College of Science

ENSTU Student Explores Marine and Paleontological Research 

What did you do for your Service Learning project? 

For my service learning project, I completed 40 hours of service with the California Killer Whale Project (CKWP), a nonprofit supported by Monterey Bay Whale Watch (MBWW). I was tasked with collecting opportunistic data on any cetaceans that we encountered in the bay to contribute to our understanding of species interactions, population fluctuations, and behavioral changes. I also have been able to assist with photo identification of individuals as well as aid in the collection and processing of eDNA. Though collecting data was my primary duty I also found myself doing community outreach and education while on the boats. Connecting people to the ocean is one of the best ways to inspire them to take action to protect it and its inhabitants. While my service hours were fulfilled long ago, I have stayed with the CKWP and MBWW, continuing to collect data and observe the wonders of Monterey Bay.

How did you become involved with paleontology research? 

I became involved with paleontology research after attending a “Science on Tap” event at the Pacific Grove Natural History Museum in March of 2024. The session I attended was about the ancient ecology of the central coast, and my now mentor (Wayne Thompson) was one of the speakers. After learning more about his research and ongoing projects I reached out and expressed interest in assisting in any upcoming research. This slowly evolved into working under Pacific Paleontology, concentrating on micropaleontology, paleoclimatology, and paleoecology projects located in the Purisima Formation, where most specimens are between 7 and 2.6 million years old. I have also assisted with public programming with local museums, am currently developing a public internship program for our company,  contributed to the collections at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, and will be working on large mitigation projects that will be starting later this year.  

How does this contribute to your career goals? 

My long-term goal is to be a multidisciplinary researcher in environmental science, while also connecting people to our planet and all that has lived on it. These opportunities have given me the chance to get into the field, get my hands dirty, and hopefully inspire younger generations while doing so. The experiences that I’ve had and the connections I have made will allow me to continue opening doors in the direction of my goal, which will last long after I graduate from CSUMB. 

What is your favorite part of your research? 

My favorite part of my research with the California Killer Whale Project is the days that I have gone out on the water with just the research team, and can quietly spend time with the creatures in our bay. Being approached by a family of killer whales while in a small zodiac is very humbling. Knowing that they are watching you just as you watch them is an indescribable feeling. It is also very fulfilling knowing that the data that I collect is used to shape policy surrounding fishing seasons as well as to better understand the overall well-being of our whales and dolphins. 

My favorite part of my work with Pacific Paleontology is the fact that I am oftentimes the first human being to see and touch most of the organisms that I unearth. Working on a microscopic level is mindblowing, and I enjoy searching through grains of sediment under the scope to find different species of benthic and planktonic foraminifera. It is so important to understand earth’s past, to better understand our future. Working on paleontological research was my childhood dream, so I am very proud of all of the work that I do. I am looking forward to the upcoming mitigation projects as well. 

Any advice for fellow students interested in participating in this kind of research?

My advice for my peers is to be brave and put yourself out there. If I had not been brave and did not reach out to my mentor after his talk at the museum none of my paleontology work would have happened. I also reached out to my higher-ups on the CKWP team when I was nearing the end of my service learning commitment, asking if I could stay indefinitely. You’ll never know if you don't try, be brave!

What is your favorite part of being an undergraduate here at CSUMB? 

My favorite part of being an undergraduate here at CSUMB is the community of peers and professors that I have created. Being surrounded by like-minded people gives me hope that we can be the change that the earth deserves. It is incredible to see the work that my peers do, and the support that everyone gives each other is wonderful. 

What are your future plans (career, academic, etc.)? 

I am keeping my options open moving forward. Ideally, I want to work on as many different field research teams as possible, studying endangered species in a variety of ecosystems. I am also intending to continue pursuing paleontological research and working on the boats, so I am not sure where these current opportunities will lead me. 

 

Congratulations, Kaitlyn! We look forward to seeing where your professional endeavors take you!