MESM 2026
Pronouns: she/her
Bio
Danielle Turner graduated from the University of Michigan in 2020 with a bachelors of science in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Upon graduation, Danielle wanted to explore ocean related work, leading her to temporarily move to the Florida Keys. There, she volunteered for a nonprofit to teach locals about coral reef conservation and had the opportunity to meet local marine scientists to discuss their reef preservation efforts. During her last week in the Keys, Danielle received her SCUBA certification. Working with the public and diving in tropical waters solidified her interest in pursuing a career in marine conservation.
Danielle moved to Santa Barbara in 2022 to join the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory as an administrative coordinator and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice portfolio lead. Working in the laboratory exposed Danielle to several avenues of marine conservation and reinforced her desire to advance her education in data science, policy, and ocean stewardship. Danielle is now a Bren MESM 2026 student looking to specialize in Conservation Planning with a focus on communications. Beyond Bren, Danielle hopes to champion marine ecosystem restoration efforts alongside indigenous and vulnerable coastal communities.