Highlighted Student Profile: Tammy Russell at Scripps College
Tammy Russell: A Passionate Researcher Dedicated to Seabird Ecology and Conservation
Tammy Russell, a third-year PhD student at the University of California San Diego, is making waves in the field of biological oceanography. Her research interests span seabird foraging ecology, marine food webs, and the impacts of climate change.
Currently advised by Scripps phytoplankton ecologist Maria Vernet, Tammy's work primarily focuses on investigating how seabirds utilise National Marine Sanctuaries along the U.S. West Coast. This research aims to provide valuable insights for conservation and management issues.
Tammy's journey in marine research began with a childhood fascination, which was further fuelled by impactful experiences such as encountering albatrosses and working on incidents of albatross bycatch. Her initial inspiration came from Dr. David Hyrenbach, a project advisor during an internship with NOAA in Hawaii.
Tammy's research also extends to studying foraging ecology and plastic ingestion in brush-tailed penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula. Her dedication to supporting younger students and undergraduates is evident, as she frequently collaborates with the Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program.
In addition to her research, Tammy is passionate about mentoring students and doing outreach to communities and schools. She was mentored by compassionate and encouraging people during her early days at Scripps, including Dr. Jim Davis and Dr. Sarah Ellgen, who provided valuable feedback and opportunities.
Despite initial feelings of uncertainty and not belonging at Scripps, Tammy found her footing and has since thrived. Her typical day, pre-pandemic, was a mix of classes, computer work, meeting friends, and birding on the beach. Since early March, her life as a Scripps student has been mostly remote, with a busy schedule of meetings and remote research work.
Post-Scripps, Tammy plans to continue her research while working for a government agency like NOAA or a nonprofit. She believes that mentors and role models in a career often include managers who act as long-term partners, supporting both professional growth and emotional intelligence, providing guidance, encouragement, and personalized coaching to help achieve long-term career goals.
You can follow Tammy's journey on Instagram under the handle @marinamorphosis. Her research continues to contribute significantly to our understanding of seabird ecology and the impacts of climate change, making her a valuable asset in the field of marine biology.
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