Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2025!

Today, family and friends gathered at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography to celebrate the hard work and achievements of more than 200 graduating students. The Scripps Recognition Ceremonies held on Pawka Green honored the dedication, perseverance and accomplishments of graduates following their educational journeys. 

The Class of 2025 includes 88 graduates across Scripps Oceanography’s PhD, Master of Science (MS) and Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) degree programs, along with 148 graduates from the Scripps and Environmental Systems (ESYS) undergraduate programs. During their time at UC San Diego, these scholars gained expertise in Earth, ocean, and atmospheric science, marine biodiversity and conservation, climate science and more.

Scripps alumna Marcia McNutt, PhD ‘78, president of the National Academy of Sciences, spoke at the Scripps Graduate Recognition Ceremony, while Scripps alumna and environmental advocate Mayela Manasjan ‘03 delivered the keynote at the Scripps Undergraduate Recognition Ceremony. 

All UC San Diego graduates are invited to celebrate their accomplishments at the 2025 All Campus Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, June 14, from 7-9 p.m. at RIMAC Field. The keynote speaker will be six-time IRONMAN World Champion Mark Allen ‘80.

We caught up with several students from the Class of 2025 to learn more about their time at Scripps, standout moments and what they're up to next.
 

Sarina Ghadiali, BS in Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences

Sarina Ghadiali graduated from UC San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in oceanic and atmospheric sciences. Throughout her time at Scripps, she has analyzed climate model data to understand potential regional climate effects of geoengineering in India, instrumenting and interpreting observational data from Wave Gliders to study surface waves and wind-wave interactions, as well as analyzing hyperspectral imagery and Lidar data from an aerial survey of the Palisades and Eaton fires.

This summer, Ghadiali will be traveling to Thimphu, Bhutan for a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) study abroad program. In the fall, she will return to Scripps to continue her studies as part of the BS/MS contiguous program, where she will be working in the Air-Sea Interaction Lab under Scripps oceanographer Luc Lenain. Her research will focus on understanding the spread patterns and preconditioning of the Palisades Fire with the goal of improving predictive models and fire risk indices.

Reflecting on her academic journey, Ghadiali said, “The most rewarding part of my experience at Scripps has been working alongside such intelligent and passionate peers and mentors everyday, while taking advantage of the unparalleled research and experiential learning opportunities offered here. Outside of academics, learning to surf and going to the beach between classes were also major highlights!” 

You can connect with Ghadiali on Instagram and LinkedIn.
 

Sho Kodera, PhD in Marine Biology 

During his time as a PhD student at Scripps, Sho Kodera studied marine biology with a focus on microbial community ecology. He was a member of the Jack Gilbert Lab, and he plans to continue his work there as a postdoctoral scientist. Kodera will be conducting various microbiome-related projects focused on human and marine environments. 

Looking back on his years at Scripps, Kodera said, “I loved being able to spend time in the water surfing in the early mornings before starting my work, or seeing some unbelievable sunsets in the evenings before heading home. But the best part about Scripps is definitely the people. I got to spend time with some amazing work collaborators and friends throughout my time here.” 

You can connect with Kodera on X (formally Twitter). 
 

Cate Stone, BS in Environmental Systems 

As a UC San Diego undergraduate student, Cate Stone majored in environmental systems, with a concentration in ecology, behavior and evolution. Throughout her time at Scripps, she developed an interest in pursuing a career in water resources through internships with the UC San Diego Environment, Health and Safety department’s Stormwater Program, a seafood processing company, and the County of San Diego’s Flood Control District. For her ESYS senior project, she completed an internship with the San Diego River Park Foundation. 

As part of her studies, she completed a semester abroad in Copenhagen and participated in a seven-week field research program through the UC Natural Reserve System’s California Ecology and Conservation Program.

After graduation, Stone will begin a full-time job as a stormwater/environmental specialist with a consulting firm in San Diego. 

Reflecting on her undergraduate experience, Stone said, “My favorite Scripps memories are being able to have lunch and nap by the beach, watch the sunset over the ocean, and 3D print at the Scripps Makerspace after class. My other favorite college memories are playing on UC San Diego’s club ultimate frisbee team and studying abroad.” 

You can connect with Stone on LinkedIn.
 

Hale Brown, Master of Advanced Studies in Climate Science and Policy

Hale Brown earned a Master of Advanced Studies in Climate Science and Policy (MAS CSP) from Scripps Oceanography, where they worked with the Climate Change Epidemiology Lab. Their capstone project, Nighttime-Accentuated Heatwaves in California: An Application of Spatial Epidemiology to Inform Heat Adaptation Policy, addresses the often overlooked threat of extreme nighttime heat, which is intensifying due to climate change. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined detailed mapping of heat-related hospitalizations with interviews from key stakeholders, Brown found significant spatial disparities and gaps in current heat policies. Their research underscored the need to redefine extreme heat to include nighttime exposure, embedding this into early warning systems, infrastructure planning and public health policy.

After graduation, Brown plans to continue studying climate change impacts on mental health and community well-being. In the meantime, they’ll travel to Bonn, Germany for the UNFCCC SB62 conference, where they will present findings from their capstone and contribute to a more inclusive, equity-focused and evidence-informed approach to extreme heat adaptation. 

Looking back on their time at Scripps, Brown said, “I enjoyed my time attending COP29 with the Ocean Pavilion, hosted by Scripps Oceanography and Woods Hole! At the conference, I delivered a keynote address on climate change impacts on mental health at the World Meteorological Organization’s Science for Climate Action Pavilion, and moderated a panel on the well-being of young people in disaster-prone areas at the Children and Youth Pavilion. I also joined a youth delegation in a bilateral with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity to advocate for integrating youth perspectives into climate health equity policies.” 

You can connect with Brown on LinkedIn.

George Nassar, BS in Marine Biology

George Nassar earned his bachelor's degree in marine biology at UC San Diego, focusing his research on kelp forest ecology, restoration and culture techniques. In the fall, Nassar plans to return to Scripps and continue his studies in the BS/MS contiguous program, where he will be doing work on giant kelp (Macrocystis) biology, ecology, culture and restoration with the Smith Lab. 

Reflecting on his undergraduate journey, Nassar recalls all the amazing people he got to meet. “It's so special to have such a high concentration of incredible people around you as you grow, let alone the sheer volume of expertise in just about every room. I feel so lucky to be able to study here!” he said.

You can connect with Nassar on Instagram.