UC San Diego Delegation to Bring Ocean Science to the Forefront of COP31

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• Karissa Duran - [email protected]

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Ahmyia Cacapit, Scripps PhD Candidate

Attending week two

Ahmyia Cacapit is a Scripps PhD candidate studying marine biology. Her research examines the population dynamics of coral reefs, focusing on the waxing and waning that drives their patterns of persistence today. As part of the Sandin Lab at Scripps, she uses non-invasive, large-area photogrammetry to digitize reefs across the Pacific. From these surveys, she obtains high-resolution ecological data. This work allows her to highlight the natural capacity for reefs to resist and recover from disturbances, such as storm activity or ocean warming. "At COP31, I am excited to connect with Pacific leaders and organizers who are at the front lines of the climate crisis," said Cacapit. "I am looking forward to promoting solutions and collaborations that prioritize both marine and cultural prosperity within these critical habitats."

McKenna Carlson, Scripps Master's Candidate

Attending week one

McKenna Carlson is a Scripps master's candidate studying the integration of marine policy and climate goals in the Aburto Lab. Her research utilizes large language models to analyze climate and marine policy documents on international and national levels to determine the strength and success of country commitments. Through this work, Carlson aims to increase accountability for national and international bodies while also connecting marine conservation and climate goals to efficiently use limited resources. "At COP31, I am looking forward to sharing my research on the ocean-climate nexus and connecting with delegates from around the world to further climate action through scientifically informed policymaking," said Carlson.

Tom Corringham, Scripps Research Economist

Attending week one

Tom Corringham is a climate economist at Scripps Oceanography. His research examines the social, economic and equity impacts of extreme weather and climate change and how improved forecasts can help communities manage climate risk. Corringham works with interdisciplinary teams on issues including drought, floods, wildfire, extreme heat, coastal hazards and water resource management. He has extensive experience translating climate science into information that supports public decision-making. Corringham holds degrees from UC San Diego and the University of Oxford. "I hope to strengthen connections between researchers, policymakers and practitioners at COP31," said Corringham. "I also hope to advance efficient and equitable approaches to climate adaptation and resilience."

Aurora Czajkowski, Scripps PhD Student

Attending week two

Aurora Czajkowski is a Scripps PhD student studying marine chemistry. Her interdisciplinary research combines analytical environmental chemistry and observational physical oceanography to understand how freshwater plumes mix and move in the coastal ocean. Czajkowski also studies how pollution reaches communities through ocean-atmosphere exchange processes, including pollution from the Tijuana River Valley. "I look forward to joining the Scripps delegation at COP31 to share perspectives on anthropogenic impacts on coastal ecosystems and communities, and to bridge science, public knowledge and policy," said Czajkowski.

Wael Al-Delaimy, UC San Diego Professor of Public Health and Family Medicine

Attending week one

Wael Al-Delaimy is a professor of public health and family medicine at UC San Diego. He is a multidisciplinary epidemiologist who helped introduce climate change to health sciences at UC San Diego. His work focuses on solutions for disadvantaged communities through health policies, interventions and global capacity building. Al-Delaimy is the director of the National Institutes of Health Global Center on Climate Change and Water, Energy, Food, and Health Systems and joint director of the GeoHealth Hub on Climate and Health in the Middle East and North Africa. He also serves as a member of several committees, including the World Health Organization's Technical Advisory Group for Climate Change and Health Data Ethics, the State of California Climate and Health Equity Advisory Group, and the American Psychological Association's Task Force on Climate Change. In 2025, Al-Delaimy received the United States Certificate of Special Congressional Service to Create Climate Solutions.

Katrina Johnson, Scripps PhD Candidate

Attending week two

Katrina Johnson is a Scripps PhD candidate studying biological oceanography. Her research focuses on quantifying and modeling ship noise and evaluating its impacts on marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico and Arctic regions. "I look forward to joining the Scripps delegation at COP31 to share insights on global shipping and ocean noise, and to collaborate with others dedicated to advancing sustainable and quieter oceans for marine life and coastal communities alike," said Johnson.

Margaret Leinen, Director Emeritus of Scripps Oceanography

Attending both weeks

Margaret Leinen is the director emeritus of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, serving from October 2013 through September 2025. She is also vice chancellor emeritus for marine sciences at UC San Diego. An award-winning ocean biogeochemist and paleoceanographer, Leinen's research includes studies of ocean carbon cycling and the role of the oceans in climate. Leinen has served as the president of the American Geophysical Union and the Oceanography Society. She also served as Chair of the U.S. Global Change Research Program, U.S. Department of State Science Envoy for the Ocean, as well as a member co-chair of the Decade Advisory Board for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Leinen is a fellow of the American Geophysical Union, the Oceanography Society, the Geological Society of America, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy of Arts of Science.

Lisa Levin, Scripps Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Attending week one

Lisa Levin is a pioneering biological oceanographer and distinguished professor emeritus at Scripps. Her current research examines deep-sea biodiversity and the effects of climate change and human impacts on deep-ocean ecosystems. Levin is active in bringing deep-sea science to policy and has contributed to multiple Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, World Ocean Assessments, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Ocean Dialogues, the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, International Seabed Authority negotiations, and previous COPs. She is currently a lead author for Working Group III Contribution to the IPCC Seventh Assessment Report focused on mitigation, the National Academies of Sciences Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Standing Committee, the Ocean Studies Board and the Nature Record. She founded and co-leads the Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI), dedicated to bringing deep-sea science to policymakers, and has been instrumental in efforts to develop the Deep Ocean Observing Strategy (DOOS), a global initiative to integrate deep observing efforts to benefit science and society.

Grant Meiners, Scripps PhD Student

Attending week two

Grant Meiners is a Scripps PhD student studying physical oceanography in the Multiscale Ocean Dynamics Lab. His research focuses on internal waves and turbulent mixing at high latitudes, using both observational and modeling techniques. Meiners' current project seeks to understand more about how internal tides affect water mass transformations in the Norwegian Sea. His future work will focus on near-inertial waves in the North Pacific and the rate at which they transport storm energy to the deep ocean. "At COP31, I hope to better understand the role of scientists as collaborators of lawmakers to fuel science-informed approaches to policy decisions," said Meiners.

Catherine Mullenmeister, Scripps PhD Candidate

Attending week two

Catherine Mullenmeister is a Scripps PhD candidate studying biological oceanography. Her research examines how human activities alter the chemical dynamics of coral reef ecosystems. To understand the biogeochemical processes that shape coral reefs' resilience and recovery, Mullenmeister investigates both local stressors, such as pollution, and global disturbances, such as marine heatwaves. Using analytical chemistry tools, she tracks pollutants, characterizes marine metabolites, and investigates the biogeochemical processes that underpin ecosystem nutrient cycling. "I look forward to connecting with scientists, policymakers and community leaders at COP31 to better understand their environmental priorities and contribute to discussions that help shape science-based policy for coral reef resilience," said Mullenmeister.

Roland Ovbiebo, Scripps PhD Candidate

Attending week one

Roland Ovbiebo is a Scripps PhD candidate studying marine chemistry. His research examines how mercury moves from rivers to the ocean and transforms within estuarine and coastal environments. He investigates how estuarine mixing and climate-driven changes influence riverine mercury transport and biogeochemical cycling. Ovbiebo also evaluates low-cost field methods for measuring mercury in aquatic systems, particularly in resource-limited regions. He aims to expand global mercury observations, strengthen regional exposure assessments and shift mercury monitoring from reactive to proactive approaches. "I look forward to contributing to discussions on the cascading effects of climate change at COP31, while connecting with researchers, policymakers and organizations advancing practical climate solutions," said Ovbiebo.

Kevin Rhee, Scripps MAS MBC Student

Attending week one

Kevin Rhee is a Scripps graduate student in the Master of Advanced Studies program in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation. With an academic background in economics and professional experience in financial incentives and performance analysis, he was drawn to the program's interdisciplinary approach. As part of the Aburto Lab at Scripps, Rhee is developing a research project examining how government spending in fisheries can be better designed to support positive socio-ecological outcomes in the Gulf of California. "At COP31, I hope to engage with researchers, policymakers and international organizations working at the intersection of climate policy, marine conservation and sustainable fisheries, particularly on how public financing can support both environmental and social goals," said Rhee.

Vladimir Ryabinin, Former Executive Secretary for the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission at UNESCO

Attending both weeks

Vladimir Ryabinin is the former executive secretary for the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission at UNESCO. In this role, he proposed and led the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Prior to that, he was the senior science officer of the World Climate Research Program, coordinating global research on the ocean, atmospheric chemistry, sea-level rise and more. His background includes being an oceanographer, climatologist and marine engineer. He is also a laureate of the Compass International Award of the Marine Technology Society for his contributions to the advancement of marine science and technology. At COP31, Ryabinin will serve as an advisor to the Scripps delegation.

Jadah Ryan, Scripps MAS CSP Program Coordinator

Attending week one

Jadah Ryan is the program coordinator and research advisor for the Master of Advanced Studies program in Climate Science and Policy at Scripps. The master's degree responds to a growing global need for scientific, policy and communication professionals who can take action on the threats posed by climate change. A graduate of the program herself, Ryan has seen firsthand how its interdisciplinary training prepares students to move between research, policy and public engagement. Her research interests include coastal dynamics, community resilience and environmental justice. "At COP31, I look forward to connecting with scientists, policymakers, stakeholders and leaders, sharing the program's impact, and exploring how science-driven, community-centered solutions can accelerate climate action," said Ryan.

Tommy Stone, Scripps PhD Student

Attending week one

Tommy Stone is a Scripps PhD student studying applied ocean science. His research draws on satellite measurements, ocean observations and computational models to better understand changes in ocean currents and sea level. Ocean currents play an important role in the Earth system, transporting heat, nutrients and carbon dioxide that shape regional and global climates. As the ocean warms and ice sheets melt, this circulation is shifting in ways that directly influence regional patterns of sea-level change. Accurately estimating these changes plays an important role in helping coastal communities plan for and adapt to a changing ocean. "At COP31, I hope to facilitate the conversation between scientists and policymakers in support of sea-level resilience," said Stone.

Meenakshi Wadhwa, Director of Scripps Oceanography

Attending week one

Meenakshi Wadhwa is the director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, vice chancellor for marine sciences at UC San Diego and dean of the School of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Wadhwa is an award-winning planetary scientist interested in the time scales and processes involved in the formation and evolution of the solar system and planets. Prior to joining UC San Diego, Wadhwa was director of the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University and served as NASA's principal scientist for the Mars Sample Return program. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), as well as a recipient of the J. Lawrence Smith Medal from NAS and the Nier Prize from the Meteoritical Society. She is a fellow of the American Geophysical Union, the Meteoritical Society, the Geochemical Society and the European Association of Geochemistry.

Jessica Zhong, Scripps PhD Student

Attending week two

Jessica Zhong is a Scripps PhD student studying marine biology. As part of the Fish Evolution Lab at Scripps, she researches macroevolutionary processes shaping fish biodiversity, spanning projects related to cave adaptation in cavefishes, bioluminescence in the deep sea, and endothermy (warm-bloodedness) in tunas, billfishes and sharks. Zhong works to preserve and study rare species, like the oarfish, in the Marine Vertebrate Collection at Scripps by using genomics and morphological techniques. "At COP31, I hope to connect with conservation biologists, fisheries experts, science policymakers and anyone interested in understanding life in the ocean," said Zhong.

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