Participant Profiles

Pronouns: she/her/hers
University: University of Texas at Austin
Major: Biology
Hometown: Harlingen, TX

I'm a Biology major at UT Austin. I hope to earn my PhD studying ecology and evolution, then work for the EPA. I love live music, watching horror movies, hiking, and meeting pets!

Aundrea (Dree) Koger

Pronouns: she/her/hers
University: Western Washington University
Major: Biology (Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology)
Hometown: Bellingham, WA

Because I am a cross country and track athlete for my university, I spend much of my time running up and down mountains for fun here in beautiful Bellingham, Washington. After growing up in a small town in Kansas, going to a school with such a vibrant outdoor culture has been quite the adventure! When I have the time and energy, I like to go hiking, camping, kayaking, and bouldering with friends. But otherwise, you might find me studying in the biology building, working in the library on campus, or baking muffins and spending quality time with friends at home. After undergrad, I would like to pursue a career as professor and researcher in behavioral ecology and evolution, so I am excited to be working in a lab that focuses on those fields this summer!

Nicole Márquez-Reyes

University: University of Puerto Rico, Cayey
Major: Biology
Hometown: Vega Baja, PR

Hi! I'm Nicole, a proud Puerto Rican. I'm an undergrad at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, where I've been working to complete my Bachelors Degree in Biology. My interests center in Ecology, Evolution and Genetics. After graduating, I hope to pursue graduate studies, hopefully in these areas. In my free time I enjoy reading a good book, writing, singing, listening to music, watching Netflix, or simply enjoying the moment.

Macy Petrula

Pronouns: she/her/hers
University: California State University, Sacramento
Major: Biology
Hometown: Sacramento, CA

I am studying biology at California State University Sacramento. After graduating I hope to become a field biologist or marine biologist. In my free time I enjoy hiking, surfing, snorkeling, and rock climbing

Emma Riccardi

Pronouns: she/her/hers
University: Northeastern University
Major: Environmental Science
Hometown: Norwich, VT

Growing up in Vermont, I fell in love with the outdoors, maple syrup and fall foliage. My passion for nature turned into an interest in the environment and protecting the world's ecosystems. It's hard to find a part of environmental science that isn't important, but I'm particularly drawn to biomimicry and learning from nature to incorporate their systems in technology, infrastructure, etc. In my free time, I love exploring new places, exercising, and doing anything outside.

Alyssa Vanerelli

Pronouns: she/her/hers
University: University of North Carolina at Asheville
Major: Biology
Hometown: Asheville, NC

At the University of North Carolina at Asheville, I am interested in using genetics to study vertebrate evolution and biodiversity, specifically in reptiles. After graduating, I plan to go to graduate school to study vertebrate ecology and evolution. Being from the mountains, I love hiking and am always down to explore new places. In my free time, I enjoy reading, longboarding, and being outside.

Kierra Wilk

Pronouns: she/her/hers
University: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Major: Geology
Hometown: Westerly, RI

My name is Kierra and I am a rising junior, majoring in geology with a minor in astrobiology. Primarily I am interested in planetary habitability and life on early Earth. After completing my undergraduate degree, I hope to continue my studies in a geology PhD program. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, watching Netflix, and trying new coffee shops.