Alissa is a Ph.D. candidate in the Integrative Biology program at Oregon State University with a specialty in Marine Biology and Zoology. At OSU, she is researching the impact of climate change on Oregon’s subtidal fouling communities. Specifically, she is interested in how future levels of ocean acidification will influence subtidal fouling diversity, stability, and ecosystem function. Alissa has over 15 different scientific and recreational scuba certifications; her extensive training has allowed her to conduct underwater research in environments that have been understudied due to difficult and challenging dive conditions.