Eliya Baron Lopez (2019-2021) is pursuing her Master of Arts in Marine Affairs (M.A.M.A) at the University of Rhode Island. Her thesis is entitled “Marine Plastic Debris Removal: A Case Study on South Korean Marine Litter Management.” Eliya's research focuses on South Korean marine litter management strategies, and their applicability to Rhode Island. At URI, Eliya has helped organize the Society for Advancement of Chicanxs/Hispanics and Native Americans in Sciences to create a collaborative research community with underrepresented graduate and undergraduate students. Additionally, with Dr. Mendenhall, she has published pieces on the global issues of marine debris.
Eliya holds a Bachelor's of Arts from University of California, San Diego in Environmental Policy and minor in Korean Studies. She has extensive work in the marine debris field as a student researcher at the New England Aquarium and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Eliya intends to educate and involve communities in developing programs and solutions that address plastic pollution and consumer waste without compromising their social or cultural rights.
Eliya holds a Bachelor's of Arts from University of California, San Diego in Environmental Policy and minor in Korean Studies. She has extensive work in the marine debris field as a student researcher at the New England Aquarium and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Eliya intends to educate and involve communities in developing programs and solutions that address plastic pollution and consumer waste without compromising their social or cultural rights.
Asta Habtemichael is a Ph.D. student in Biological and Environmental Sciences/Chemical Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island. He holds a Master of Arts in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island (2017-2019) and Bachelor of Sciences in applied marine sciences from the College of Marine Science and Technology in Massawa-Eritrea. Asta’s research interest is the impact of persistent pollutants on aquatic organisms and science communication on pollution risk, policies, and mitigation approaches as to benefit local communities. His research strives to include inclusive approaches to facilitate the utilization of local knowledge in developing scientific solutions. During his master’s tenure with Dr. Mendenhall he researched transboundary protected areas and integration of local knowledge in East Africa. Asta’s past research included uptake of heavy metals in mangrove mad flats, effects of ocean acidification on Mullet fish and crabs, and ecological health and fisheries assessment projects in Eritrea. His current work focuses on the fate, transport, and bioaccumulation of contaminants of emerging concerns, particularly organophosphate esters (OPEs) in the Narragansett Bay. He also looks into how much the lab science is being transferred to local communities by exploring the gaps in community engagement for different community structures. He is also actively engaged in activities that work towards making STEM fields more inclusive of underrepresented groups, particularly ocean science.