Eric Medina recently graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology and Latin American latino studies. During college Eric focused on fisheries conservation, spending a summer internship in Xavier Basurto’s lab and three years with NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center. He developed experience designing and carrying out research projects in the field through the UCSC Doris Duke Conservation Scholar Program, UCEAP’s Tropical Biology and Conservation Program, and UCSC’s Marine Ecology Field Quarter. Beyond the joy of research Eric understands that conservation is also essential to the quality of human life. He is committed to efforts that bring people a sense of belonging in outdoor spaces and introduce them to sustainable food systems.