About Me
My experience with marine vertebrate research began when I was an undergraduate student. I had the privilege to work on St. George Island in Alaska for four years, studying the northern fur seal and several species of seabird. My time on the island fostered my scientific interest in the interaction between ocean conditions and the ecology of these top predators. It also cemented my appreciation for the importance of engaging and working with local communities in any scientific endeavor.
Science should serve all of society.
Education
2005
B.S.
Biology
Principia College
Elsah, IL
Capstone: Biology and Conservation of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
2010
M.S.
Oceanography
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR
Thesis: High-Resolution Sampling of Particulate Organic Carbon in a Coastal Upwelling System
2020
Ph.D.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
Thesis: A Top Predator in Hot Water: Effects of a Marine Heatwave on Foraging and Reproduction in the Northern Elephant Seal
Personal and Professional Development
CIMER-Trained Facilitator
Trained workshop facilitator for the Entering
Mentoring curriculum, which is geared towards
research mentoring.
Equity-Minded Mentoring
Completed 6-part workshop on supporting success of mentees from underrepresented groups in STEM
Antarctic Field Experience
Participated in three Antarctic field efforts, two as the field lead, with the New Zealand Antarctic Program.
Wilderness First Aid
Completed the two-day NOLS course to prepare for unexpected medical emergencies in the field.
Rachel Holser
Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz
115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95003