Niki Sridhar (she/her) is a third year PhD student in the Kroeker Lab studying kelp forest ecology. As a queer person of color who has experienced lack of representation in her academic career, she is passionate about making this department an inclusive space for all through community building.

Ari Martínez (he/him)

Ari Martínez (he/him) is a new faculty member at UC Santa Cruz who studies behavioral ecology. Ari sees the challenges of equity and inclusion as an opportunity for personal as well as professional growth. He makes a conscious effort to constantly learn and listen. As a Peace Corps volunteer, graduate student and post-doc, he has learned diverse perspectives and strives to continually incorporate these perspectives to build agency for underrepresented groups, often for students from the global south where his research program is heavily based. When not working, he finds respite and comfort in the outdoors, and cooking for family and friends.

Lina Arcila Hernández (She/her)

Lina Arcila Hernández (She/her) is a Postdoctoral Researcher studying how field educational experiences affect undergrad engagement and identity in the sciences. I hope to bring to the IDEA committee my perspective as a Latina immigrant in the sciences and my previous experiences participating with the Intergroup Dialogue Project, Teaching & Learning in the Diverse Classroom, and other DEI working groups. I am really passionate about creating spaces in EEB that are welcoming for all and that also increase a sense of belonging in our community. She loves cooking, hot chocolate, and spending time with her human and furry family.

Haleigh Yang (she/her) is a 1st year PhD student in Dr. Kristy Kroeker’s lab interested in studying the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Before becoming a graduate student, Haleigh worked as an Americorps Science Educator and Marine Naturalist where her goal was to facilitate connections between her students and the ecological environments through experiential education. As a member of the IDEA committee, she strives to create a more inclusive platform so we can uplift the voices of underrepresented groups.

Gage Dayton (he/him)

Gage Dayton (he/him) is the administrative director of the UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserves. He is dedicated to supporting undergraduate students in field research and hands-on activities in the natural environment. Over the past several years, Gage has been involved in numerous efforts focused on removing barriers to student engagement in field sciences. He is looking forward to learning and being part of the IDEA committee!

Oriana Hernandez (she/her)

Oriana Hernandez (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. As a first-generation Latina, she strives to create a community where it is safe and inclusive for minority and first-generation STEM majors, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Reza Goljani Amirkhiz (he/him)

Reza Goljani Amirkhiz (he/him) is a postdoctoral researcher in ecology working at the intersection of climate change, species-habitat relationships, and conservation. After completing my PhD research on the impact of land use and climate change on birds of the Midwest, I joined Erika Zavaleta’s group at UCSC to continue exploring how environmental change impacts biodiversity, while also growing as an educator and mentor. I’m excited to join the IDEA Committee to help foster a more inclusive, supportive, and connected community within EEB. I look forward to contributing to initiatives that promote equity and belonging, both within our department and in partnership with the wider campus and Santa Cruz communities.