Program Directors

apaytan@ucsc.edu

syschwar@ucsc.edu

mclapham@ucsc.edu

Jade Loftus

Earth & Planetary Science Undergraduate Advisor

epsadvising@ucsc.edu

Adrienne Ricker

Graduate Program Assistant

aricker@ucsc.edu

Academic Support Facilitators

Fall 2019/ Fall 2020

Jo Holo

EART 110A

I'm a graduate student in Earth Sciences studying paleoclimate and paleoceanography. I'm very passionate about teaching and working with students, and I'm excited to be a part of GEOPATHS.

Genesis Berlanga

EART 110A

I'm a PhD student in the Earth and Planetary sciences working on Raman and XRD spectroscopy of Mars-relevant materials with a focus on using machine learning and instrumentation for astrobiological exploration of the Martian surface. I've had many excellent mentors and research opportunities in the past and as an underrepresented student I wish to share and extend my skills and expertise to others in underrepresented communities through active learning, fostering a sense of community, and employing an intersectional and equitable approach.

Brynna Downey

EART 111

I'm a graduate student in planetary sciences, and I'm looking forward to getting the next generation of scientists interested in Earth, planets, and our Solar System as a whole.

Winter 2020

Writing Skills Facilitators

Colleen Murphy

I'm a graduate student in geomorphology studying slow-moving landslides. I've spent a lot of time thinking about how to improve my own science writing skills and I'm excited to share some tips and tricks that I've learned with GEOPATHS students!

Will Chapman

I am a PhD student studying geomorphology, and my research focuses on the history of the San Lorenzo River floodplain and the impact of recent land use changes on floodplain ecosystems. I care a lot about scientific writing—after all, what good is science if it can't be communicated? I'm very excited to work with students on how to convey difficult concepts in engaging and concise ways.

Spring 2020

Jenny Pensky

Jenny Pensky is a PhD Student in Hydrogeology in the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at UC Santa Cruz. Her research focuses on how managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can be used to improve both water supply and quality. She is passionate about sustainable water resource management, inclusivity in STEM, and being outside as much as possible in the process.

Adam Price

I am a graduate student interested in hydrogeology in all locales. As a first gen student, I look forward to sharing my experiences and providing mentorship with students to spur interest in geoscience and promote development of a cohort of supportive colleagues.

Winter 2021

Jenny Pensky

Jenny Pensky is a PhD Student in Hydrogeology in the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at UC Santa Cruz. Her research focuses on how managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can be used to improve both water supply and quality. She is passionate about sustainable water resource management, inclusivity in STEM, and being outside as much as possible in the process.

Adam Price

I am a graduate student interested in hydrogeology in all locales. As a first gen student, I look forward to sharing my experiences and providing mentorship with students to spur interest in geoscience and promote development of a cohort of supportive colleagues.

Spring 2021

Facilitator Genesis Berlanga with EART 110A GEOPATHS students (Fall 2019)

GEOPATHS Facilitators at lunch during Fall 2019 training with UC Santa Cruz ACE Program