MESM 2027
Pronouns: she/her
Bio
Geri Urgel’s interest in environmental science has always been deeply personal as a legacy from her grandfather and her childhood in the Philippines. Growing up, she explored her island’s coastal areas and developed an appreciation for the natural world. She saw firsthand how environmental health directly impacts the well-being of her community leading to a commitment to science that informs her work today.
Eager to learn how environmental research can both foster a deeper understanding and be a catalyst for action, Geri earned a BA in Aquatic Biology from UCSB in 2024. As an undergraduate, she contributed to coral reef and kelp forest research through the Caselle Lab and the Ocean Recoveries Lab. She also served as a scientific diver with the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO). Using the skills she gained from PISCO, she then conducted an independent research project exploring the use of acoustic data to monitor kelp forest health in the Channel Islands National Park by recording kelp forest and urchin barren soundscapes.
At Bren, Geri aims to specialize in conservation planning and coastal resource management. She is excited to collaborate with the Bren community and its networks to develop science-based solutions for underserved coastal communities.