• 2793
    (415) 379-5360
    B2
    31.89621446335144
    65.21484375000001
    Entomology
    David
    Bettman
    Curatorial Assistant, Entomology
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  • 1875
    B2
    26.745610382199022
    40.95703125000001
    Entomology
    Lauren
    Esposito

    I study the patterns and processes of evolution in scorpions and their fascinating venoms, spiders, and whip spiders. I am particularly interested in the interactions between biota, geology, and climate that have lead to the present-day assemblage of life on Earth. I feel that by understanding the history of life on Earth, we can make better informed decisions for enabling the present-day flora and fauna to continue to adapt and evolve.

    Assistant Curator, Schlinger Chair of Arachnology
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  • 2270
    (415) 379-5320
    B2
    37.71859032558816
    65.39062500000001
    Entomology
    Christopher C.
    Grinter

    As collection manager I'm generally responsible for all entomology and arachnology collections, but have particular research interests in the Lepidoptera. Most of my work is focused on the Southwest USA, but focus on the Pyraloidea and assorted basal lineages. I teach annually at the Lepidoptera Course in Portal, Arizona.

    ORCiD

    Collection Manager of Entomology
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  • 3050
    B2
    34.161818161230386
    -45.08789062500001
    IBSS
    Kel
    Larkin
    Program Manager
  • 3020
    B2
    37.09023980307208
    31.025390625000004
    Entomology
    Denise
    Montelongo
    Curatorial Assistant, Entomology
    /sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/ibss-1000x1000-denise-montelongo-headshot-220520.jpeg?itok=Q5pLOnCz
  • 3104
    B2
    37.85750715625203
    52.73437500000001
    Ichthyology
    Emily
    Neff
    Research Assistant
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  • 1804
    B1
    -26.273714024406416
    -80.50781250000001
    Education
    Ken
    Ackerman
  • 2333
    B1
    35.746512259918504
    39.90234375000001
    Anthropology
    Dina
    Amin
    Project Assistant, Anthropology
  • 2887
    B1
    35.746512259918504
    52.99804687500001
    Ichthyology
    B. Gabriela
    Arango

    Gabriela is the lab technician for the Ichthyology department, where she assists researchers to get molecular data. In addition, she helps to catalog, organize and maintain the Ichthyology tissue collection. Her research interest is in the phylogeny of the genus Chromis, a large group with over 106 described species. As a PhD student in the Integrative Biology Department at UCB, she studies the diving physiology and genetics of sea turtles.

    Molecular Laboratory and Tissue Collection Technician
    /sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/gabyarango-larger-blurred-1226x960.jpg?itok=CoZaMDmG&c=a688b5c27469867dc21a9b632f344ca1
  • 2657
    (415) 379-5364
    B1
    -68.44766195833505
    -79.6728515625
    Marina
    Bozinovic
    Dive Officer II
  • 565
    (415) 379-5383
    B1
    26.115985925333536
    67.50000000000001
    Anthropology
    Laura
    Eklund
    Collections Manager, Anthropology
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  • 582
    (415) 379-5280
    B1
    36.527294814546245
    55.45898437500001
    Ichthyology
    Jon
    Fong
    Programmer
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  • 2886
    B1
    37.99616267972814
    48.77929687500001
    Ichthyology
    Ana
    Gaisiner

    I am interested in the behavioral ecology of fishes, particularly in species that exhibit complex relationships with other organisms, and strong habitat dependencies. Currently I am working in the lab of Dr. Alison Gould on the genus Siphamia, a group of tiny cardinalfish that exhibit bioluminescence though symbiosis with light producing bacteria, and that rely on invertebrates such as sea urchins and corals for protection from predators.

    Field Associate
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  • 1686
    B1
    24.846565348219734
    54.05273437500001
    Rebecca
    Johnson

    I co-direct the Center for Biodiversity and Community Science at the California Academy of Sciences, where I am also a Research Associate in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Geology. For most of my academic career, I have focused on color pattern evolution and untangling the evolutionary history of nudibranchs.

    Co-Director, Center for Biodiversity and Community Science
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  • 2506
    B1
    32.694865977875075
    41.79199218750001
    Citizen Science
    Annie
    Miller

    I am the Project Coordinator for the California Academy of Science’s involvement in the LEARN CitSci research project. In collaboration with the Natural History Museum of LA, Natural History Museum of London and education research partners in the the UK and US, this project aims to better understand the ways that citizen science can affect and educate youth.

    Program Coordinator
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  • 3049
    (415) 379-5364
    B1
    -69.04107185913101
    -79.24438476562501
    Vanessa
    Orozco
    Dive Officer I
  • 2885
    (562) 833-4617
    B1
    37.92686760148135
    52.3828125
    Ichthyology
    Tyler
    Phelps

    Tyler is pursuing a Masters degree in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology at San Francisco State University and serves as an On-Call Dive Officer at the Steinhart Aquarium.

    Dive Officer On-Call & Ichthyology Graduate Researcher
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  • 1236
    B1
    33.063924198120645
    52.91015625000001
    Ichthyology
    Hudson
    Pinheiro

    The study of mesophotic reef fish communities is among my major research interests. I am exploring biodiversity and evolutionary processes of reef fishes in isolated seamounts and oceanic islands of the Atlantic Ocean. The discovery of endemic species and the assessment of their distribution and genetic patterns have contributed to a better understanding about the origin of species and biodiversity in these isolated environments.

    Postdoctoral Fellow
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  • 2751
    B1
    36.38591277287654
    38.58398437500001
    Citizen Science
    Giovanni
    Rapacciuolo

    Dr. Giovanni Rapacciuolo is a biodiversity data scientist and macroecologist. Giovanni leads the Center for Biodiversity and Community's initiatives to analyze and visualize community-contributed biodiversity observations to answer key research and management questions and derive biodiversity indicators useful for decision making.

    Biodiversity Data Scientist
    /sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/20170114-124434.jpg?itok=Ue8yvZ1Y&c=7a847c91a51e2337549b69035676bb83
  • 1769
    (415) 238-2529
    B1
    36.87962060502676
    -71.36718750000001
    Informatics
    Joe
    Russack

    At the Academy, I oversee all computing activities within the research group. While this role primarily supports collections data and genomics research, it also encompasses many other aspects of the scientific work we do.

    Director of Scientific Computing
    /sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/images/people/staff/full_size_cropped.jpg?itok=OL6ZyNCv&c=c749bab2756754320a8fa9c62d3bf979
  • 765
    (415) 379-5297
    B1
    27.44979032978424
    -64.16015625000001
    Center for Comparative Genomics
    Brian
    Simison

    The Simison lab investigates the processes that generate, maintain, and reduce biodiversity. In particular, we are interested in the process of speciation. We use comparative genomics techniques such as RADseq, Ultra Conserved Elements, transcriptomics, and whole genomes to study the role of admixture and introgression in speciation. We are currently focusing on the globally invasive red eared slider turtle system (Trachemys scripta elegans) native to North America.

    Associate Curator and Director of the Center for Comparative Genomics
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  • 2352
    (415) 379-5385
    B1
    33.137551192346145
    39.55078125
    Anthropology
    Cheryl
    Tripathi
    Curatorial Assistant, Anthropology
    /sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/tripathi.jpg?itok=MCd4juY3
  • 1687
    B1
    24.70691524106633
    56.14013671875001
    Citizen Science
    Alison
    Young

    The California Academy of Sciences Center for Biodiversity and Community Science connects people to their local nature and each other while simultaneously collecting data critical to science and management.

    Co-Director, Center for Biodiversity and Community Science
    /sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/2014-12-21_16.08.47.jpg?itok=SbqNcQls&c=8f31926ec41b9229a5dd5ed66443c54e
  • 2031
    (415) 379-5130
    L1
    33.8339199536547
    78.22265625000001
    Press Contacts
    Katie
    Jewett
    Science Writer
  • 2640
    L1
    37.30027528134433
    94.21875
    Richie
    Lipton
    Nightlife Program Logistics Specialist
  • 2621
    (415) 379-5110
    L1
    33.137551192346145
    -116.71875000000001
    Education
    Dennis
    Mabasa
    Assistant Manager
  • 270
    (415) 653-9986
    L1
    31.128199299111984
    87.09960937500001
    Digital Engagement Studio
    Greg
    Rotter

    Greg Rotter is a San Francisco-based technologist. With a focus on craftsmanship, design and usability, he works with top tier consumer brands and world-renowned civic institutions to develop digital experiences for web, mobile and kiosk.

    Interactive Developer
  • 1829
    L1
    38.34165619279595
    87.36328125000001
    Cate
    Van Dyke
    Nightlife Program Manager
  • 531
    L1
    32.509761735919426
    69.16992187500001
    Web Editorial
    Kathryn
    Whitney
    Photo Editor | Photographer
    /sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/images/KW_IMAGES_DO_NOT_USE/img_3800.jpg?itok=CPI_WEI5&c=432b0e0ca14e487f71dc22e5a5623eaf
  • 527
    L2
    37.43997405227057
    66.62109375000001
    Digital Engagement Studio
    Laurel
    Allen
  • 1396
    (415) 379-5884
    L2
    36.59788913307022
    -96.6796875
    Education
    Jacque
    Benitez

    Jacque Benitez (she/her) joined the planetarium team again as the Assistant Manager of Planetarium Programs in 2021 after 6 years as the Education Specialist for the Academy's Distance Learning program. She originally joined the Academy as a Planetarium Presenter in 2012. Jacque discovered her passion for astronomy as a young girl growing up in San Juan Capistrano, CA. She found her passion for informal education as a docent in the San Francisco State University's observatory, where she received her BA in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy.

    Assistant Manager of Planetarium Programs
    /sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/jacque-benitez-2320x2320.jpeg?itok=ZxsdEDQw&c=dae035423bc0b293e8ac449e58693404
  • 272
    (415) 853-1212
    L2
    37.85750715625203
    -89.82421875000001
    Digital Engagement Studio
    TJ
    de Luna

    Between stints of QA and testing for various Academy Technology Group projects from his home office in Brussels, TJ enjoys world class beer, chocolate and waffles, as well as exploring the hidden places in Europe....

    QA/Tester
    /sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/pictures/QA/sneeuw_jongen.jpg?itok=8eR9r_1G&c=3a897a0ba0ae81440ced55420fbb7d11
  • 3065
    L2
    36.43012234551579
    39.78149414062501
    Sarah
    Kluger
    Recruiting Assistant
  • 2794
    (415) 379-5129
    L2
    32.99023555965106
    66.70898437500001
    Communications
    Skylar
    Knight
    Communications Coordinator
  • 541
    L2
    30.29701788337205
    -78.13476562500001
    Leadership
    kle
    Kim
    Le
    Director of Technologies & Building Operations
  • 1666
    (415) 379-5459
    L2
    30.524413269923986
    -77.69531250000001
    Leadership
    Carl
    Lieber
    Senior Manager, Business Partnerships
  • 1803
    (415) 379-5881
    L2
    36.527294814546245
    -79.29931640625001
    Zoli
    Novak
    Operations Coordinator
    /sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/11951442-10153750753355466-8655948835569966778-o.jpg?itok=NYy3SniL&c=e1f6360b8a1cc1be8b1ad0cac4ed5ed5
  • 2314
    L2
    5.61598581915534
    -13.0078125
    Anthropology
    Adrian
    Van Allen

    My research as a cultural anthropologist examines the scientific cultures within museums. I study how museum collections are currently being re-evaluated as sites for mining new kinds of data across disciplines, such as genetic sampling or as preserved cultural heritage. My ethnographic research explores the behind-the-scenes spaces of museums, where I work alongside scientists in the collections, laboratories and biorepositories to study the cultural practices of collecting, preserving and understanding the diversity of life.

    Research Associate, Anthropology
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  • 2797
    (415) 379-5809
    L3
    33.706062655101206
    -117.39990234375001
    Education
    Veronika
    Brown
    Education Program Coordinator
  • 546
    L3
    35.85343961959182
    -104.50195312500001
    Education
    Jeff
    Dam
  • 2013
    (415) 379-5113
    L3
    37.99616267972814
    -82.70507812500001
    Education
    Kyle
    Foster
    Public Programs Specialist
  • 2786
    (415) 379-5460
    L3
    37.61423141542417
    73.30078125000001
    Blake
    Gregor
    Corporate & Foundation Philanthropy Associate
  • 3032
    L3
    31.653381399664
    60.82031250000001
    Natalie
    Kramm
  • 2785
    L3
    31.27855085894653
    -83.32031250000001
    Education
    Spencer
    Lee
  • 2795
    (415) 379-5427
    L3
    32.84267363195431
    64.33593750000001
    Emily
    McKay
    Program Manager, Direct Response Fundraising
  • 1251
    (415) 379-5818
    L3
    32.84267363195431
    -88.94531250000001
    Education
    Elise
    Ricard
    Public Programs Manager
  • 2444
    L3
    31.353636941500987
    -78.92578125000001
    Education
    Christopher
    Sulots
  • 2653
    L3
    33.358061612778876
    99.27246093750001
    Brianna
    Usdrowski
    Program Coordinator, Leadership Philanthropy
  • 1340
    L3
    31.80289258670676
    -101.20605468750001
    Communications
    Cheryl
    Vanderbilt

    Science Visualization Studio & Morrison Planetarium

    Senior Producer
  • 3040
    L3
    34.30714385628804
    -122.69531250000001
    Education
    Larissa
    Walder
    Senior Associate of Teacher Professional Development
    /sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/larissawalder-mg-9757-edit-gl-cas-web.jpg?itok=JSYmV7_X&c=0d9ba7d847b1c6c07c18ae2942d82afb
  • 1906
    L3
    24.5271348225978
    -83.67187500000001
    Education
    Ryan
    Wyatt

    Ryan Wyatt assumed his role as Senior Director of Morrison Planetarium and Science Visualization at the California Academy of Sciences in April 2007. He has written and directed the Academy’s eight award-winning fulldome video planetarium programs, all of which are science documentaries that rely on visualization to tell their stories, but topics range from astronomy to geology, ecosystem science, and conservation.

    Senior Director of Morrison Planetarium and Science Visualization
  • 2775
    L3
    8.841651120809145
    -5.273437500000001
    Aya
    Yamamoto