Rachel Sandquist

BIOGRAPHY:

I am a graduate student in IGPMS working with Dr. Craig Carlson. I graduated from the University of Miami RSMAS in 2020 with a B.S. in Marine Science and Microbiology/Immunology. At RSMAS I participated in research on zooplankton biodiversity as well as coral holobiont microbiology and immunology. After graduating from UM, I worked as a diver and environmental consultant at Pinnacle Ecological Inc. where I conducted a range of underwater resource assessment and monitoring activities, including qualitative and quantitative benthic marine resource assessment. Before coming to UCSB I also had the opportunity to work as a research technician at the Hawaii Pacific University Center for Marine Debris Research where I used analytical chemistry methods to study the biological, chemical, and physical impacts of plastic pollution on the marine environment. Outside of the laboratory I am passionate about getting outside and into the ocean through photography, surfing, and diving!

RESEARCH:

I am excited to get started with the Carlson Group investigating heterotrophic bacterioplankton communities and their role in the biogeochemical cycling of dissolved organic matter.