Highlighting the Spotlight on Scripps College: Jessica Sportelli

Jessica Sportelli is in the final stages of obtaining her Master's degree in marine biology through the Continuous Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program at the University of California San Diego. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Sportelli initially exhibited no fascination for science....

Highlighting the Spotlight on Scripps College: Jessica Sportelli

Jessica Sportelli, a marine biology graduate student at the University of California San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is making waves in her field. Her research, which focuses on the interactions between microbial life and surfactants in the ocean, has the potential to impact conservation laws and practices.

Growing up in Los Angeles, California, Jessica developed a passion for the ocean after becoming scuba certified in high school. This passion led her to pursue a master's degree in marine biology at UC San Diego, where she now works in the Marine Physical Laboratory under the supervision of John Hildebrand.

Jessica's research explores biogeochemical processes at the air-sea interface, including the role of microbes in ocean surface chemistry and the impact on gas exchange and climate-related phenomena. Her work sheds light on the complex dynamics of the ocean surface microlayer and its effects on marine ecosystems and atmospheric processes.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Jessica's research is her focus on killer whales in the North Atlantic. Specifically, she is aiming to describe the dialect of an unknown pod of killer whales and determine their migration patterns. This research is particularly relevant to the native Inuit people of Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Canada, who are concerned about the impact of killer whales on narwhal populations for food.

In addition to her research on killer whales, Jessica is also interested in mental health. She is applying and interviewing for jobs, and her ultimate goal is to make a difference in communities through her work.

Jessica's office is located in Ritter Hall at Scripps, where she works alongside her lab mates who are pursuing various projects. Jana Johnson, a prominent marine biologist, serves as a role model for Jessica.

As Jessica continues her research, she is hopeful that her findings will contribute to a better understanding of killer whales in the North Atlantic and have a positive impact on marine ecosystems and climate-related phenomena. To learn more about Jessica's research, listen to the attached recording of a killer whale call.