Beginning last Fall 2023, Alex Alvarez ’26 completed an "Introduction to Marine Science" class virtually from the UCSD's Extended Studies Research Scholars program. This summer, he completed Tier 2 of the 3-tiered Marine Science series, "Advanced Marine Biodiversity: Life on the Edge." 

This three-week on-campus program exposed him to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where Alex collaborated with students from other states and countries. Over the course of three weeks, he was instructed on how to use FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) cameras in the field, as well as given first-hand tours of the Hubbs Hall at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at La Jolla, San Diego. 

Alex's personal research project focused on the effect of temperature on the metabolism of yellow rock crabs. The results help point out how increased temperatures often lead to decreased eating habits and a lethargic nature. Read Alex’s full report here.

This Fall, Alex will complete Tier 3, "Introduction to Scientific Writing," where he will write a scientific manuscript based on the research and poster finished with his team this summer. This class aims to present his paper to researchers at Scripps and have it published in a marine science journal. Alex's goal is to eventually attend college as a Marine Biology/Marine Science major. 

We look forward to Alex’s continued studies and his academic future!