Jake Buffenbarger— 4th year UCI student, Major: Earth System Science; Minor: Film & Media Studies
Hello! My name is Jake Buffenbarger and I am a second-year CEB intern!! I am about to graduate with a B.S. degree in Earth System Science and a minor in Film and Media Studies. I have always been fond of hydrology, as I watched videos of scientists testing the pH of popular water bottle brands when I was little. Now, I am given the incredible opportunity to complete field work multiple times a week! It’s been an honor to have the experience to test different areas of field work, and I have gained so much experience with plant identification, the germination process, and hydrological systems. By far my favorite part of CEB is the people. I’ve gained a beautiful network of faculty, students, and staff who all want to see me succeed. These people all have lovely souls and I feel blessed to be able to have my environmental journey alongside them. Thanks to everyone at CEB for motivating me to push forward in my path to becoming a water resource specialist!
Isabelle Capili — 4th year UC Irvine Student, Major: Environmental Science & Policy
The CEB Internship has provided me with great insight into potential career paths after my time at UCI. Like my fellow interns, I was always in awe of what Earth has to offer, but often felt alienated since I never knew how to direct that passion into something impactful. Thanks to CEB, I’ve had the opportunity to experience what it’s like to participate in a collaborative research project, as well as restoration and conservation practices through field work. I was welcomed by so many intriguing scholars in the field of ecosystem sciences and gained many new skills that I know will be useful in my future career. I hope to grow and curate what I’ve learned during my time here and incorporate it into the bigger world to make a change!
Samantha Decker– 4th year UC Irvine Student, Major: Biological Sciences; Earth System Sciences
I have loved nature for as long as I can remember. I grew up outdoors, whether it was camping, hiking, going to the beach, or just playing outside. As I grew up, this manifested into a passion for earth science and ecology. I started to learn more about climate change and how humans are negatively impacting the Earth, and it inspired me to pursue a career in environmental science. I took this journey to UCI, where I decided to major in Earth System Science and later specialize in Hydrology and Terrestrial Ecosystems. Here, I have had amazing opportunities to engage in programs involving earth science and sustainability, including CEB. I joined CEB because I wanted to gain hands-on experience in fieldwork and conducting environmental research. Through the CEB program, I have gained these valuable experiences and met many like-minded individuals in my cohort and in the professional world. I’ve learned so much about ecology and I’ve had a lot of fun in this program!
Jade Dunaway – 4th year UC Irvine Student, Major: Earth System Science; Environmental Science and Policy
The great outdoors has always been my sanctuary. Whether camping under the stars, hiking through scenic trails, or swimming in the ocean, nature has inspired me in countless ways. My journey in science, driven by a deep passion for biogeochemistry and the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems, has fueled my fascination with the ocean’s mysteries. However, seeing how human activities continue to disrupt its delicate balance is disheartening. I envision a world where ecosystems thrive, and I am committed to advocating for sustainable practices and fostering a solutions-oriented mindset within my community. Becoming a CEB intern has been an incredible opportunity to engage in hands-on environmental research and outreach. Through this experience, I have gained extensive fieldwork expertise and have been deeply rewarded by witnessing the meaningful impact of our hard work. Moreover, connecting with my peers has been impactful; collaborating with like-minded individuals has strengthened my passion for conservation and natural resource management. I am eager to continue learning, educating others, and making a lasting impact in environmental advocacy.
Kevin Gutierrez – 2nd year UC Irvine Student, Major: Biological Sciences
I have always been passionate about nature and the conservation of our environment. I believe that learning how to coexist with nature is essential for every society, and for some cultures, it is central to their cosmology. As societies continue to develop and expand, understanding how ecosystems are forced to adapt and evolve due to urbanization and habitat loss is essential for preserving biodiversity and life on Earth.
I was fortunate to be part of the CEB program, where I gained valuable hands-on experience and practical skills, including field techniques and an understanding of the variables involved in habitat restoration in Southern California. Working alongside peers and CEB staff was both rewarding and instrumental in strengthening my understanding of nature and the field of ecology. I look forward to further strengthening my research skills and field experience, and to gaining a deeper understanding of our environment that I can apply to ongoing global environmental challenges.
Stella He – 3rd year UC Irvine Student, Major: Earth System Science; Environmental Science and Policy
Growing up, I have always loved being outdoors and exploring the natural environment around me. However, I felt like my experiences were limited in the field and I didn’t get much exposure in high school. Coming into college, I was able to take more classes and gain better knowledge of the field of environmental science. Joining CEB has helped me gain hands-on experience working in the field. Applying my knowledge in class towards the actual work I’m doing in the field has deepened my understanding of our natural environment and made me realize the importance of why we are doing the work we are doing. CEB has given me an amazing opportunity to connect with nature and meet with experienced peers that enjoy ecology as much as I do. Through events like Project Grow, I was able to develop a better understanding of how to identify native and non-native plants. Additionally, the CEB class itself has helped me develop confidence in science communication and professional development. These experiences have not only deepened my ecological knowledge but also made me want to spread awareness by educating younger generations the importance of our natural environment.
Ashley Hernandez – 4th year UC Irvine Student, Major: Earth System Sciences
Throughout my years at UCI, I have been heavily involved in various campus organizations/activities, but I have always been most interested in educational, environmental, and horticultural activities. I learned about the CEB internship at an SRC x UCI Nature event at the UCI Preserve in my Junior year. That same year, I was also volunteering at the UCI Greenhouse. During my time in the greenhouse, I learned that I really enjoyed working with plants and working hands on. Now in my senior year and a CEB intern, I am happy to say that I have had many opportunities to work with plants. Such as learning to identify new plant species, gathering data on germination trials for our project of the year, seeding and planting native species, and removing invasive species at the UCI Preserve. I have also done other things which I
never thought I would have to do in the internship, like kayaking and water monitoring. The CEB internship has not only given me valuable hands-on experience, but it has also, more importantly, given me access to professionals working in fields that interest me post-grad. As a CEB intern, I now have a space to ask direct questions about what working in an environmental career is like. My involvement in CEB has further solidified my choice to pursue a career in environmental health and management post-grad.
Felix Jeong – 4th year UC Irvine Student, Major:
I did not arrive at UCI knowing I wanted to work in nature. I grew up an artist rather than a scientist, but my experience with creating and working with my hands has only given me a deeper appreciation for the natural world. I have struggled to find my path, having arrived at UCI as an East Asian Languages and Cultures major, but I believe I’ve really found my place in ecology. My time at UCI has provided me numerous opportunities to work in the field and really make a connection with the land we live on, and the CEB internship is one of the best examples of that. CEB provides the time, resources, and opportunities to really understand the environment we live in, which I believe is the most important step to caring for the Earth and really fighting to make it a better place. CEB has really helped me feel more confident in my place in this field and helped prepare me for a career in conservation/restoration, and has provided me a space to connect with like-minded people.
Brooke Medina – 4th year UC Irvine Student, Major: Earth System Science, specialization in Hydrology and Terrestrial Ecosystem; Minor: Film & Media Studies
My love of the natural environment stemmed from (no pun intended) the two big trees that grew outside my bedroom window growing up. Although storms and fires occurred throughout my city over the years, the trees in my front yard stood strong. The strength and resilience of nature reminds me that I can get through any problem that comes my way. Uniting my Earth System Science major with my Film and Media minor, I hope to make environmental sciences and sustainability more accessible to the public. I have been able to use the skills learned in my UCI classes and incorporate them in my work as a CEB intern. So far, this internship has given me valuable experience in the field. Going out oak tree monitoring, water quality testing, and collaborating with other interns on our project of the year, has allowed me to get a better idea of the day to day of a true environmental scientist. I am currently working on my senior thesis through the CEB internship, analyzing the health of California Live Oak trees from the past decade. This experience has given me the opportunity to apply the research and analytical skills I have developed in my coursework to a real-world ecological issue. It has strengthened my desire to engage in scientific research and share it with more diverse communities in an accessible way.
Stephanie Mow – 3rd year UC Irvine Student, Major: Biological Sciences
Being born and raised in Colorado made it natural for me to have a love for the outdoors. I spent my summers hiking in mountains and swimming in lakes, while my winters were spent skiing and having snowball fights. Coming to California, I grew a deeper appreciation for the world around me; being able to touch the ocean while admiring the nearby mountains is a privilege I often take for granted. CEB in particular has given me the chance to appreciate the small things that make California what it is by looking closer at the things right at my feet. California sagebrush, black sage, and coastal prickly pear cactus are just a few of the dozens of plants I have been exposed to during my time with this internship. I continue to learn with and from my team, while continuing to develop skills outside of the classroom. I hope to carry these lessons forward and apply them to my future career focused in conservation. CEB has given me once in a lifetime lessons and experiences that will shape my future, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be part of it with an inspiring community.
Suhanee Patel – 4th year UC Irvine Student, Major: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
I have always loved nature ever since I spent my summers in India where I first encountered wild monkeys, lonely dogs, and kind cows. As a 4th year undergraduate student in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, I learned about CEB through the recommendation of my professor who guided me onto this ever-growing, ever-needed field. CEB has allowed me to think more critically about research pathways and design, career plans, and helped me form new connections with my fellow peers who share the same passion for nature as me. One such experience in CEB was my first time doing oak monitoring, where I learned how to record observations and data while practicing my surveying skills. Since then, I have gotten involved in Project Grow, volunteering at the San Joaquin Marsh, and performing research through our soil migration project. CEB has been a great way to make new friends, build my professional network, and learn new skills through fieldwork, education, and research. In the future, I aspire to grow more experience in my research skills studying large mammal interactions and help to regulate policies that protect and conserve our restored lands.
Arlene Pham – 3rd Year UC Irvine Student, Major: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
I have always considered myself as being defined by my environment, including my natural environment. I was interested in the CEB internship because it sounded like a good way to develop skills important to ecologists. The CEB internship has given me opportunities to participate in research projects and restoration projects, such as the Soil and Plant Assisted Migration at the Bowl (Crystal Cove) project, Fuel Modification project, and Drought-Net project. I have developed native plant identification skills and have been able to meet people who are skilled and experienced in their fields. Being part of CEB has made me realize how much is invisible to us in our surroundings and has fueled my interest in careers in ecology and conservation.
Kayvahn Rastavan – 3rd Year UC Irvine Student, Major: Biological Sciences
Staying active outdoors and being involved in my local community have been huge motivations for me throughout my undergraduate career. As a BioSci major, most of my academic experience has been focused on processes and mechanisms at the micro scale, so I was very excited to see these same principles applied on a larger, interdisciplinary scale. Joining CEB gave me the opportunity to do exactly that. Through our year-long project, alongside other research projects affiliated with CEB, I was able to challenge myself intellectually while also meaningfully contributing to the community and local environment.
The most rewarding aspect of the CEB internship was the opportunity to see the impact of our research in real time. Being able to engage with and educate the local community, while also learning so much about California’s rich environment with my peers was incredibly fun and rewarding. Overall, this experience deepened my connection to both science and my community, and it is something I will carry with me into my future career. It has shaped how I want to approach science moving forward — not just through research, but through outreach, education, and community involvement.
Alexa Solorio – 4th Year UC Irvine Student, Major:
Since I was two years old, I have cared deeply about wildlife, and I always wanted to be a veterinarian when I was younger. Growing up, my mom always reminded me that we need to protect our city, and she taught me to respect nature by doing simple things like throwing trash away properly. Because of this, I learned early on that taking care of the environment matters.
Being part of the Center for Environmental Biology has helped me turn my care for the environment into real action. Through CEB, I have been able to work directly with the land by participating in Project Grow, where I helped with habitat restoration and learned more about native plants. CEB has helped me become more hands-on with conservation, and I get to see firsthand how hands-on conservation work supports the land. These experiences have made me feel more connected to the environment and more motivated to continue protecting it in the future.
Ashlyn Villarreal – 4th Year UC Irvine Student, Major: Environmental Science & Policy; Minor: Global Sustainability
Throughout my life, nature has always been at the heart of my experiences, whether it was witnessing my childhood park being demolished or seeing the rapid urbanization happening outside my home. These moments shaped my perspective from childhood to adolescence, and now as an adult, I hope to help reverse the impact of human development on natural spaces. As an undergraduate student in Environmental Sciences and Policy, I am deeply fascinated by the innovative and interdisciplinary nature of the field. Its influence extends across policy, science, and research, making it a powerful tool for change. While I gained the necessary knowledge throughout my courses, it was through CEB where I truly got to immerse myself in ecology, gain hands-on fieldwork experience, and educational outreach. One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience has been witnessing the growth and success of our conservation efforts firsthand. Project Grow, in particular, pushed me to spend more time outdoors, engage in physical conservation work, and develop plant identification skills. Meanwhile, Project Crystal solidified my passion for education and outreach by allowing me to teach elementary students about the importance of environmental conservation and the effects of urban development. These experiences have only solidified my desire to protect our natural world for future generations which I plan to continue pursuing.