2025 Team
Kelsea Esquivel
4th year Undergraduate Student
Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Arizona State University
I’m a Biological Sciences student at Arizona State University, graduating in December 2025 and planning to apply to dental school in 2026. I love supporting others in their learning journey, which led me to mentor students in Organic Chemistry, something I’ve grown really passionate about. This experience helped me build confidence in new environments, sharpen my attention to detail, and deepen my appreciation for hands-on work, skills I’ll carry with me into the future. Outside of academics, I enjoy traveling, hiking, and lounging with my cats.
Curtis Lawrence III
4th year Undergraduate Student
Department of Biology
Florida A&M University
I am Curtis Lawrence III, a recent graduate of Florida A&M University interested in evolutionary biology and conservation. I plan to pursue a career in research in these fields while also sharing my love of nature with others through science education, particularly in underrepresented communities. My hobbies include roller skating, biking, and practicing the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira.
Ava Turner
4th year Undergraduate Student
Department of Geography and the Environment
University of Texas at Austin
My name is Ava Turner and I am currently working on my Bachelor’s in environmental science at UT Austin. My current capstone research focuses on moth pollination. I also work as a course assistant, helping other undergraduates understand biology.
Alissa Tory
4th year Undergraduate Student
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies (Environmental Studies Concentration)
Howard University
My name is Alissa Tory and I am a rising senior at Howard University. I am an interdisciplinary studies major with a concentration in environmental studies and a minor in philosophy. My passion is agriculture and sustainability. I hope to have my own farm one day and help others learn about ways agriculture can be sustainable. I plan to go to graduate school for dairy sciences and focus on that aspect of agriculture.
Daniela Palazuelos
Senior Year Undergraduate Student
Department of Biology (College of Natural Sciences)
University of Texas at Austin
Hi, my name is Daniela Palazuelos. I am a rising senior at The University of Texas at Austin. I am a biology major concentrating on molecular and cellular pathways. I have a passion for science and microbiology and will be continuing research at UT this semester, working with Legionella pneumophila bacteria, as well as helping other undergraduate students in biology labs. I would love to go into medical school and apply all the research experiences to helping underserved communities, as well as gain a deeper understanding of different diseases and ecological pathways that affect the human population.
Dominick Williams
2nd year Undergraduate Student
Department of Mathematics
Fort Valley State University
I am Dominick Williams, a rising sophomore at Fort Valley State University. I am a mathematics major with a minor in geology. I currently plan to pursue a career in the engineering field, although I am now also open to doing something involving geoscience.
Aaliyah Alexander
Final (3rd) year Undergraduate Student
Department of Geography and Geology
University of the West Indies, Mona
My name is Aaliyah Alexander and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Geoscience at UWI Mona.
Yasmine John
Final (3rd) year Undergraduate Student
Department of Life Sciences
University of the West Indies, Mona
My name is Yasmine John and I am from Trinidad and Tobago. Currently, I am finalising my Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, with a minor in Animal Biology at UWI Mona, Jamaica. In finishing my degree, I am interning at the Discovery Bay Marine Lab. Once I finish my Undergraduate studies, I plan to begin my Postgraduate studies at UWI with a focus on coral reefs.
Ramon Robinson
Undergraduate Student
University of the West Indies, Mona
Sunny Samaroo
3rd year Undergraduate Student
Department of History and Archaeology
University of the West Indies, Mona
My name is Sunny Samaroo and I’m pursuing a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in History & Archaeology and Geography. My main interests include past and present land use and human-environment interactions. I’m passionate about applying what I learn in these areas to environmental conservation, sustainable land use, and preserving cultural heritage.