2023 Apprenticeship
Focusing on Ecosystems
This year our projects take on a macro perspective and involve methods geared towards ecosystem observation and characterization. Our 2023 Apprenticeship program is made possible through the funded support of the San Diego Workforce Partnership, an organization connecting job seekers and businesses to bolster careers exploration while supporting the local economy. OSA provides training for analytical elements and coordinates projects. Our team of analysts learn how to use remotely sensed ocean color data, gain skills in geographic information systems (GIS), and establish a digital data monitoring program for a local marine protected area.
Learn About the TechHire Program
Meet The Analysts
Xochitl Lopez
I graduated with a degree in Biology from CSUSM in 2021. In my free time, I like to spend time with family, friends, and our pets. I also enjoy trying new foods and restaurants.
Jasmine O'Hara
Jasmine O’Hara is graduating from California State University San Marcos in the spring of 2023 with a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and a minor in geography. She has been working with the CSUSM’s Pollinator Monitoring program since the spring of 2022 and will compete in the statewide CSU research competition at the end of April 2023 for her work innovating the technology used by the Pollinator Monitoring Program.
Kianna Monaco
I am a San Diegan with a passion for science and the ocean. I have always been fascinated by animals and marine life. Determined to pursue a career in marine biology and help the planet, I have taken action by creating infographics and other materials informing the public about sustainable seafood and carbon sequestration. Through these projects and future endeavors, I hope to share my passion for the ocean and have others understand why it's important to protect our blue planet.
Yulisma Martinez
I was born in Mexico, but I have spent most of my life in California. I graduated from CSUSM with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a deep interest of the ocean/marine organisms. I enjoy traveling, working out, and spending time outdoors.
Hannah Adams
Hannah is a third year PhD candidate at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego researching the marine mercury biogeochemical cycle. She is passionate about chemistry and understanding human impacts on the marine environment. When Hannah is not conducting experiments in the lab or collecting samples on research cruises, she likes to travel, scuba dive, and play kickball.
The Projects
MPA Monitoring with eOceans
The MPA Observer Program - La Jolla North is intended to digitally collect and analyze biodiversity information in and surrounding the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve, and San Diego-Scripps Coastal State Marine Conservation Area located in La Jolla, San Diego. This region is popular with tourists and locals for the diversity in marine species and access to the ocean. Due to their regular presence and naturalist knowledge of the area, we intend to invite local divers, kayakers, whale watching vessels and surf instructors to collect observations of marine life at sites within the marine protected areas (MPAs). eOceans is an online tool to help with the collection of data and provision of analytics associated with this data in a seamless, collaborative manner. This project aims to establish a streamlined monitoring tool fueled by local experts who regularly help document changes in marine life in this important marine protected area (MPA).
Characterizing Blue Whale Habitat off Oregon
Long-term data collected by the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) on the Coastal Endurance and Cabled research arrays off Newport, Oregon includes passive acoustic data and a rich dataset of environmental variables. Previous studies have noted the occurrence of blue whales, and specifically their call associated with feeding, to specific environmental data. We are using the oceanographic data collected on a shelf and slope site of the OOI observatory, in additional to remotely sensed Ocean Color satellite data to characterize the habitat of these marine mammals in relation to presumed feeding calls.
