!

Lauren Jennings holds a big spiny lobster

Mykala Listorti

The REEF

Informal Science Educator

Mykala is a fourth year aquatic biology major from Burbank, CA. At The REEF, she helps educate others about the creatures and habitats in Our Maritime Community. Outside of The REEF, she is involved with Coastal Fund.

I love interacting with the community and seeing the passion sparking in young student’s eyes!

Mykala Listorti holds a sea slug at The REEF

Allen Loomis

The REEF

Lead Informal Science Educator

Allen is a second year chemical engineering major from Santa Clara, CA. At The REEF, he oversees programs and helps maintain the facility. Outside of The REEF, he is the General Project Lead for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers chapter here at UCSB and a member of Panama Engineers WIthout Borders Team.

Livin', Laughin', Lovin'

Loomis holds shells at The REEF

Parker Malhotra

The REEF

Informal Science Educator

Parker is a fourth year environmental studies and aquatic biology double major and Bentson scholar from Padadena, CA. At The REEF, he helps with programs and aquarist tasks. Outside of The REEF, he is involved with CCBER and Miller Lab.

Working at the REEF has blended my passions for research and education, a perfect combination!

Parker Malhotra hols gigantic seastars at The REEF

Jordan Ng

The REEF

Lead Informal Science Educator

Jordan is a third year aquatic biology major with an education minor from Simi Valley, CA. At The REEF, he oversees programs and assists with aquarist tasks. Outside of the REEF, he is an assistant in the Crab Lab,  the percussion principle of the wind ensemble here at UCSB, and a emergency department volunteer at Cottage Health.

Being able to express my passion for marine life while being a part of the MSI community has been one of the most rewarding experiences here at UCSB.

Jordan Ng holds sea stars at The REEF

Isabella Ramirez

The REEF

Informal Science Educator

Bella is a second year environmental studies major from Floral Park, New York. At The REEF, they assist with programs and aquarist tasks. Outside The REEF, she is a board member for the AS Trans and Queer Commission and a member of Pops Orchestra.

Working at the REEF gives me so much insight on how to be a great educator, which I am thankful for as a Science Education minor. I have already applied what I have learned at the REEF to other classes, and I am excited to continue down this path!

Isabella Ramirez holds a huge sea star at The REEF

Mehran Sajjad

The REEF

Special Systems Aquarist

Mehran is a fourth year aquatic biology and communications double major from Falls Church, VA . At the REEF, she manages our special systems, including the most recent project #RedHot. Outside of The REEF, she enjoys spending time at the beach, taking pictures, and learning how to roller skate.

The REEF has taught me so much about our area and helped build my problem solving skills.

Mehran Sajjad holds a sea star at The REEF

Josie Spiegelman

The REEF

Program Coordinator Intern

Josie is a second year Japanese & environmental studies double major from Mill Valley. Her position as an intern at the REEF is vital in coordinating programs and scheduling our team of undergrads. In the fall, you can find Josie playing on UCSB’s Club Field Hockey team.

When I was first hired at the REEF I was instantly presented with opportunities to succeed and work with amazing mentors. Being able to work on my professional development while also connecting with other motivated and hardworking undergraduates has truly helped me to find my place here at UCSB.

Josie Spiegelman

Katie Vick

The REEF

Lead Informal Science Educator

Katie is a fourth year Earth Science major with an emphasis in climate & environment from Mariposa, California. At the REEF, she likes to educate students about marine ecosystems and organisms here in Our Maritime Community. In her free time, Katie enjoys playing outdoor sports, such as basketball, volleyball, and frisbee, as well as the occasional skate or walk to Our Beaches!

Working at The REEF has given me the opportunity to surround myself with a versatility of students and researchers that I normally would not get to interact with in my Earth Science studies. This introduction to the MSI community has been eye opening to a new world of research for myself.

Katie Vick holds a spiny lobster at The REEF