From Students to Mentors
Two students who took their experience at BML back to Davis
Every summer, small cohorts of students prepare themselves for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: taking classes at the UC Davis Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute’s Bodega Marine Laboratory (BML). Through fieldwork, lab experience and lectures, they step into the shoes of a researcher and get a taste of what it’s like to live and breathe science. However, opportunities to be part of the BML community don’t necessarily stop after coming back to Davis: Makayla Peixoto and Jessica Bartolome’s experiences taking summer classes made them well-suited to becoming peer advisors.
Neither of them anticipated taking on a mentorship role so soon—but BML faculty saw their potential and encouraged them to become guides for the following year’s students. Now, you may find them in classrooms presenting about BML’s undergraduate programs—something neither of them imagined doing before, helping guide field trips to the lab, or tabling at campus events to raise awareness of the program.
Meet the Mentors: Makayla and Jessica
Makayla Peixoto
Makayla’s interest in marine sciences was sparked by her desire to bring to light the aspects of the ocean that have enormous importance, but are often overlooked. Her experience during summer session I at BML helped open her horizons to the vast amount of marine research out there. Initially drawn to marine mammals and coral reefs, Makayla wasn’t sure if she would be as into the rocky intertidal biome of BML—but after experiencing this ecosystem and all of the organisms within it as part of her research project, she realized, “Oh wow…I could do this for the rest of my life.”
- Favorite dining hall meal: Brandon’s pancakes
- Favorite tidepool: Pinnacle Gulch
- Class attended: Summer Session One
Jessica Bartolome
Growing up in San Diego, the ocean has always been an integral part of Jessica’s world. During her time at BML, she got to dive into her interest in marine organisms and participate in a research project involving the Olympia oyster, the only oyster native to the California coast. Like Makayla, Jessica’s research took her in a new and interesting direction—using ArcGIS, she was able to synthesize information from literature reviews and museum databases to create a historical record of the species. Back in Davis, she continues to participate in this ongoing project.
- Favorite dining hall meal: Biscuits and Gravy
- Favorite tidepool: Pinnacle Gulch
- Class attended: Summer Session Two
Choosing your Experience: Summer Session or Fall Quarter
Bodega Marine Laboratory offers classes during both Summer Session One and Two and has introduced a Fall Quarter program in 2024. Focusing on multidisciplinary marine science, students have the opportunity to take classes ranging from microbial ecology to field research to chemical oceanography.
Summer Sessions offer a 6 week immersive, multidisciplinary look at coastal systems, and students from ANY college or university can apply.
Summer Session 1:
- Experiential fieldwork and research
- Residence at BML is mandatory
Summer Session 2:
- Emphasis on classes
- Optional research course
- Residence at BML optional (commuter student friendly)
Fall Quarter provides a chance to dive deeper into marine science while studying at the lab for an entire quarter. These courses are only open to UC Davis undergraduates.
- Geared towards upper-division students
- Residence at BML is mandatory
Beyond the Classroom: Growth, Connections, and Outreach
BML students are encouraged to go out of their comfort zone, both academically and socially. Makayla and Jessica left the program with a better understanding of whether they enjoyed lab work and with a newfound appreciation for topics they weren’t initially interested in. Jessica remarked,
“The diversity of projects helped me figure out my interests and what kind of work I want to pursue,”
Another unexpected perk for Jessica was building a greater supportive network within the Marine & Coastal Science major (MCS). As a relatively small program at UC Davis, finding a fellow MCS major in a class may not be an easy thing. But at BML, almost all undergraduates are in the MCS major—and upon returning to Davis, those familiar faces pop up in upper-division classes.
As advisors, Makayla and Jessica build on their experience at BML by helping others discover the program. Back in Davis, they connect with students by presenting in front of classes, participating in events, and answering questions from prospective students. Although speaking in front of a large audience wasn’t initially comfortable for either of them, talking about things they are passionate about—such as BML classes or their major—has helped them become more confident public speakers.
Ultimately, their goal is to make this opportunity accessible to as many students as possible. Makayla concludes,
“I want people to experience what I experienced because it's life-changing."
Contact Makayla and Jessica:
About the Author:
Lila Magbilang is a Biological Sciences Major and Professional Writing Minor in the class of '26. Growing up in San Francisco with the ocean in her backyard, marine ecosystems hold a special place in her heart. She is especially interested in ecology, conservation and genetics, and is the CMSI Writing Intern for 2025. Aside from science writing, she enjoys hiking, rock climbing and camping.