Elisa Maldonado

Elisa Maldonado teamed up with Noa Levanon and teacher Myrtle Brijbasi and traveled by plane, ferry and train to Seward, Alaska to study the effects of residual crude oil on River Otter physiology and the otters' ability to catch fish. This study simulates what may actually be happening in Prince William Sound since the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill.

Elisa's passionate interest in marine biology began in the 5th grade while on a trip to Sea World, where she was first introduced to the beauty and complexity of marine animals. She soon developed objections to the practice of keeping wild animals in captivity for entertainment, while realizing the necessity of marine research and public education about conservation issues central to marine ecosystems. For the last four years, Elisa has been a mentor for children at the San Pedro Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. She was one of twenty high school students selected for the Museum Research Apprenticeship Program at the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum. Elisa will be a co-author on the publication of research she conducted with scientists at the L. A. County Natural History Museum. They studied an unusual species of brittle star that broods juvenile brittle stars of a different genus within its body cavity, but does not brood its own offspring. Elisa grew up in Wilmington, California on the outskirts of Los Angeles. She graduated from Bishop Montgomery High School in 1998 where earned a place on the Principal's Honor Role during each of her four years of high school. In addition to her interest in the biological sciences, Elisa is the president of the Teens for Life Club, and is a member of the Associate Student Body Commission of Religious Affairs, the Newtonian Society, and Key Club. Beach combing, listening to music, reading, and speaking Spanish are some of Elisa's other hobbies. After returning from her summer research experience in Alaska, Elisa was busy volunteering as a naturalist and day-camp instructor at the Roundhouse Aquarium in nearby Manhattan Beach. Elisa began studying marine biology at the University of California at Los Angeles in the fall of 1998.