Coastal Ecology and Conservation Lab

Casey Curtis
Current: LMU Environmental Sciences major, expected graduation 2026

Casey was raised in Dallas, Texas, but her curiosity about ocean ecosystems started early and soon developed into a passion for marine conservation science. Her love for the ocean has only grown through her education and experiences at LMU, where she joined the CECL research team. Outside the lab, Casey enjoys scuba and snorkel, working out, spending time at the beach, painting, and grabbing dinner with friends.

Mariam Tadevosyan
Current: LMU Biology Major with a Minor in Sociology, expected graduation Spring 2026

Mariam grew up in North Hollywood, CA, where she had always had an appreciation for nature and ecology. Her passion deepened at LMU, where her studies in ecological and biological sciences led her to join the CECL Research Lab. Alongside the lab research work, she contributes to the Biology Office and Stockroom. Outside of her scientific pursuits, Mariam enjoys spending time with loved ones, exercising, and baking. While she enjoys learning about and working in the field of science, her other hobbies include spending time with her friends and family, working out, and baking.

Elle Komara 
Current: LMU Biology major, expected graduation Fall 2026 

I grew up in the Inland Empire specifically in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. From a young age, I have taken a strong interest in the ocean, nature, and ecology. As a child I was exposed to many different ecosystems because my family spent many weekends camping ranging from the forests to California’s beaches and mountain regions. These experiences ignited my passion for science, driving my professional pursuit and my fortunate opportunity to join the CECL. In my free time, I enjoy the gym, hiking, going to the beach, and spending time with my friends and family.

Elsa Bergquam
Current: LMU Biology major, expected graduation 2027

Elsa grew up in Sherwood, Oregon, she spent a lot of time camping and enjoying the outdoors. Because of this she loves the outdoors and especially the ocean since she snorkeled all the time as a child. She also enjoys going on hikes and some creative outlets like doing nails.

Stephen Cummings
Current: LMU Environmental Science major, expected graduation 2027

Stephen grew up in Portland, Oregon. He spent a lot of his childhood outdoors hiking and exploring the surrounding landscapes. He enjoys spending time on the Oregon and California coast learning about the unique ecosystems near him, which led him to be involved with the CECL lab. Outside of school and the lab he enjoys climbing, running and photography.

Kirra Engbrecht
Current: LMU Biology major, Chemistry minor, expected graduation 2027

Kirra grew up in Santa Clarita, California and spent most of her summers driving to the coast to visit the Ventura County beaches. She had a natural interest towards all plants and animals within these beaches, building her interest in conservation of these natural ecosystems and in Biology itself. Outside of school, she enjoys baking, hiking, visiting museums, and spending time with her friends and family.

Rebeka Shamis
Current: LMU Environmental Science major, Biology minor, expected graduation 2027

Rebeka grew up in Marina del Rey, spending much of her time by and on the water. She has always loved nature but realized her passion through AP Environmental Science, after which she pursued studies in marine biology, evolution, ecology, and natural disasters through a variety of opportunities. She enjoys learning more about the natural world through hiking, birding, wildlife photography, organism identification, volunteering, and native gardening. Rebeka also takes pleasure in plant-based cooking, art, violin, piano, yoga, swimming, and tennis.

Olivia Schafer
Current: LMU Environmental Science major, expected graduation 2028

Olivia grew up in Torrance, California, not far from the beach, where she developed a deep interest in coastal environments. Her love for the ocean grew even more after snorkeling in Tahiti at a young age and going diving for the first time in the Caribbean. At LMU, Olivia hopes to continue pursuing marine research throughout her undergraduate studies. In addition to lab work, she serves as a Student Adventure Lead through Campus Recreation, a garden assistant through Green LMU, and a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, reading, camping, running, and practicing yoga.

Logan Nguyen
Current: Biology major, expected graduation 2028

Logan grew up in Huntington Beach, California, where he spent much of his childhood playing a variety of sports. In high school, he began spending more time at the beach and eventually got his scuba diving license, which deepened his appreciation for marine life and coastal ecosystems. This growing interest in the natural world led him to study Biology at LMU and join the Coastal Ecology and Conservation Lab. Outside of academics and research, Logan enjoys staying active through sports, flying, and spending time outdoors with friends.

Sammi Daniels (2025)
LMU Biology major, English minor

Capstone Title: The effects of nutrient enrichment and herbivory on the defense mechanism of Silvetia compressa

Sammi grew up in the Bay Area in Castro Valley, California. She has always had an affinity for natural ecology, specifically in the ocean and its ecosystems. Seeing the coral reefs disappear and watching the oceans’ ecosystems disintegrate made her more passionate about saving its variety of organisms and get involved with conservation research. Outside of school, she enjoys reading science fiction, drawing, and hanging out with friends and family. 

Tessa Devine (2025)

Honors Thesis Title: Influence of Storm Drain Proximity and Zostera marina Seagrass Presence on Microplastic Levels in Sediment of a Restored Salt Marsh Habitat

Tessa grew up on the South Shore of Massachusetts where she developed her love for the ocean and ecology and learned the importance of protecting the environment around her. Through classes at LMU, she became more interested in coastal conservation work and the marine life of the California coast, which led her to join CECL. On campus, Tessa works in the biology stockroom and is a part of Creare Service Organization where she tutors local elementary school students. She is also involved with habitat restoration with the Friends of Ballona Wetlands. In her free time, she likes to rollerblade, hike, and spend time outside in general.  

Sophie Henkenmeier (2025)

Capstone Title: Surveying the Biodiversity of Species Associated with Silvetia compressa Beds and Relationship with Environmental Factors

Sophie graduated in from biology at Loyola Marymount University. She grew up in Scituate, MA and Los Gatos, CA. Growing up on the water, she has always had an interest in marine biology and all the oceans’ ecosystems. She works in the LMU biology stockroom. She wants to further her studies after undergrad. Her other interests include forensic sciences, cooking, drawing, crocheting, and almost all other crafts.

Kathleen Madgic (2025)
LMU Biology BA major

Kathleen grew up on the Peninsula of the San Francisco Bay Area then moved to Los Angeles to pursue her studies in biology. Having the privilege to grow up amongst lush green hills and the rocky, majestic coasts of Northern California, Kathleen grew to love nature and the ocean, building her interest for the biological sciences. Through working with Dr. Bittick’s lab, she hopes to make a difference in conservation efforts either now or in the future, believing that everyone deserves access to serene, natural locations.

In her free time, Kathleen enjoys making art, surfing, and music.

Mia Vafadari (2025)
LMU Biology major, Women and Gender Studies minor

Mia grew up in Palos Verdes, CA, a coastal community that includes marine life, kelp forests, tide pools, and sea caves. Surrounded by such a diverse marine ecosystem, Mia’s passion for marine biology began at an early age.  Being part of this lab is incredibly important to Mia, as it allows her to immerse herself in the study and preservation of the marine environments that have always inspired her. After college, Mia plans to further her studies in medicine, believing that her background in coastal ecology will complement her future work in medical school/research and conservation efforts. In her free time, Mia enjoys going on hikes, kickboxing, baking, and swimming.

Andrea Klishevich (2024)

Capstone Title: Measuring Carbon Sequestration and Regrowth of Z. marina Beds in San Pedro, California

Andrea majored in Biology major and minored in Environmental Sciences. She is from Los Angeles, CA and grew up near El Porto beach, where spent most of her time surfing and observing marine wildlife. Andrea has been a member of the CECL team since her junior year at LMU and has participated in a variety of coastal conservation efforts and projects. The bulk of her research focused on the restoration of an endangered species of seagrass (Zostera Marina) that is native to the coast of Southern California. Andrea’s passion for marine biology has flourished during her time at LMU and she hopes to continue her research through an aquarium fellowship program after graduation. Outside of the school and research, Andrea enjoys spending her time playing guitar, working as a golf instructor, running at the beach, and baking.

Anna LaGuardia (2024)

Senior Management and Leadership major and Biology Minor at Loyola Marymount University.

Anna is from Pennsylvania and has always had a passion for marine life. During her time in college, she has become especially interested in coastal ecology and conservation. Through her research, she has been able to analyze sea grass, conduct grain-size analysis, and hydrometer testing. In the future, Anna hopes to own a company that’s committed to the conservation and research of marine ecosystems. In her free time, Anna enjoys dancing, reading, and hanging out with friends.

Sarah O’Riordan (2024)
LMU Biology major, bioethics minor.

Sarah grew up in northern California near the San Francisco Baylands and its various peninsula preserves, close to the San Mateo coast. Frequent visits to these areas led her to develop a passionate interest in natural ecology and human and animal interactions with these systems. 

Throughout her undergraduate years, Sarah has strived to involve herself in research. Most recently, she participated in LMU’s Coastal Research Institute internship, focused on Dr. Bittick’s work regarding the conservation and restoration of endangered seagrass. She loved working in and out of the field and continues to participate in the Coastal Ecology & Conservation Lab during her senior year.

Suraj Patel (2023)

Capstone title: Chemical and physical antiherbivore defenses of Silvetia compressa and its impact on herbivore activity

Suraj spent most of his childhood in the California Central Coast and gained a large appreciation for nature. He enjoys running, hiking, kayaking and rock climbing. In high school, he volunteered at a small aquarium and was the president of the school’s environmental club. From these experiences, he became passionate about life sciences and hopes to explore different fields of biology in his next four years in college.