Maya Bernstein

Something About Me

“This fellowship provided me incredible mentorship and hands-on experience that’s helped me dive deeper into my field of study and figure out what I’m most passionate about. I’ve found a niche in beach ecology, and I hope to use the connections and knowledge I’ve gained to pursue a meaningful career in this field.” 

Maya Bernstein is a fourth-year undergraduate UCSB student pursuing degrees in environmental studies and physical geography, with an emphasis in ocean science. She is currently a Mantell Fellow working with a multi-university research team to evaluate coastal dune restoration projects for their potential to improve coastal resilience to climate impacts, such as sea level rise. Maya particularly enjoys the fieldwork component of this project, as well as the subsequent data management and analysis, which she conducts using R and Python. She has also supported the research through literature reviews and writing. Maya has experience in both science and outdoor education, working with age groups ranging from pre-K through college. At present, she manages a team of 25 at UCSB Adventure Programs and serves as an outdoor guide and mentor. In her previous role as the mobile aquarist and manager at the Marine Science Institute’s REEF, Maya led off-site educational programs about local marine ecology and research. Maya’s respect and curiosity for the natural world has been lifelong, nurtured through countless days backpacking through wilderness in the Sierras and Mojave.