My name is Ellie Giles, and I’m a sophomore in the Marine Studies program at Oregon State University.
The Seymour Center has been so many things to me: a community, a place of discovery, and even a second home. I still remember my first field trip there in second grade, being instantly drawn to the aquarium and feeling a sense of wonder I hadn’t felt anywhere else. From that moment on, I knew what I wanted to do; I wanted to be a marine biologist.
Without a doubt, the Seymour Center is the reason I’m pursuing marine science today. It didn’t just spark my curiosity; it gave me the tools, encouragement, and community to turn that spark into a career path. Even though my dream looks slightly different than it did in elementary school, the Seymour Center expanded my ideas of what I can do to make a difference and made working in marine education feel like a real possibility.
Without a doubt, the Seymour Center is the reason I’m pursuing marine science today. – Ellie Giles
My Marine Studies program at Oregon State is a unique, interdisciplinary degree that blends science with human dimensions and will prepare me for a wide range of careers that connect people with the ocean. I’m especially excited to study not only marine ecosystems, but also how communities interact with and impact our oceans; something my eyes were first opened to at the Seymour Center.
My dream now is to work in marine science education so I can inspire future generations to love and safeguard our oceans, just like the Seymour Center did for me. With your support, you can ensure the next generation of researchers, educators, and conservation leaders gets that same life-changing start.
Please consider making a gift to the Seymour Center to help raise $150,000 by December 31. Your investment will help support future scientists and conservation leaders.
Thank you,
Ellie Giles
Marine Studies Undergrad & Seymour Alum
A note from Seymour Center’s Executive Director, Jonathan Hicken:
When Ellie walked into the Seymour Center as a second-grader that day, something clicked. She discovered her path.
That’s what we do best at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, we create scientists.
For more than 25 years, supporters like you have helped young people see themselves in science. Hundreds of thousands of students have walked through our doors and found out that science is alive, local, something they can do themselves. Kids connect their natural curiosity to real UC Santa Cruz research happening right here on our coast.
Your gift makes that possible. It helps kids find their voice as scientists, solution-makers, educators, and advocates.
Ellie’s story is one of many that started here. Your support creates the spark for the next kid who walks through our doors, looks out across Monterey Bay, and wonders what’s possible for the ocean and themselves.
To those of you who have supported this mission for decades: THANK YOU. I hope you feel proud. The young people you invested in have gone on to do incredible things in science and beyond. And if this is your first year giving, welcome. You can make the same kind of difference for the next Ellie.
Please give by December 31 and help us raise $150,000 to create more scientists in 2027.
