Allison Yan

Marine Laboratory Research Assistant

As a Marine Laboratory Research Assistant, I study marine predator diets and zooplankton off the coast of California. Our marine predator diet studies provide insights into changing forage species communities within our region, while our zooplankton research examines the impacts of varying oceanographic conditions on zooplankton taxa. My work in the marine lab consists of sorting and analyzing diet samples, such as regurgitated seabird pellets and sea lion fecal matter, to identify components like fish ear bones and krill parts. I also assist with identifying krill in zooplankton samples collected during our ACCESS research cruises. Outside of the lab, I am able to assist in the surveys of and sample collection from our study species in the field as well.

I grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from UCLA in 2024 with my B.S. in Marine Biology. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of ecosystems through my studies. While I first fell in love with the ocean through Southern California’s kelp forests, I was able to research the microorganisms in Long Island Sound estuaries and the tropical reef life in French Polynesia. I also fell in love with pinnipeds with the marine mammal team at California Wildlife Center. I hope to combine all of my previous interests with the work I do here at Point Blue to continue studying marine food webs and supporting wildlife conservation.

When not in the lab at our Petaluma office, odds are high that you can find her watching her favorite animals (seals) galumphing along a beach, diving with her friends back in SoCal, or spending time at home with family.

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