Recognizing Women Who Educate and Inspire at Scripps Oceanography

Scripps Institution of Oceanography joins the rest of UC San Diego in celebrating Women’s History Month 2025, including International Women’s Day on March 8. 

The campus is celebrating the women in our communities through a series of programs in alignment with this year’s campuswide theme, "Empowerment Echoes: Celebrating Women Who Advocate and Educate." This theme provides an opportunity to acknowledge the women at the university who have dedicated their lives to educating, leading and mentoring. Visit the UC San Diego Women’s Center website to find out more. 

Since 1987, the month of March has been recognized as a time to honor and commemorate the impacts women have made to society throughout history. Scripps Oceanography has a long history of inspirational and revolutionary women who have dedicated their lives to educating and inspiring future generations. The institution was founded in 1903 with support from Ellen Browning Scripps—a suffragist, businesswoman, journalist and philanthropist who helped lay the foundation for scientific discovery. 

Today, women at Scripps carry this legacy forward, empowering the next generation of scientists. Among the leaders are Margaret Leinen, the institution's first female director, and Lihini Aluwihare, deputy director for education. Glaciologist Helen Amanda Fricker and physical oceanographer Sarah Gille are leading concept studies to advance our understanding of the planet’s response to climate change, serving as trailblazing women in science. Recent Scripps PhD graduate Allison Cusick made history in 2024 by receiving the first-ever UC San Diego Student/Alumni Innovator of the Year award for co-founding FjordPhyto, a science platform that intertwines climate science and tourism. Also in 2024, UC San Diego launched the Jane Teranes Climate Change Education Requirement, a groundbreaking education initiative honoring the late Jane Teranes, a beloved Scripps teaching professor who was an advocate for climate education.

In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we asked a few women at Scripps to share what this month means to them, their advice to young girls and women, and more. Learn more in the Q&A below. 

Kendall Chancellor, PhD Candidate and Teaching Assistant in the Sandin Lab

What is your role at Scripps Oceanography?

I am a PhD candidate in the Sandin Lab at Scripps. My research focuses on the capacity of coral reefs to adapt and acclimatize to thermal stress from climate change through bleaching resistance, mortality resistance, and maximum recovery. I am also a Teaching Assistant for my advisor’s marine ecology class.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

Women’s History Month is a reminder to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments, contributions and perseverance of women throughout time. It is important to highlight these accomplishments and contributions to inspire young girls to go after their dreams. It is also crucial to acknowledge women’s perseverance throughout history to prevent the repetition of historical wrongdoings, which is especially important to remember in our current political climate.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your career?

I am most proud of my research on the bleaching resistance of Pacific coral reefs. It is the first study to find one genera of coral to be consistently bleaching resistant across the Pacific Ocean. The bleaching resistance of this genus of coral is so significant that along with thermal stress, its relative abundance drives the bleaching response across Pacific reefs. I am also proud that I completed this research while enduring severe chronic health issues. I proved to myself that nothing can stop me and learned a valuable lesson in how to push myself while also taking care of my needs.

Who is a woman that inspires you and why?

A woman who inspires me is Katherine Johnson. She was a master mathematician who conducted crucial calculations for multiple NASA missions, including the first moon landing. Along with her scientific contributions, Katherine fought for women’s and BIPOC’s rights in STEM throughout her career. She protested how women at NASA were not allowed to attend meetings on the projects they worked on, and she ignored the signs in the segregated cafeteria that told the Black employees where they had to sit. Katherine Johnson reminds me that I belong in STEM spaces. She has also inspired me to volunteer with multiple organizations that aim to get young BIPOC students and girls into STEM to continue her legacy. I am thankful for  Katherine Johnson and the others who sacrificed so I could be where I am. The following is my favorite quote of hers: “I don’t have a feeling of inferiority. Never had. I’m as good as anybody, but no better.”

What advice do you have for young girls/women during Women’s History Month?

My advice for young girls and women during Women’s History Month is to not internalize the ignorance of others in spaces where you have been historically excluded. People have been told they are the only type of individuals who are good enough to exist in a certain space, so when they see others who have been historically excluded from that space finally be given an equal opportunity to be let in, they assume it must be a mistake or some sort of “handout.” Don’t internalize that; don’t let that give you imposter syndrome and anxiety. Let their ignorance be theirs and remember who you are and how hard you’ve worked to be there. You belong in those spaces, and you are needed.

Anaí Novoa, Student Success and Summer Programs Coordinator

What is your role at Scripps Oceanography?

I am the Student Success and Summer Programs Coordinator where I oversee and manage several programs, including the Jane Teranes – Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (JT-SURF), Scripps Oceanography Undergraduate Research Community Experience (SOURCE), and the AGU Bridge Program. Through this role, I lead and help develop an infrastructure for summer program engagement and student success through equitable access to resources and opportunities.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

Although the contributions of women should be celebrated year-round, Women's History Month offers a dedicated time to reflect on and honor the incredible achievements of women and trans women throughout history.

Women’s History Month shines a spotlight on the rich, diverse histories of women and trans women, who have often been overlooked or erased from mainstream narratives. It highlights historical icons like Harriet Tubman, Frida Kahlo, and Marsha P. Johnson, as well as the unsung heroes whose impact may not be widely known but is equally significant.

Beyond honoring the accomplishments of the past, this month also calls for reflection on the continued struggles women and trans women face today. Issues such as gender inequality, reproductive rights, access to education and combating violence are reminders of the work that remains to ensure that all women have equal opportunities to thrive.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your career?

One of my proudest accomplishments is earning my PhD from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. As a first-generation Mexican American of Purépecha heritage, a first-generation college student, and an individual who is neurodivergent, I deeply recognize the significance of this achievement. It reflects not only my personal dedication but also the resilience of my family and community in overcoming barriers to reaching this milestone. Learn more about my research.

Who is a woman that inspires you and why?

I’m fortunate to work alongside incredible and inspiring women, and I was raised in a strong, all-female household. Throughout my journey, many remarkable women have inspired and supported me, but none have been more influential than my mother. She has always been my unwavering source of encouragement, supporting every dream I have pursued. Although my mother didn’t have the chance to pursue formal education, she instilled in me the value of hard work and the importance of seizing every opportunity that comes my way.

What advice do you have for young girls/women during Women’s History Month?

My advice is to embrace your unique voice and never underestimate the power of your dreams. Women throughout history have faced countless challenges, yet their resilience and determination have shaped the world we live in today. You are part of that ongoing legacy.

Don’t be afraid to pursue your passions, even if they seem unconventional or difficult. Take pride in your heritage and the diverse experiences that make you who you are. Remember, every step you take toward your goals—no matter how big or small—makes a difference.

Hannah Tannenbaum, MAS MBC Program manager

What is your role at Scripps Oceanography?

I am the program manager of the Master of Advanced Studies program in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (MAS MBC) at Scripps. I’m also a proud alumnus of the program (class of 2019). I manage all logistics for MAS MBC from prospective student recruitment and admissions to orientation and summer logistics, programming for our current students, and support our small but mighty alumni network. I also do student advising and event planning for the program.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

Women’s History Month is an opportunity to reflect on how far women have come in the struggle for equal rights. Even more importantly, it is a reminder of the long road ahead for true equality and justice. There is obviously a ton of work to do to continue to achieve women’s rights and to rectify the past wrongs of the feminist movements’ exclusion of women of color, differently abled women and LGBTQ+ women. I would like to see Women’s History Month focus more on the future and the actions we can all take, small and large. I hope that women in the future look back on this moment and this generation and know that we pushed the movement forward in inclusive and meaningful ways.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your career?

I’m extremely proud and humbled to play a role in supporting our students through their studies and into the world where they do extremely important and necessary work. It is incredibly rewarding to talk to folks who are just learning about MAS MBC and Scripps and to see their eyes opened by the new ideas and opportunities at Scripps. In the course of just 12 months, they take all that knowledge and growth into the real world to apply it to real marine conservation challenges. Every new cohort is different and incredibly inspiring, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a role in their progression.

Who is a woman that inspires you and why?

There are a lot of women who inspire me, professionally and personally. I’m grateful to be on a team with Samantha Murray. She’s not only a mentor and role model for our students as the MAS MBC executive director, but she also serves all of California as president of the California Fish and Game Commission. I’m grateful to be surrounded by other women leaders and scientists at Scripps who have paved the way for me and the next generation of women leaders. I’m also constantly inspired by my older sister, who is a children’s mental health professional. Though we occupy seemingly different professional spaces, both of our work worlds are focused on investing in our future, preventing future crises and caring and nurturing the next generation. Her ability to deal with real trauma in her professional life and still show up for her family and community, and her unwavering commitment to justice and inclusion, just overwhelm me with pride for my big sister.

What advice do you have for young girls/women during Women’s History Month?

Let’s get to work, ladies! Reproductive rights, gender inclusion, access to health care, diversity and equity are all under threat right now. That’s not to say we shouldn’t acknowledge past successes, but there is a lot of work to be done! My advice is to get involved. Talk about uncomfortable things with your friends, your family and community. Shout your values out. The time for playing “nice” has passed. Call your representatives. Take to the streets. Refuse to acquiesce.