OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Conservation Leadership Program is led by a diverse team of leaders from across disciplines and sectors, united by a shared commitment to ocean stewardship and youth empowerment. They bring real-world expertise and mentorship to support student learning and leadership. Learn more about these leaders here.
CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP TEAM
Octavio Aburto-Oropeza, Ph.D
Professor, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD
Maysoon Lehmeidi, Ed.D
Director of Pre-college Programs and Community Outreach, UCSD Division of Extended Studies
Nicole Yen, MS, MAS
Program Manager
Email: nyen@ucsd.edu
Alberto Rivera, MS
Coordinator, Instructor
Email: alr113@ucsd.edu
Sonya Timko, MS
Instructor, Ocean Literacy
Brittney Beck, Ph.D.
Instructor, Naturalist
Corrinne Pickering
Instructor, Diving
Cesar Bustos Bracamontes
Student Support
Evan Yoon
Student Support
FELLOWSHIP MENTORS
Kaycey Bui, MAS
Environmental Scientist, CalRecycle
Ryan Craft, MBA
Hydraulics Lab Manager, SIO
Sandra Lebron, MS
Environmental Educator, Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center
Riley Meehan, MS
Director, SIO Makerspace
Kalani Ortiz, MS
Seaweed Aquaculture Researcher, SIO
Heather Silverio, MBA
Oceans Product Manager, The Nature Conservency
Lena Stasiak, MAS
Staff Researcher, NOAA, Marine Mammal and Turtle Division
Jorge Toledo-Marin, MAS
Project Scientist, Coastal Environmentals
Marcus Twilegar
Chef and Owner, Craft Catering and Dockside Fish
Other Career Student Mentors
Fernando Melendez Vazquez
Manager, Science Research Mentorship Program (SRMP) | American Museum of Natural History, New York
Dr. Brijonnay Madrigal
Postdoctoral researcher, Scripps Institution of Oceanography | Co-founder SMMILE, San Diego
Maura Glovins
Outdoor Education Faculty, Punahou School, Hawai’i
COMMUNITY
We are grateful for our community. Our work is strengthened by the organizations, partners, and supporters who help connect students to meaningful learning opportunities through workshops, field experiences, mentorship, and in-person sessions.
