Student Vignettes
Abel Zuniga
Institution, Major, and Hobbies
I study environmental systems science at the University of California, Merced. I enjoy running, playing video games, and listening to music.
Career Interests
I鈥檝e always had a passion for the environment, through the sport of running, impacting my perspective on ecosystems from the coast of Pacifica to the snowy mountains of Mammoth Lakes, which sparked my interest in studying environmental systems science to explore the critical challenges facing our environment. My career goal is to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the management of natural resources and educate the public on the importance of conserving and managing these beautiful ecosystems that allow us to live in the very places we heavily rely on.
Why I chose to Attend the USF Making Waves Research Experience for Undergraduates
I chose to attend the REU Making Waves program because of inspiration through coursework from professors and graduate students who helped me understand the complexity of our environment surrounding us. It is an exciting opportunity to look into marine science research and gain hands-on experience in the field, most importantly to grow and develop professionally with peers who share similar interests. I look forward to continuing to expand my knowledge in marine science through the wide scope of chemistry, physics, and biology to analyze the interactions between natural and human processes.