Laura Vlk

Marine Primary Production Group

	Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9610 USA 805-893-4319 (lab) 805-893-4724 (fax)
Original artwork by Kristine Leonard Arnodeo

LAURA VLK

Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology
Marine Science Institute
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9610
Lab/Fax: 805-893-4319
Alt. Fax: 805-893-4724

My employment as a Laboratory Assistant with the Prezelin Lab began in August of 2002, when I was still an undergraduate student. Through this position, I have learned a great deal about oceanography and, as a result, developed a keen interest in, and appreciation for the biological and marine sciences. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree in December of 2003, I furthered my involvement with the laboratory while pursuing an environmental policy career, which is more suited to my abilities and educational training.
In April of 2004, I completed my appointment wih the Prezelin laboratory and moved on to a Community Development Technician position with the City of Carpinteria. I will dearly miss everybody I have worked with here these last two years along with my lovely office overlooking the ocean, the very lax dress code, and unending entertainment due to "science geek" outbursts (snorting and all)! The Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology department has provided me with countless drinking buddies, excellent roommates, and wonderful friends! It was a pleasure working here and I wish everybody the best!
Educational Background
2003: B.A. in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in law and policy - University of California, Santa Barbara.

Research Experiences
2003 -Field Assistant: Collected data sets obtained from Santa Paula and Ojai, CA oil seep fields with tar entrapment devices and surveying equipment. This data will be used for a masters thesis evaluating the geomorphology of the oil seeps surveyed.
2003 - Independent Researcher: Researched the biology, physics, chemistry, geology and politics involving marine and terrestrial oil seep ecosystems in California.
2002- Research Assistant: Researched all laws and policies, including the California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Coastal Zone Act and numerous other applicable local, state and federal environment regulations surrounding a plot of commercial land in Goleta, Ca. This research was used for application in mock planning hearings involving the proposed residential development of the land.