Aquarium of the Pacific Announces Recipients of Its 2025 CELP Scholar Program

Ahmi Cacapit is a graduate student at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at University of California, San Diego pursuing a Ph.D. in marine biology. Her thesis studies coral reefs in the Pacific using photogrammetry to map coral reefs and identify recruitment patterns. As a native Chamorro from Guam and marine scientist, Cacapit is passionate about working with Indigenous communities on coral conservation. She looks forward to building community with fellow scholars and exploring youth education at the Aquarium. After completing her Ph.D., Cacapit aims to be a professor at the University of Guam to strengthen the relationship between her people and the environment, and to inspire future scientists from the Pacific Islands.

Amarie Strong is completing her undergraduate degree in marine biology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and will begin her Ph.D. this fall. Strong is interested in exploring community-based conservation at the Aquarium and learning more about kelp conservation to inform her graduate research. As a Black woman in marine science, she’s passionate about uplifting diverse voices in the field to improve the relationships between underserved communities and the environment. In the future, Strong hopes to develop education programs that facilitate community science and mentorship.

Amelia Fuentes is a third-year undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Barbara studying aquatic biology and environmental studies. Fuentes is interested in the intersection of STEM and the humanities, and how the two fields can work together to make science more accessible. She is eager to explore the Aquarium’s science communication strategies and animal conservation efforts like the sea otter surrogacy program. Inspired by her Spanish-Chinese identity, Fuentes hopes to become a marine ecology research professor who uplifts scientists from diverse communities. She is also working to expand her nature-inspired jewelry business, “EcoJewelria.”

Derrick Richardson is a graduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles pursuing a Ph.D. in atmospheric and oceanic sciences. His thesis explores the relative influence of overfishing and climate change on global fish biomass and aims to quantify their individual and combined effects to improve fisheries management and conservation strategies. Richardson is eager to network with Aquarium professionals to better understand the intersection of marine research and policy. He also looks forward to uplifting his fellow scholars to support the collective experience of success in STEM. After completing graduate school, Richardson will be the third African American scientist to earn a Ph.D. from his department. He plans to own a policy consulting firm that prioritizes ocean conservation and underserved coastal communities.

Desiree Olivas is a third-year undergraduate student at Mt. San Antonio College studying biochemistry and marine biology. As part of the CELP Scholar Program, Olivas is excited to explore roles in endangered species conservation and network with professionals working on the white abalone restoration project. As a Hispanic scientist, they are passionate about highlighting the cultural and ecological significance of local species and uplifting underrepresented voices in science. In the future, Olivas plans to conduct research with diverse stakeholders on sustainable living solutions.

Diana Castillo is a graduate student at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona pursuing a master’s in biology. Her thesis study explores the sea slug genus Hypselodoris from New Caledonia through evolutionary studies, genetic analysis, and biotechnological methods for species identification and classification. Her research aims to discover potential species and increase our understanding of marine biodiversity. Castillo looks forward to exploring roles in endangered species rehabilitation at the Aquarium. She is also passionate about increasing accessibility and breaking language barriers in marine science. As a Latina scientist and dedicated mother, Castillo is committed to using her career to uplift underserved communities and serve as a powerful example for her daughter and future Latinx in STEM.

Dylan Matthew Crisostomo is a third-year undergraduate student at California State University, Long Beach studying environmental science and policy. Crisostomo holds multiple leadership positions in campus cultural organizations, including the Asian, Pacific Islander & Desi Resource Center and the Cambodian Student Society. As part of the CELP Scholar Program, he’s interested in meeting professionals in education and conservation and exploring his newfound interest in hydrology. Crisostomo aims to bring his leadership experience to the scholar community to increase access to resources and support.

Elias Emmanuel Zamora is a third-year undergraduate at the University of California, Irvine studying ecology and evolutionary biology. Zamora currently conducts research on fish evolution and is interested in exploring future career roles that integrate his experience with ichthyology and deep-sea biology. Zamora is a mentor in the UCI Summer Bridge Program and is looking forward to growing his student community with fellow CELP Scholars. Zamora is also excited for the September Scholar Symposium where he is excited to share his accomplishments and future aspirations, while growing his science communication skills.

Hannah Le is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of California, San Diego studying marine biology. Le is passionate about connecting nature and human stories, increasing diversity in environmental action, and making scientific research more accessible. As a tattoo artist, she’s inspired to use non-traditional education tools and uses art to engage the public in fundraising and discussion on the preservation of culture within climate impacted communities. Le is eager to explore Aquarium roles that collaborate with, educate, and advocate for communities, and share all that she learns with future scholars as a peer mentor.

Hayden Washington is a third-year undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University studying biology. Washington conducts research on the impacts of climate change on marine animals and plans to continue pursuing these questions as an aquatic veterinarian or mammologist. She is excited to network with Aquarium professionals working in conservation and learn new skills to educate the public on these important projects. Washington is also passionate about increasing Black representation in marine science and using her journey to inspire future scientists from diverse backgrounds.

Jordyn Scott is a third-year undergraduate student at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona studying environmental biology. Scott is the proud co-founder and president of her campus’ chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos, Hispanics, and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), and is excited to bring her whole self to her new scholar community. She’s interested in exploring roles in education to understand how her experience as a tutor, diver, and researcher can be used to educate youth on marine biodiversity. In the future, Scott plans to pursue a Ph.D. and career that bridges her passion for marine science and community engagement.

Kendall Chancellor is a graduate student at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California, San Diego pursuing a Ph.D. in marine biology. Her thesis studies Pacific coral reefs and their capacity to build high temperature tolerance in the face of climate change. Chancellor is excited to explore roles that integrate scientific research and science communication into Aquarium programs and exhibits to keep the public informed on the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems and potential solutions to these effects that they can act on. As a Black scientist, she is passionate about pursuing a career that prioritizes environmental justice, centers Indigenous knowledge, advocates for marginalized communities, and uplifts diverse voices in STEM.

Lydia Lifquist is a fourth-year undergraduate student at California State University, Long Beach studying marine biology. Lifquist is eager to explore roles within husbandry and education to better understand potential pathways they can pursue as an environmental advocate. Their multifaceted identity as a queer, neurodivergent, Hispanic scientist makes them passionate about serving as mentor for future scientists from diverse backgrounds. In the future, Lifquist plans to pursue a graduate degree in biology to increase awareness of how urban environments and human activity impact marine life.

Otto Martinez is a graduate student at California State University, Fullerton pursuing a master’s in biology. His thesis studies the interactions between the native Olympia oyster and the invasive Pacific oyster in California wetlands. Martinez is passionate about conservation education and is excited to explore outreach roles, conservation projects, and grow his science communication skills. As a Latino scientist, Martinez hopes to inspire the next generation of diverse STEM professionals. He plans to pursue a career in conservation ecology working with underserved communities towards local solutions in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Pa-Shun Hawkins is a graduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles pursuing a Ph.D. through the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. Her thesis is rooted in critical ecology to investigate the impacts of colonial plantations on soil biogeochemistry and forest ecology. Hawkins is also a founding member of the Radical Imagination Club on campus that bridges art with globally relevant themes like “sustainable future.” As a mentor for Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS), she is eager to uplift fellow scholars and build a diverse community of ocean advocates. After her Ph.D., Hawkins plans to pursue a career focused on socio-ecological frameworks and environmental justice.