Hello everyone! My name is Ian, and I am a fourth-year Marine Biology student who transferred from West Valley Community College, Saratoga, CA. I am currently an undergraduate researcher at the Kelley Lab at the Coastal Campus studying population genetics of eelpouts, so I practically live on the coastal campus. I am Iranian-Taiwanese, and speak Farsi and Mandarin-ish, so please say hi! I am affiliated with the Iranian Student Union and the Center of Marine Genomics. If you have any questions, I would love to answer them as we tour the campus. I have studied abroad in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Australia, and would love to share my experience with studying abroad if that interests you. I am also eager to share with you all the history behind the coastal campus and the neat research that goes on behind the scenes. The gorgeous coastal campus is home to many native plants and animals that you will see everyday you visit for leisure, or for classes as an Ecology and Evolutionary Biology major (incl. Marine Biology B.S., Plant Sciences B.S., Biology B.A., and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology B.S.). The coastal campus has a large story to tell, and is also home to NOAA and the Seymour Center, where research projects become large actions. UCSC students enter the Seymour Center for free, and it has lots to see. If you love the ocean, I would love to share that love with you all.

Hometown

San Jose

Major(s)

Marine Biology

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Center of Marine Genomics, SEEDS, and Iranian Student Union

Describe your college experience

The transition from community college to university was smooth. It felt rushed because I needed to get up to speed with other students as far as making connections and getting a foothold in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department. However, I think my background and my going to a community college helped at alleviating the extra "noise" involved with transitioning to a four-year. It made my transition much smoother.

Tip for future students

You will attract what you want. Do not try hard to make friends because if you feel like you have to make an effort, the people you thought were going to be your friends probably are not your people. You will always attract the people who see and understand you, so be authentic. People will detect that authenticity and choose to be around you. Also, be flexible. Be open to adulting and what may come your way. Being on your own for the first time is the best way to learn about yourself, so try new things and expose yourself to different people, cultures, and scenes. If you do not like them, it is okay! Learn about yourself during these four unforgettable years.

Favorite class

Evolution because that is where I met my current Principal Investigator and mentor. This class talked about topics I truly enjoyed and investigated into how evolutionary processes unfold.

Career goals

I want to continue in academia and be a researcher​/​professor.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Ideal is always relative and variable. I would say it would depend on my mood, as with anyone else. Either going out to a nice place to eat and chat with friends, to a night out at a local pub or bar to meet new faces, to staying in and talking with roomies. Sometimes, going out to the forest or fields is also very fun and relaxing. Hanging out in each other's dorms and apartments is also a great option, especially for movie nights.

High school or secondary school

Branham High School

Previous college

West Valley College

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite part on campus is the coastal campus. It is so beautiful because there is the Younger Lagoon, the ocean, and the amazing natural reserve that students and faculty have worked so hard at restoring and maintaining.