Meet the XDSLab:
Sofia Aguayo
Environmental and Ocean Sciences major and Music minor at USD.
“I am from Kansas City and am majoring in Environmental and Ocean Sciences with a minor in Music. I am very interested in environmental education and community engagement, and I love to play the piano and spend lots of time outside!”
Danna Aguilar
Environmental Engineering major at San Diego Community College (SDCC)
Carys Lynch
Environmental Sciences major and chemistry minor at USD. (Class of 2025)
Cici Jobe
Environmental and Ocean Sciences major and Chemistry and GIS Certificate minor at USD.
“Growing up in Ohio, I have always felt a deep connection to the environment, particularly agricultural sciences. My passion has become my dream career, and I hope to help be an advocate for people and the planet. Outside of academia, I enjoy roller skating, playing Stardew Valley, and any outdoor activities. I also enjoy cooking family meals for my roommates and friends.”
Wilson Phan
Formerly a SDCC student, now a transfer student at UCSD in Marine Biology. (Yes, 0.5 zoom was intentional)
Summer 2024 XDSLab
Blanca Gonzalez
Environmental and Ocean Sciences major and Biology minor at USD.
“My passion for the sciences began with Ocean Discovery in elementary school, where I first learned about the vital role marine organisms play in our environment. This experience sparked my interest in research projects that tackle meaningful environmental challenges and marine conservation. When I'm not in the lab, you can find me at a coffee shop enjoying an iced chai latte or off on a spontaneous side quest!”
Olivia Valdez
Environmental Studies major at USD (Class of 2025)
“My passion for the environment stems from a deep connection I developed with nature as a competitive swimmer at a young age. That passion for the environment has developed into a dedication to understanding and protecting our ecosystems. Outside of my studies, I have two cats, Marceline and Blue, who to take up the majority of my free time. I also have a love for live music and attend as many concerts and music festivals with friends as time allows!”
Summer 2025 XDSLab
Mentoring is a huge part of my life! Here are some amazing folks I’ve had the privilege to work with.
@ Stanford
SURGE/SESUR interns in Summer of 2022. From left to right: Scott Fendorf, Calista Ordas, Rachel Iweka, Alexis Wilson, Claudia Avila, Tamara Jeffries, Cherie De Vore, Becca Monge, Cruz Ibarra Jr., and Alandra Lopez.
Graduate Students
Alexis Wilson (Projects: Urban garden soil biogeochemistry and environmental justice)
Anna Gomes (Projects: carbon biogeochemistry and agricultural practice)
Undergraduates
Jose Luiz Sarabia Torres, SURGE, Summer 2023 (Currently an undergrad at SJSU)
Charlie Lamb, SESUR, Summer 2023 (Currently an Undergrad at Stanford)
Tamara Jeffries, SURGE, Summer 2022 (Currently an MA student at Columbia)
Cruz Ibarra Jr., SURGE, Summer 2022 (Currently an incoming Ph.D. student at Northwestern)
Becca Monge, SESUR, Summer 2022 (Currently an undergrad at Stanford)
Michelle Curiel, Summer Learning Institute, Summer 2022 (Currently a CC student at Foothills College)
Alexis running samples on the new handheld XRF!
Our summer 2022 interns presenting at the Soils Science Society of America meeting in Baltimore, MD.
Fendorf summer interns of 2023 visiting the Stanford O’Donahue Educational Farm.
@ UC Riverside
Undergraduates
Alyssa Duro, ENSC Major (just completed MS degree at UC Riverside)
Thomas Haensel, ENSC major (Currently a Ph.D. candidate at UH Manoa)
Shima Sahebjami, BIO major (Now a PharmD.)
Andrew Tran, BIO major (Currently a pharmacy intern)
Kevin Martinez, Earth Sciences major (Currently a rock analysis specialist at Schlumberger)