Who We Are - Faculty/Scientists
Dr. Drew M. Talley is a professor in the Environmental and Ocean Sciences department at the University of San Diego. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms and generalities behind habitat connectivity and spatial subsidy, and integrating these connections into studies of coastal ecosystems. Examples include research focused on habitat connectivity in southern California estuaries; spatial subsidies on islands in the Gulf of California; and the ecosystem-level impacts of species invasions in the Tijuana Estuary. Throughout all of this work, he strives to integrate education, diversity and inclusion, and applied conservation biology into these fundamental science questions.
Dr. Sula Vanderplank is an expert in the flora and ecology of the Baja California peninsula, having studied the diverse ecosystems and offshore islands there for the last 20 years. She earned her PhD in Plant Ecology from the University of California, Riverside, under Dr. Exequiel Ezcurra. She is a Research Associate at the Ensenada Scientific Research and Higher Education Center (CICESE), and San Diego State University. She maintains an active research program on the peninsula and has published more than 50 academic articles and books. She is currently the director of Conserva Loreto, a program of The Ocean Foundation, which exists to strengthen protected areas in Loreto with science, education and equity.
Dra. Natalia Rodriguez Revelo is a conservation biologist and profesor at UABC in Ensenada. She studied biology at the Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM-Xochimilco) in Mexico City, did her postgraduate studies at UABC (Universidad Autónoma de Baja California), with a Master's Degree in Ecosystem Management of Arid Zones, and a PhD in Environment and Development. Her postdoctoral work at the San Diego Natural History Museum, began generating the first inventory of entomofauna in coastal dunes in Mexico. Natalia is passionate about mentoring young people, as she considers these interactions critical in generating more equality and gender diversity in the sciences in Mexico.
Dr. Dave Sandstrom retired from the University of Maryland in 2023 after a career devoted to research and teaching. He focused primarily on neurophysiology, with interests ranging from the rewiring of the moth nervous system during metamorphosis to genes activated during memory formation. Along with traditional courses in physiology and neuroscience, he developed a program of student-led research based on the biology of unusual invertebrates. At his home in New Mexico, he studies the effects of temperature and seasons on the metabolism of local tenebrionid beetles.
Elvis Soriano is a biology student who enjoys learning about ecological interactions between insect-plant-microbiomes in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Elvis also loves swimming, snorkeling, hiking, singing and dancing. His passion is Islands!
Augusto Olmos studied Renewable Energies at the Universidad Tecnológica de La Paz. He is interested in integrated projects for the use and exploitation of renewable energy sources, as well as everything related to the flora of the Baja California peninsula!
Students
Emily is a graduate student from Seattle, WA where she grew up tidepooling with her oceanographer/science teacher dad! She hopes to use her International Relations and Spanish degrees to implement and advocate for multilateral environmental policy changes in her career.
Charlotte I am a junior transfer at USD, and this is my first year here! I love to waterski, rollerskate, and swim in the ocean. I’m a huge fan of birds and I’m really looking forward to all the Baja California wildlife(and the stars)! I <3 Environmental Science!
Flor is a fourth year undergrad student majoring in Environmental Studies and interested in sustainability. She is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico and enjoys exploring new places, meeting new people, and eating sushi.
My name is Carys! I am going into my senior year at the University of San Diego and I am an environmental and oceanographic sciences BS major. I want to go into environmental chemistry after college and conduct research for a living. During my free time I love going to the tide pools in San Diego every month to see what new organisms I can find and love hiking in the mountains
Isabel is headed into her senior year at the University of San Diego majoring in Biology. She is interested in going into the fields of wildlife conservation and/or recreational therapy. During her free time she loves to be outside exploring with her dog, Rue, or taking a nap in her hammock
Joel is a an Environmental and Ocean Sciences graduate student studying the migratory birds and aquatic organisms found at the Salton Sea. He initially lived in Utah, and spends a lot of his time hiking and skiing
My name is Zoe, and I am an environmental science student from Colorado. I have always grown up loving the outdoors, and this major helps me have a different understanding of what it is we call earth. I can't wait to go to Baja and have some field experience farther from home. And of course to see the whale sharks (hopefully!)
Hi, I am Maddie! I am a rising junior at the University of San Diego, majoring in biology. I plan to pursue veterinary medicine. I love hiking, paddleboarding, hanging out with my dog, and playing lacrosse.