Sara is a first-year Ph.D. student at the University of Washington. Though she comes to the University’s School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences department with a landbased background, she is excited to explore underwater ecosystems, where she will bring her expertise in animal behavior to the study of disease. Her research investigates the relationship between behavior, including human impacts on biodiversity, and parasite infection in marine fishes. With the support of this grant, Sara will earn her Open Water Diver Certification, allowing her to participate in field expeditions and to observe the behavior of fishes in their natural environment.