Highlighting the Scripps College: students in the limelight, featuring Leticia Cavole

Leticia Cavole, a third-year graduate student at the University of California San Diego, is delving into the world of marine biology with a focus on fish populations and their response to climate change.

Born and raised in the small countryside city of Barretos in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Cavole's love for the ocean began early. This passion led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in oceanography at the University Federal of Rio Grande (FURG), Brazil.

Cavole's research spans across two diverse environments: the coastal waters of Latin America and the deep-sea fishes of the California Current Ecosystem. Her work aims to understand how temperature, fishery pressure, and oxygen levels affect fish growth and population dynamics, with a particular focus on mangrove ecosystems.

Currently, Cavole is working with juvenile fish living inside mangrove lagoons across Baja California, Mexico, and the Galápagos, Ecuador. This research is conducted under the guidance of Octavio Aburto-Oropeza, a Scripps scientist and alumnus, who is admired for his innovative thinking and dedication to improving the quality of life for fishermen and coastal communities.

Cavole's journey in marine biology has been influenced by various figures, including the renowned marine biologist Sylvia Earle. She also finds inspiration in astronomer Carl Sagan for his ability to communicate science to the general public.

Balancing productivity and relaxation is a challenge for Cavole, but she finds solace in activities such as walking, kayaking, surfing, sports, art, cooking, and music in her free time.

Looking ahead, Cavole plans to work in a network to build and help enforce marine protected areas. Her goal is to recover marine ecosystems and fish populations, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable ocean.

Throughout her journey, Cavole's parents have been supportive, even when they did not fully understand her research on fish ear bones (otoliths). Their unwavering support has been a constant source of inspiration for Cavole.

Cavole chose Scripps Institution of Oceanography for its renowned research in environmental issues such as climate change and ocean acidification. She is proud to be part of this community, continuing her mission to understand and protect our oceans.

Highlighting the Scripps College: students in the limelight, featuring Leticia Cavole