Alexis Velasco

Something About Me

Finding one's passion can be one of life’s most formidable challenges. Through involvement in cultural programs, animal rehabilitation, symbiotic research, and athletics, I navigated my path to my passions. I began that search volunteering with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, where I gained valuable insights into animal welfare and emergency response while contributing to search dog training efforts. During my inaugural year of college, I immersed myself in an internship at the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network, gaining more hands-on experience in animal rescue and rehabilitation which influenced my understanding of local ecosystems. While I found fondness in the wildlife around me, I also found a piece of myself through reflecting my leadership morals on the rising generation. Volunteering with SCI-TREK at UCSB, I enthusiastically mentored elementary and middle school students in scientific research, nurturing their interests in science and conservation. Beyond academia, I have consistently been involved in athletics, first as a volunteer coach for soccer and track, and as a competitive athlete, where I pushed myself to the limit in such events as the Ragnar relay marathon, in which I was part of a team that completed 200 miles. These experiences have profoundly strengthened my dedication to environmental conservation and community resilience. I am continually seeking new challenges that allow me to share my enthusiasm for wildlife as I find new ways of expanding my ways of having an impact.  I look forward to learning more about ways of doing so as a part of the Fellows’ cohort of 2024-25.