DATE: Saturday, February 6, 2016
LOCATION: Acqua e Farina Restaurant, 22622 Main Street, Hayward
TIME: 11:30AM – 2:00PM
COST: $36.00

RSVP by January 30th
Make check out to: AAUW Hayward-Castro Valley
Mail to: Liz Bathgate

SPEAKER: Kristin de Nesnera

Kristin is a Ph.D candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz. She
studies rocky shore habitats in California- the area of rocky coastline that lies between high
and low tide. These shorelines contain an incredible amount of biological diversity making
them an important ecological, economic, and educational resource. However, their location
along the land-sea interface also makes these habitats vulnerable to threats from human
activity. Her dissertation work is motivated by the desire to better protect, manage, and when
necessary restore these valuable coastal habitats. To that end, her research focuses on the
mussel Mytilus californianus, a key foundation species that provides habitat, food, and
protection for much of the biological diversity found along rocky shores. Through a series of
lab and field studies she is exploring the importance of species interactions in mussel bed
communities and their potential use in conservation and management practices. In addition
to her scientific research, Kristin is also heavily involved in science education and outreach
efforts. She looks forward to pursuing a career that combines her interests in research and
education!