ISOpods is coordinated by UC Davis postdoctoral researchers with diverse backgrounds in marine science and education.
Kristin Aquilino
From catching tadpoles in small ponds as a kid growing up in Iowa, to currently trying to save an endangered abalone species as a scientist at UC Davis Bodega Marine Lab, I have always had a passion for the natural world. I paved my career path by taking advantage of hands-on learning opportunities and working hard to fine-tune my skills and interests. Throughout my education, I benefited immensely from research-based learning experiences, and I love returning to the classroom to create similar experiences for a new generation of budding young scientists.
Ellie Fairbairn
Following my sophomore year in high school, my family and I moved from suburban Wisconsin to coastal California. Settling quickly into my new habitat, I loved to sit on the beach, stare off to sea, and imagine the life and activity beneath the surface, under the waves. I spent time learning about the mysterious creatures crawling and growing in the tidepools. I learned to bodyboard. I learned to SCUBA dive. And I vowed to always be near a coastline. My transformation from Midwesterner to coastal dweller was total and irreversible. In college I became aware that despite appearing vast and untouched, there were a number of threats to the ocean and its resources, and I became interested in marine biology, environmental issues and conservation. During college I started doing scientific research examining the effects of pollution and other stressors on marine embryos, and that's what I've been doing ever since. I love the way my chosen field of marine toxicology intersects with so many other scientific fields: from reproductive biology and embryology to chemistry and the fate of chemicals in the environment; from cell biology to marine biology and ecology. I love to think, talk and communicate about science, pollution and conservation, and I’ve found that the best conversations often happen where these fields intersect. Teaching curious students of all ages has become my favorite part of being a scientist. By engaging with students I am able to see the amazing natural world anew.