Scientists at UC Santa Cruz and local entrepreneurs are collaborating on a $350,000 restoration of the Seymour Center’s blue whale skeleton using innovative, eco-friendly techniques like shrimp-shell putty and 3D-printed recycled plastic.
Jasmin Galvan
Jasmin Galvan is a science journalism intern at Lookout and a master’s student in the UC Santa Cruz Science Communication Program.
She draws from her background in biology, neuroscience and laboratory research to make science accessible and understandable for all.
At her previous internships at the UC Santa Cruz Newscenter and the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, she covered new research studies at the university and helped create an exhibit to teach visitors about kelp forests in Monterey Bay. She is eager to explore more of the science taking place in Santa Cruz and share these stories with its vibrant community.
Posted inEducation
Santa Cruz teen’s research to battle coastal erosion wins third place at international science fair
After watching storms wreak havoc on the coastline near her home, Hazel Campbell, a junior at Santa Cruz’s Pacific Collegiate School, began researching how kelp could work to prevent coastal erosion. Her research won third place at an international science fair for students.
Posted inLatest News
Young pelicans are turning up starving in Santa Cruz County; scientists are working to understand why
Nearly 50 juvenile brown pelicans have been rescued in Santa Cruz County since April 13. Scientists aren’t entirely sure why the birds are struggling but speculate that toxic algae blooms in Southern California are sickening parent birds, forcing inexperienced juveniles to hunt for themselves when they venture north. It’s the third mass starvation event since the start of the decade.
Posted inLatest News
Volunteers needed for annual all-county cleanup day May 10
The second annual Pitch In All Santa Cruz Cleanup Day is happening on Saturday, May 10.
Posted inFood & Drink
Santa Cruz VegFest vegan festival coming to county fairgrounds
Santa Cruz VegFest is coming to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley dons skates for roller derby birthday celebration
Santa Cruz Roller Derby will be honoring Mayor Fred Keeley with a special gift for his 75th birthday on Saturday, May 10, at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. During halftime, Keeley – who goes by the moniker “Freaky Freddy” on the roller derby track – will be on skates rolling with the Boardwalk Bombshells.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Federal cuts to affect health and child care services for thousands of local residents, nonprofit warns
Santa Cruz County nonprofit Encompass Community Services is warning that proposed federal budget reductions will eliminate the Head Start program and cut Medicaid/Medi-Cal funding, slashing funds for local programs that provide health and child care services to thousands of local residents.
Posted inEducation
Seymour Center’s Ms. Blue comes to life in new augmented reality experience
Visitors to Santa Cruz’s Seymour Marine Discovery Center can experience the iconic whale skeleton known as Ms. Blue as augmented reality on their phones while the bones undergo a lengthy restoration process.
Posted inLatest News
Ahead of Earth Day, peek inside the living laboratory where redwoods meet modern science
At San Vicente Redwoods near Boulder Creek, scientists use sonic technology to study fungal decay in fire-damaged trees while Indigenous leaders restore traditional forest management practices, creating a unique conservation laboratory.