Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center

UROC Ambassadors

UROC Scholars and Researchers are encouraged to go beyond research and get out into the community to connect their research to broader impacts.

UROC Ambassadors is designed to encourage UROC Scholars and Researchers to serve as liaisons to develop and maintain strong ties between UROC, CSUMB, and the local tri-county areas. UROC Ambassadors span the academic disciplines-- marine science, psychology, humanities-- and work to enhance their professional development, leadership, and communication skills, as well as become a part of a growing professional network of community leaders.

Picture of Jada Carter

Jada Carter

My name is Jada Carter and I am a senior majoring in molecular biology with a minor in chemistry. My current research takes place in Goeltz Lab of Applied Electrochemistry as well as a position in the NYU Purugannan plant lab. In the Goeltz lab, I work to outfit batteries with powerful, long-lasting materials. In the Purugganan Lab, I am searching for a gene responsible for salt tolerance mechanisms in African rice. My research interests include biochemistry, plant chemistry, and evolutionary biology. Outside of research I’m an artist and working on my roller skating skills.

Picture of Ahtziri Carranza

Ahtziri Carranza Medrano

Hi everyone, my name is Ahtziri Carranza and I am currently a fourth year Environmental Studies major with a minor in Environmental Health Policy. I am a UROC Scholar, who was also a UROC Researcher over the summer. My research project was analyzing surveys taken by community members in the agricultural town of Watsonville to have a better understanding on how climate change has been affecting them and what they would like to see done to better adapt. This school year I’ll be doing an internship with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focused on creating a comprehensive report of farmworker communities nationwide that in turn will help improve outreach related to pesticides. For my free time I enjoy playing video games and doing art! I look forward to being a UROC Ambassador and hope to help many students get involved with UROC.

Picture of Hannah Carrell

Hannah Carrell

Hi! I’m Hannah. I’m a senior here at CSUMB majoring in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology. I have been working with my mentor, Dr. Jennifer Duggan, for the last 2 years on several projects focused on different facets of bat activity. This semester I will be comparing bat species richness between urban and natural habitat - I’m super stoked! Being a part of UROC has allowed me to gain invaluable experience in fieldwork and has given me the opportunity to study what I really love - bats! More than that, UROC has helped me to create lasting relationships with my mentor, graduate students, and fellow peers. I know it can be hard to get a head start on fieldwork when you have no experience, so if you ever have any questions on how to get your foot in the door, please don’t hesitate to ask me! And if you’re interested in getting involved in bat research - I’m your girl. When I’m not studying for my classes or in the field doing research, you can find me drawing, listening to music, or playing with my cat - Suki. I’m never too busy to answer questions, so please feel free to reach out!