People

Scholars

Keegan Finnerty

  • 2025 Cohort
  • Lander University, Class of 2026
  • EEWL: Ben Sacks lab
Keegan returned to Lander University for his senior year. He continues to collaborate with the Sacks lab as his time allows.

Nicole Flores

  • 2024 Cohort
  • Sacramento City College
  • EERREC: Rachel Vannette lab

Caleb Freeman

  • 2021 Cohort
  • Howard University, Class of 2023
  • EERREC: Andrew Whitehead lab
In 2022, Caleb was part of the Blandy Experimental Farm REU (University of Virginia). Caleb now works to with special needs pre-teens to help them develop their academic and socio-emotional skills.

Fernando Gatica Escobar

  • 2025 Cohort
  • El Camino Community College, Class of 2025
  • EEWL: Anne Todgham lab
Fernando will begin study at Cal Poly SLO in Fall 2025. Congratulations, Fernando!

Lizbeth Gonzalez

  • 2022 Cohort
  • CSU Fullerton, Class of 2022
  • EERREC: Louie Yang lab
Lizbeth graduated from CSU Fullerton in December 2022. She's held contract positions for several years, including working for the Great Basin Institute as a member of the Timber Stand Improvement Crew, inspecting contract vegetation management and restoration projects in El Dorado National Forest. In Summer 2024, she will begin a position as an Environmental Scientist in the Caltrans Biology Offices.

Kellas Hanson

  • 2026 Cohort
  • Hiram College, Class of 2028
  • EEWL: Santiago Ramirez and Stacy Combes labs
Kellas has returned to Hiram College and now is considering next steps beyond EEWL research. Watch this space for an update about their contributions!

Samantha Hubbard

  • 2023 cohort
  • CSU Fullerton, Class of 2024
  • EERREC REU: Elizabeth Crone lab

Miles Johnson

  • 2025 Cohort
  • Santa Rosa Junior College, Class of 2025
  • EEWL: Rachel Vannette lab
Miles will begin their UC Davis undergraduate career in Fall 2025 as a major in Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity. Go Ags! And, they have been admitted to the McNair Scholar program and will continue to conduct research in Neil Williams' lab under its auspices.

Nargis Karamatova

  • 2023 cohort
  • CSU Sacramento, Class of 2025
  • EERREC REU: Anne Todgham lab
Nargis is wrapping up her coursework at Sac State. She's kept in touch with friends from her summer at UC Davis, and is pursuing a career in nursing.

Cailin Kessen

  • 2023 cohort
  • University of Kansas
  • EERREC REU: Louie Yang lab
Cailin will enter a PhD program at the University of Kansas in Kristen Baum's lab. In addition to her faculty responsibilities, Baum is the new director of Monarch Watch -- perfect for Cailin's interests.