Roxanna Braganca, having transferred from Southwestern Community College in San Diego, just finished her first year at the University of California, Santa Barbara as a junior where she is pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies (BA) with a concentration in Geography. She volunteers at the Research Experience and Education Facility (REEF) as an informal science educator, inspiring K-12 students with her knowledge of marine life and ecosystem processes. She is actively involved in the Dan Reed lab as part of the Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term Ecological Research program (SBC-LTER), contributing to the understanding of kelp forest ecosystems and diversity. Additionally, she works for The Sea League, an after-school program that fosters a deep connection with the ocean among children of all backgrounds, financial status, or prior experience in the ocean. Currently, Roxanna is enthusiastic about her involvement in the Sustainable and Equitable Agriculture Program, where she will learn about statistical, causal analysis, and GIS methods in relation to her academic interests and career goals. She is excited to participate in internships, the BEL Fellows program, and collaborate with and receive mentorship from graduate students over the next two years!