Post by Kelsey Sanchez

I am excited to share that I've officially graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Environmental Science and minors in Geography and Conservation Biology! These past 4 years have been filled with so many new experiences both in and out of the classroom and I’m so grateful for the amazing mentors, professors, and peers who have supported and inspired me along the way. From designing and conducting research in marine biology to actively contributing to on-campus ecological restoration projects, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that aligns with my passion for environmental conservation. For my final quarter, I had the privilege of participating in the Marine Biology Field Quarter in Mo'orea, French Polynesia, where my group and I conducted research on marine ecosystems. Through this intensive field program, we studied the population abundance and diversity of marine invertebrate assemblages in both Halophila decipiens (seagrass) and Rhizophora stylosa (mangrove) ecosystems. This hands-on experience not only deepened my understanding of marine biodiversity but also honed my skills in data collection, analysis, and ecological research. As I step into this next chapter, I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned and continue my journey in environmental science and conservation. I’m also excited to share that I’ll be moving to New York City to begin the next phase of my career, where I’ll pursue my passion for ecological restoration and urban conservation.