I’m a first second year marine biology grad student in San Diego. I’m interested in looking at organism response to climate change conditions (particularly ocean acidification) at the gene expression level. So I want to know what genes an animal’s cells turn on to deal with changes in pH, and how CO2 and/or H2CO3 is transported from seawater into an animal. I’m in the early stages of planning right now, but I’ll update as soon as I get a better idea of my project.
In summer 09, I kicked my butt into shape while training for and biking across the country with Bike and Build, an awesome nonprofit that works for affordable housing issues.
—– Bike and Build Profile ——
Hi everyone. Here’s a little about me:
I’m currently completing my Masters in Biology at Stanford. I guess after this (it’s technically my 5th year in college) I finally have to face the real world for a bit– at least until I apply to grad school. Scary.
I have always loved anything outdoors-backpacking, hiking and pretty much any water sport. In my sophomore year, I got SCUBA certified and took classes at Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station in Monterey, and got absolutely hooked on marine biology. I have spent the last few summers diving and doing research in Marine Bio and Conservation, and am hoping to pursue graduate work in marine conservation genetics.
I haven’t had that much time in college to devote to outdoor learning and service, which is part of why I’m taking next year off. And B&B is the perfect way to start. I’m finally trading in my rusty reliable mountain bike for a road bike, so I can really start to get around. It’s going to be fun challenge training for the cycling on this trip, and I can’t wait to tackle riding cross-country for such an amazing cause.
I have always enjoyed volunteering and believe everyone should be involved in community service. However, since I have always been fascinated with nature and biology, I spend most of my volunteering time with conservation groups. Recently, I was inspired to look into affordable housing by a conversation with friends who spent their spring break working to rebuild houses after hurricane Katrina. It only took a quick glance at the statistics to convince me that affordable housing is one of the greatest issues in our country. Since I am fairly new to the cause, I am looking forward to learning a lot more about affordable housing as I prepare for this trip. I hope we can inspire people we meet along the way to work towards this important cause.
