Lab Members

Dr. Barbara Quimby

Lab Lead/Principle Investigator

Dr. Quimby is a marine social scientist currently conducting research on O 'ahu and collaborating on research development with partners across the Pacific region.

Olivia Siudak

 Graduate Research Assistant

My name is Olivia Siudak, I’m a first year graduate student pursuing my Master’s in Marine Science. I’m originally from Wisconsin but moved to O’ahu from California after completing my Bachelor’s in Marine Biology at University of California San Diego. At Hawai’i Pacific University I am focusing on fisheries science from a holistic view to prepare for a career in fisheries management.

Sydira Russchen

Incoming Thesis-Track Student Fall 2025

Asinah Cecil

I'm Asinah from Houston, Texas. I major in Marine Affairs with a double minor in Strategic Communications and Women and Gender Studies. My research is centered around community-based resource management, focusing on how cultural values shape each community's approach to preserving its resources.

Winner, CNCS Dean's Award, 2025 HPU Capstone Symposium

Clarissa Galindo

My name is Clarissa Galindo, and I am majoring in Marine Affairs, with minors in Sustainability and Spanish. My capstone project focuses on identifying major contributors to food and beverage packaging waste in the Honolulu-Waimānalo area and exploring how policies can be used to hold these companies accountable for their role in environmental pollution. Outside of class, I work with kids, where I aim to inspire them to create positive change in the world. In my free time, I love reading, traveling, and snorkeling. In the future, I hope to live abroad and work in marine conservation, combining community engagement and policy to protect marine environments and promote sustainable practices.

Winner, Research Award, HPU Capstone Symposium 2025

Inbar Mizrahi

My name is Inbar Mizrahi, a 23 year-old student. Working towards a Marine Affairs Degree in the Bachelor of Arts, with a minor in Multimedia studies, where most of my interests lie within these two worlds. As a Senior at Hawaii Pacific University, I moved here from a small town in the beautiful State of Washington known as Sammamish. Growing up most of my life there, the environment surrounding me influenced my decision to study marine life. The nature surrounding us is very important to me and is a big part of who I am. Half of me is also Israeli - creating a split personality of two very different, yet very lovely worlds. Loving both sides of who I am, I aspire to do good and create positive change in the world.

Ryan Olaynack

Aloha! I'm Ryan Olaynack, and I’m a third-year Marine Affairs student at Hawaii Pacific University. I’m originally from Newport, Rhode Island, where growing up by the ocean inspired me to learn more about the ocean and the people connected to it. My academic interest focuses on how humans interact with and influence the ocean, and I’m currently working on my senior thesis on subsistence fishing in Hawaii. I’m passionate about learning how we can balance marine conservation with indigenous knowledge while supporting local livelihoods. Outside of class, I work as a bartender, and in my free time, I enjoy free diving, rock climbing, hiking, and spending time with my friends.

Sebastian Penate

I am originally from Glenmont, Maryland with my ethnic background being Salvadoran. I am currently studying for my bachelors in Marine Affairs with a minor in sustainability. I hope to use my knowledge to improve indigenous and local community involvement when regarding their native resources. I would love to eventually work in environmental law focusing on sustainable policy, intertwining indigenous viewpoints within management initiatives.

Ziomara Ramos

Aloha! My name is Ziomara Ramos, and I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. I have a strong Mexican heritage within my family. Currently, I am a student at Hawai’i Pacific University working towards a bachelor's in Marine Affairs with a minor in Sustainability. Throughout my studies, I seek to gain a deeper understanding of international affairs, especially marine-related issues. After I graduate, I hope to work with a local NGO in its mission to preserve and restore the island. Eventually, I strive to become an activist who can be the bridge between various communities and global powers. In my free time, I enjoy listening to assorted genres of music and watching informative videos on diverse topics. I also appreciate taking a nice swim at the beach when the sun is at its peak!

Jenika Wilson

My name is Jenika Wilson. I am from Salt Lake City, UT and I moved to Hawaii in 2022. I am majoring in marine affairs with a minor in sustainability. Currently, I am studying the impact of marine debris on marine mammals and sea turtles. My career goal is to work with fisheries to create sustainable fishing gear to reduce the impacts offishing gear and  fishing debris on marine mammals and sea turtles.