2024 Marine and Coastal Opportunities Student Awardees

Congratulations to our 2024 MACO student awardees! 

Read below to see how MACO was able to support these undergraduates in their academic journeys.

Kate Larson

Major: Marine Studies

Kate used her financial award to pay for travel expenses to attend a study abroad program in New Zealand focused on marine conservation and policy! She attended scientific discussions with experts from around the world, and worked with local communities on the interconnections of conservation.

Taylor Bacon

Major: Biology; Marine Biology and Ecology option

Taylor used her financial award to pay for course-related equipment to further her research in the 15-credit course, BI 450: Marine Biology an Ecology, at the Hatfield Marine Center in Newport, Oregon! Taylor also used the equipment to practice data collection and do fieldwork alongside the Big Fish Lab.

Elise Foot Puchalski

Major: Marine Studies

Elise used her financial award to cover her housing costs while taking the course FW 568: Human Dimensions of Marine Mammal Conservation at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. She was able to gain insight into creating new ocean conservation ideas!

Alexis Merker

Major: Biology; Marine Biology and Ecology option

Alexis used her financial award to support field housing costs while taking summer classes at the Hatfield Marine Science Center! She is passionate about marine mammal and ecosystem conservation for future generations.

Angelina Lopez Peinado

Major: Oceanography

Angela also used her financial award towards field housing costs during her internship with the Newport Aquaculture Lab at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. During her internship she worked alongside different organizations in developing sustainable aquaculture techniques!

Branden States

Major: Environmental Sciences, Aquatic Biology specialization

Branden used his financial award to pay for travel expenses to attend a study abroad program in New Zealand focused on marine conservation and policy! He attended scientific discussions with experts from around the world, and worked with local communities on the interconnections of conservation.