We’re excited to introduce our newest Research Assistant, Catherine Lo!
Cat’s predecessor, Sarah Teman, started her PhD program at the University of Washington this fall and we can’t wait to watch her bright future unfold! Like Sarah, Cat will work alongside Joe Gaydos on all things science and research here at SeaDoc Society. She joined us on Orcas Island this fall and has hit the ground running!
“Cat comes to SeaDoc with strong research skills and experience in data collection, data analysis, project management, scientific writing, and field work,” said SeaDoc Science Director Joe Gaydos. “Plus she loves the ocean and is a delightful person to work with. What’s not to like about that?”
Here’s a bit more from Cat on her background and her new role with SeaDoc! Join us in welcoming her!
I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and currently live on Orcas Island with the rest of Team SeaDoc. I spend my time working on different research projects related to the health and conservation of the Salish Sea and help the entire team wherever I can. I love the work I do whether that’s being out on the water driving our research boats or processing the data we collected in the office.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology from Oregon State University in 2016. I went on to complete a Master of Science in Marine Science and Oceanography at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in 2019 followed by a certificate in Statistical Analysis with R Programming at the University of Washington in 2022. I’ve been lucky to travel the world to study various species before coming to Orcas Island to join SeaDoc Society as the new Research Assistant. I have a passion rooted in work that informs conservation management and feel grateful to be on a team working towards the same goals.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been fascinated with the ocean and all the animals that call it ‘home’. I am working on becoming drysuit diver certified so soon enough you’ll find me spending a lot of my time underwater diving through kelp forests and searching for my favorite dorids. Until then when I’m not in the office, you can catch me looking through tidepools, hiking through trails, paddleboarding, and living out my tiny house dreams.