With Gratitude for the Bentson Foundation
The story of the Bentson Scholars and Fellows program is a story of optimism. It’s animated by the belief that, when provided with resources and community, passionate students can become full colleagues in marine science research.
Since 2014, the Bentson Foundation has changed the lives of nearly 50 students. Some students entered the program with experience and direction. Others learned to swim and dive for the very first time. All graduate from UC Santa Barbara better prepared to understand and preserve our waterways. Laurie and Bill, the ripple effect of your generosity will expand throughout the lives of these students. We’re so grateful for your vision and support.
What began as a merit-based undergraduate scholarship has grown into a lasting community of scholars, fellows, faculty, and alumni. Students have gained far more than financial stability. They have immersed themselves in research and pursued ambitious futures. Read on for updates!
This website celebrates the impact of your generosity through the voices of Bentson Scholars and Fellows. We hope these stories reflect the depth of gratitude felt across UC Santa Barbara. Thank you for investing in our students and the marine world.
A Snapshot of Fieldwork Systems and Species
Marine heatwaves
Human influences on marine ecosystems / shark conservation
Pesticide concentrations in deep coastal basins
Algal blooms using community-sourced images
Species cataloging and population metrics
Scientific diving
Marine ecosystems and how microbes "eat" sulfur
Microbial oxygen use and carbon cycling
Genetic structure and population connectivity of rock scallops
Outer space
Images top left to right: shark, sheephead fish, map showing fieldwork around the world, purple swimming crab, sea urchin.
Where are they now?
Updates from the earliest recipients
“I moved to New Zealand after UCSB where I did a masters and Ph.D. in ecology. I love marine environments but studied forestry. I now work in the forestry department of the New Zealand government where I work in procuring forestry research.
The Bentson program gave me memories I still think about today. The main impact was allowing me to have access to the research process, and I am still involved in ecology research today.”
Henry Morse ’16
“I am still doing research in Ocean Science! I completed my M.S. in Oceanography at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa in 2021. I am currently wrapping up a Ph.D. program in Earth System Science at Stanford. I study coastal microbial ecology, specifically the impact of environmental change on beach groundwater biogeochemistry. Alongside my own research, I assist with open-ocean, deep-sea, and tidepool research and teaching (articles below!).
The Bentson Scholarship was pivotal in affording me time to explore my professional interests and build community while I was a student at UC Santa Barbara and studying abroad in Australia. I hope they continue the program for many years to come!
Personally, I have a six-year-old husky named Odin who keeps me busy. I am planning on getting my dive master certification this year in addition to my doctorate!"
Jessica Bullington ’17, pictured right
See Jessica's featured work
Articles:
Compounds released by bleaching coral promote bacteria
How hidden microbes protect coastal waters in a changing climate
Bentson Scholars and Fellows
Hear more from the recipients of your generosity
Throughout the years here, I was able to garner hands-on research and presentation experience, attain my SCUBA scientific certification, witness sights unknown to some on Catalina Island, acquire invaluable communication skills at the REEF, all while being constantly surrounded by people who I knew cared about me and would be there for me.
Nelson Beltran ’23, 2023 Bentson Scholar
Now about to begin an Advanced Bachelor of Nursing at Samuel Merritt University based in Oakland
Being surrounded by such an ambitious and dedicated group of peers, as well as having access to the incredible support systems inherent in the group, has been an invaluable asset to my development as a marine scientist. I look forward to all the experiences ahead and am thankful for the experiences that this scholarship has already provided me.
Eva Juengling Bean ’23, 2021 Bentson Scholar
Currently at the Bren School pursuing her Master’s of Environmental Science and Management 2027
My college journey has been shaped by countless acts of kindness from mentors, friends, and family. I’ve learned how powerful it is to give your time to others, and that helping others is one of the best ways to help yourself.
Hayden Vega ’25, 2025 Bentson Scholar
Currently a research technician with Paua Marine Research Group
This support allows me to fully focus on advancing my research, particularly by launching a field experiment campaign — the foundation of my final dissertation chapter. I am especially excited about this opportunity, as it will be my first ecological experiment during my Ph.D., and I believe it will yield valuable insights. Beyond research, I am grateful to be part of the Bentson community, surrounded by intellectually curious and generous individuals.
Inez Mangino, 2025 Bentson Fellow
Currently finishing her Ph.D. in marine science at UCSB
In the News
Campus coverage of Bentson Foundation support
One of UC Santa Barbara’s most impactful student success stories
This feature traces the origins of the Bentson Scholars Program and the extraordinary opportunities it has opened for aspiring marine scientists — from hands-on field research to life-changing mentorship and discovery.
“Better than we ever dreamed it could be.”
In this reflection on the program’s growth, students, faculty, and foundation leaders share how the Bentson Scholars Program evolved from a scholarship initiative into a thriving academic community with lasting impact on marine science education and research at UCSB.
The future of ocean research, secured
The $3 million endowed fellowship fund is building a continuous pathway from undergraduate scholarship to graduate leadership, creating what faculty and students describe as “one big family” of marine scientists.
Recipients of Your Generosity
Bentson Scholars
Summer Baars '28
Daniel Baldwin '19
Ally (Aplin) Baldwin '21
Monica Ballas '27
Dahlia Barranco '27
Eva Juengling Bean '23
Erik Beahrs '26
Nelson Beltran '22
Madigan Boborci '23
Jessica Bullington '17
Sophia Cabral '25
Ella Alfaro Campbell '28
Fiona Diskin '25
Elenna “Lulu” Ereneff '17
Fern Capitti Fenton '24
Catalina Francis '29
Amelia Fuentes '26
Taryn Hozdic '27
Kelsey Husted '20
Sam Lewis '18
Lana Lippe '28
Malia Llerena '24
James (Jamie) Lopez '25
Parker Malhotra '23
Kayla McLaughlin '26
Henry Morse '16
Marisa Ortiz '26
Erick Morales Oyola '26
Hailey Springer '25
John Casey Strattan '27
Annika Sullivan '23
David Thomas '28
Olivia Turner '25
Imanol Ulloa '23
Hayden Vega '25
Julia Walsh '26
John Wilken '17
Ella Ziegler '29
Bentson Fellows
Claire Gonzales '25
Hayley Goss '26
Marianna Karagiannis '27
Inez Mangino '28
Michael Montgomery '27
Dana Myers '27
Skylah Reis
Rachel Sandquist '27
Jacob Schmidt '27
Ruiming Song