Principal Investigator:
Anne Simonis, PhD
As an ecologist, educator and mentor, my job is to nurture curiosity and train students to become independent, critical thinkers who practice and appreciate the scientific method. I hope to motivate a deeper interest in the physical and biological interactions that shape ecosystems, while empowering students to access and interpret scientific knowledge. I encourage my students to be outstanding citizens, as well as scientists, and strive to improve their appreciation for the natural world. I believe forming these connections creates a deeper understanding and a richer life for everyone.
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In addition to my research, I am enthusiastic about providing opportunities for students to conduct authentic, independent research to gain the skills necessary to succeed in STEM careers. I am open to serving students of all backgrounds, but to support the creativity and diversity needed for the advancement of science, I have a particular interest in serving students that come from backgrounds historically underrepresented in STEM fields. Positive role models can change the course of a young person’s life, and I will continue to guide and inspire students to explore their world through science.
Co-advisor, Emeritus Professor:
Ellen Hines, PhD
The Hines Lab research addresses population and community ecology of threatened and endangered species as related to local conservation efforts and regional scale coastal and marine management science. The emphasis is on the evolution of consistent standards of field methodology and monitoring techniques and on the creation of educational materials that can be applied to community-based conservation planning. Current projects include international research on marine mammal bycatch in Chile.
Current Students:
Sarah Shiers
I am a Pacific Northwest local, born and raised outside of Seattle, Washington. My wholehearted adoration for the waters that I grew up surrounded by has carried me to where I am now in every way. I earned my BS in Biology at California Baptist University (CBU) where I focused my studies and research on and Marine Sciences, while also competing as an NCAA Division I swimmer. I have actively worked to dive into the world of marine mammalogy and conservation education through involvement with several organizations including Pacific Mammal Research in Anacortes, Washington, the Washington State Parks Service, CBU’s Environmental Sciences Department, the Oiled Wildlife Care Network of California, and the California Council on Science and Technology.
I am thrilled to be conducting my thesis research alongside Dr. Anne Simonis at SFSU, where I am exploring geographic variations in the echolocation click types of Risso’s dolphins in the California Current. I believe that being able to understand population differences and boundaries of top predators is crucial in knowing how anthropogenic factors, such as offshore wind farm development and climate change, can impact different populations of the same species. I am deeply passionate about investing in interdisciplinary studies to give a voice to species who cannot speak for themselves (at least, not in ways humans can interpret — yet)
Tabatha Mattos:
Bio coming soon
Alexis Hernandez:
Bio coming soon
Previous Students:
Marina Bozinovic, SFSU IMES Master's Student, 2024
Thesis: Assessing noise exposure to beaked and sperm whales in the California Current
Jackson Vanfleet Brown, SFSU IMES Master's Student, 2024
Geo Czeck, SFSU IMES Master's Student, 2023