Casey Capolupo

Casey Capolupo (MARS 2012) is a science professional, currently working as a lab assistant at Pfizer using LCMS to purify drugs. Casey previously worked as a Chemist at Columbia Analytical Services, which focuses on environmental science. Her research at USD primarily focuses on Chemical Oceanography and she is designing a project entitled “The Biological and Chemical Effects of Copper in Shelter Island Yacht Basin.”

A graduate of La Sierra University with a B.S. Biology in 2007, Casey’s future career plans include expanding her professional research and teaching at the collegiate level.

Why did you choose USD?
“The reputation of the Marine Science program impressed me – and it sure didn’t disappoint!”

What is your favorite aspect of the USD community?
“My fellow MARS grad students are awesome.”

Danielle Garcia

Danielle is a second year graduate student in Marine Science. Her interests include physiology and ecology of Antartctic krill (Euphausia superba) in the Weddell and Scotia Seas. Specifically, her research focuses on how the melting of icebergs in the Southern Ocean affects the surrounding ecosystems. Danielle serves as a graduate student representative for the MARS program and has work experience as a research assistant for two research cruises in Antarctica to collect data.

Danielle graduated from the University of San Diego with a BS in Biology in 2009.

Why did you choose USD?
“I wanted to continue on my undergraduate research project with this supportive faculty.”

What is your favorite aspect of the USD community?
“The faculty has a general willingness to be involved in student research, even if the student is not working in their lab.”

Sean Hitchman

Sean is in his final year in the MARS program and has been a graduate assistant in the department for two years. His research interests include investigating the association of larval bocaccio with potential adult habitat by way of otolith ageing and geographical information systems (GIS). This research has implications for management and the design of marine protected areas (MPAs). The title of his thesis project is: “Spatial Structure and Association with Potential Adult Habitat in Larval Bocaccio, Sebstes pucispinis, in the Southern California Bight.”

Sean is deeply involved in the discipline and has attended the AAASPD Conference in Ashland, OR, where he won first place presentation in the Ecology, Organismal Biology, Environmental Science Division. Since 2005, he has been a Fishery Observer at the National Marine Fisheries Service.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences from University of South Carolina in 2004. In the future, Sean intends to pursue a Ph.D. in Marine Science or Oceanography and continue delving into his research agenda.

Why did you choose USD?
“Since I had already obtained my B.S. in Marine Sciences from an East Coast school, I thought it would be in my best interest to pursue a graduate degree on the West Coast in order to gain a different perspective.”

What is your favorite aspect of the USD community?
“I did my undergrad at a large university, but I like the small-campus feeling that USD provides.”

Megan L. Kolupski

Megan is a Marine Science graduate student (2010) and Research Assistant for Dr. Sarah Gray.
She is currently working on a research project entitled “The Land-Sea Connection: Composition & Flux Rates of Terrigenous Sedimentation on Coral Reefs in Coastal Bays on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.” The research focuses on a study of sedimentation in bays on the surrounding coral reefs on St. John, the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands.  As a USD student, Megan lived on St. John in a research station for a few months to conduct the research in 2008-2009.  She used SCUBA to collect the data, analyzed it in the lab and was able to determine the source of the sediment and see what it's composed of. The research helped increase understanding about systems impacting the coral reefs. Megan recently was awarded the AGU Ocean Sciences Student Scholarship (2010) and the San Diego Association of Geologists Scholarship.

Megan has a B.S. in Biology with a Chemistry concentration (2007) from John Carroll University. In the years to come, she plans to continue her research in the Caribbean and pursue a Ph.D. in marine science or biology.

Why did you choose USD? 
"I applied to marine science and biology graduate programs all over the states, but I was really impressed with the willingness of everyone in the MARS department to answer my questions and meet with me when I visited USD.  I met a lot of the MARS grads – they were people I could relate to.  I loved the small school feel and there was a great connection between the faculty and the grads, which wasn't evident at some of the other schools I visited.  And of course I was blown away by the beauty of the campus…who wouldn't love the San Diego location? "

What is your favorite aspect of the USD community?
"I love how close the MARS grads are with each other and have made friends among the MARS faculty and staff. The opportunities available to grads on the USD campus really make you feel like you belong at the school."

Juliette Nash

Juliette a came to USD last year and is pursuing her M.S. in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies (2010). At USD, she is studying bioacoustics and vocal learning in killer whales (Orcinus orca) in her research entitled, “Vocal Learning in Killer Whales: The Effects of Developmental Stage and Social Affiliation.” She recently presented a co-authored paper to the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) conference in Portland, OR. Her involvement with USD graduate life also includes service as the Vice-Chair for the Graduate Student Council for 2010-2011.

Juliette has a strong background in animal behavior studies and training. She has worked, studied or volunteered for the Massachusetts Audubon, Ocean Classroom, Whale Sail, the Dolphin Communication Project, Mystic Aquarium Rescue Rehab program, the Beam Reach School for Marine Science and Sustainability, SeaWorld Orlando (where she is featured in the film "Saving a   Species: The Killer Whale Story"). She currently runs a Feline/Avian/Exotic pet behavioral counseling and modification company on the side - www.pollywannasolution.com.

Juliette received her B.A. in Biology with Minors in Wildlife Biology & English (with special emphasis on British literature & creative writing) from the University of Rhode Island in 2006. In the future, Juliette plans to “keep researching, writing about, and "stalking" the whales with hydrophones and notepad.” 

Why did you choose USD?
"I Chose USD because it provided me the opportunity to study with Dr. Ann Bowles at the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, and because I liked the PhD-like structure of the program."

What is your favorite aspect of the USD community?
"The small size of the MARS grad program allows us the chance to really get to know the faculty. I love that students are able to approach faculty with questions."

Joel Van Noord

Joel Van Noord (MARS 2010) is finishing up his final classes at USD and is interested in the ecology of feeding. His specific research question concerns the feeding ecology of three surface migrating myctophid fishes in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. He has presented at a numbering of conference, including the 60th Annual Tuna Conference. Joel has had brought substantial work experience into his research; he has previously held positions with the United States Geological Survey and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Joel came to USD with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Michigan. In the future, Joel plans to continue his research agenda in a Ph.D. program.

Why did you choose USD?
“I was attracted to USD because of the freedom you have in designing your own project.”

What is your favorite aspect of the USD community?
“Location, Location, Location.”