2025 Commencement

Kylie Tretschok

“Growing up by the beach in Redondo sparked my love for the ocean early on, so studying Marine and Coastal Science at UC Davis felt like a natural fit. One of the highlights of my undergrad journey was studying abroad in Brisbane, Australia - diving into Marine Biology and Terrestrial Ecology though research and hands-on learning, while connecting with incredible people who shared my passion. I also had an unforgettable summer at Bodega Bay, where I got to connect with MCS students and Professors in a beautiful remote setting. Lastly, I had the opportunity to work in the Fangue Fish Conservation Physiology Lab for my last two years of my undergrad career, which taught me a lot about animal husbandry and refined my laboratory and computer skills. 

Now that I’ve graduated, I’m excited to head back home to Redondo Beach, where I’ll be continuing my search for marine ecology and conservation jobs and local volunteer opportunities, and starting the next chapter - applying to grad school!”

Jessica Bartolome

"From splashing in the waves to searching for tide pool creatures as a kid, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the ocean—so it’s no surprise I ended up studying marine sciences. I was excited to turn my love for the marine environment into something I could study and build a career around.

Some of my favorite memories came from my time at the Bodega Marine Lab, where I made meaningful friendships, dove into hands-on research, and, best of all, spent time surrounded by nature. I spent a lot of time hiking, relaxing on the beach, and watching the sunset while studying at the BML library. Taking classes on the coast was a refreshing and memorable part of my time in the program. I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to the mission of the Hill Lab— it’s been an incredible learning experience in the field of conservation paleobiology. 

In the near future, I plan to earn my SCUBA certification and pursue a role where I can apply my marine science background to support conservation and restoration efforts aimed at sustaining long-term ocean health."

Serena Bhalla

"Being from the Bay Area and living by the water my entire life, I have always appreciated the beauty in it. Originally I came into UCD as a physics major and quickly realized that it wasn't meant for me. Spring quarter of my first year I took a class called Life In The Sea and it absolutely sparked something I didn't realize I was interested in so deeply. 

My most memorable experiences being at UCD are the many labs and hands-on experiences I was able to get with live sea creatures while learning about them. MCS faculty makes it very accessible to work first-hand with marine species, which is where most of my understanding came from. I hope to go to grad school after taking a gap year to gain more experience and further explore my interests in the marine science field. 

I studied abroad in Australia for 3.5 months this past fall and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who wants to get a unique college experience, specifically for students in marine science who prefer field research and learning while being directly in the ocean. I'm so grateful for everything UCD has given and taught me, and the people I have met over these past 4 years."

Zoe Fricker

"From living on a boat until the age of 4 to spending weeks at a time sailing the Channel Islands each year, I always knew my career interests would lie within some realm of ocean sciences. Even as a kid, I was determined to prevent harm to the ocean and driven to learn how to protect it from climate change. Now, as I graduate with a B.S. in Marine and Coastal Science and a Minor in Environmental Policy, Analysis, and Planning, I continue to carry the passion for ocean conservation I had as a child. 

Reflecting on my time here at UC Davis, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities this university has given me. Learning in the field at the Bodega Marine Lab, with courses that took us outdoors and into real marine environments, was truly a highlight, and I would recommend it to all students with environmental science interests. Another formative experience I have had was in the Stachowicz Lab, where I assisted Claire Murphy with her dissertation research. This mentorship within the lab has not only strengthened my interest in marine ecology but has also been incredibly inspiring as I begin my own journey in the field. 

I am beyond grateful for the connections I have made here at Davis and for the endless support from my peers, labs, friends, and family. I would not be who I am today if it weren’t for them. As I continue the job search, I will be spending my summer on Catalina Island, exploring the place that solidified my passion for marine science many years ago."

Lainie Mikeska

“Growing up on the Chesapeake Bay, I always knew I would study marine or estuarine science in college. Learning about the Bodega Marine Laboratory and the research opportunities for undergraduates is what ultimately led me to choose UC Davis and the Marine & Coastal Science major. Taking classes at BML was absolutely the highlight of my undergraduate career; I learned so much about marine organisms, but also got to design my own research project on the California mussel.

Living out at the Bodega dorms for a summer with my classmates will always hold a special place in my heart. This experience sparked my interest in research, and the following year, I was accepted into the 2024 EVE Scholars program under the mentorship of Dr. Rachael Bay. During the summer, I further developed my research skills and presented my work on acroporid corals at this year's Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Conference. After graduating in March, I spent Spring quarter learning molecular lab techniques and working on many different projects in the Bay Lab. My time at UC Davis has only solidified my love for the ocean, so I will be moving back to the East Coast to pursue a career in marine science research.”

Colby Kalasardo

"All my life, I’ve loved the water. Whether it be the beach, a river, or a swimming pool, I’ve always wanted to be around water, so I chose the MCS major. My favorite memory was at Bodega Marine Laboratory, where every week, my professor Tessa would have us go out and do a nature journal to observe the environment and record our thoughts and feelings about our experience at the lab. I’ve carried on this tradition after my time at the lab, and it’s been an amazing creative outlet for me.

In addition, I enjoyed doing my research project in Bodega Bay along Salmon Creek, discussing the dissolved oxygen production in light-limited environments.

Following graduation, I will be a Hydrology Technician doing stream delineation!"

Claire Low

“Growing up taking frequent trips down to Monterey with my family, my love and fascination for the ocean started from a very early age. I grew familiar with checking tidal charts, waking up early to catch low tide, spending countless hours tidepooling, and hanging out at the beach. I loved finding the coolest shells, racing the high tide back to shore, competing with my cousins to see who could find the most sea stars, and searching high and low for hiding crabs! 

 In 2021, I had the privilege of free diving with sharks in Hawai’i. Though it was terrifying, getting to immerse myself in the vastness of the ocean, in the habitat of marine life, I felt an overwhelming feeling of joy. It was absolutely beautiful, and I got to experience firsthand the true misrepresentation of these gentle giants (along with other marine predators). That was one of the moments I felt that I had chosen the right major.

Back on land, getting to take classes at the UC Davis Bodega Marine Lab was an experience I’ll never forget either. When else are you going to have the opportunity to take classes right next to the ocean, bond with fellow ocean lovers, and interact with your professors on such a personal level?! It was such an impactful experience, I’m going back again this summer!

For what’s next, I’ll be taking a gap year before applying to dental school! Though I’m not pursuing a career in marine science, I have gained so much more appreciation for the ocean and this field of study. If the opportunity ever presents itself, I hope to eventually do a conservation project abroad and apply the knowledge I’ve learned here at UC Davis to contribute to saving our planet. I do know, however, that in every future family trip down to Monterey, I will never look at the tide pools the same because I’ll have a newfound perspective on all the beauty in the countless underlying processes that take place behind the scenes and below the surface.”