Nellie Maestas

I have extensive training in analytical chemistry, particularly in the analysis of trace organic pollutants. I also have experience in basic molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics that I have woven into my dissertation research, studying natural analogues to persistent organic pollutants and identifying emerging contaminants of concern. My initial work in this area (which was not being research previously at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO)) inspired my dissertation committee to apply for and ultimately establish the Scripps Center for Oceans and Human Health at SIO, UCSD, and San Diego State University (https://scripps.ucsd.edu/scohh), the goals of which expand upon my dissertation research. I have strived to gain as much teaching and STEM education experience during my Ph.D. Beyond the typical teaching assistant roles. I was awarded an NSF GK12 fellowship that placed my in an A.P. Environmental science classroom for a year at Mira Mesa High School in San Diego, where I designed and implemented curriculum related to my research. I was also awarded a UCSD Summer Graduate Teaching fellowship, where I designed and taught a summer course (SIO 30, The Oceans) at UCSD to a class of ~50 undergraduates. Finally, I am involved in several amazing nonprofit organizations in the San Diego area that promote STEM education and women in STEM: the Association for Women in Science Outreach Committee, Expanding Your Horizons Planning Committee, and the Southern California Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Board. Through all of these involvements and experiences, I have learned that I have a great passion for teaching, in addition to research! Specialties: GLP techniques, preparative chromatography, NMR, GC, LC, MS, PCR, DNA extraction and analysis, basic oceanographic measurements, science curriculum design