Lanise Luna Brings Fresh Perspective to Birch Aquarium
Internship Connects Indigenous Ocean Knowledge to Aquarium Experience
This fall, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego welcomes Lanise Luna, a student from California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) for an internship focused on researching and helping plan the aquarium’s upcoming annual Indigenous Ocean Day on November 8. We recently sat down with Luna to get to know her a little better and chat about the work she’s doing here at the aquarium.
Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Do you have a favorite ocean animal (and if so, what is it?)
I’ve always loved learning about the ocean and the ways we’re connected to it, which is why I’m excited to be part of Birch Aquarium. My favorite ocean animal is the Hammerhead Shark, they’re such unique and fascinating creatures and I love how their shape helps them navigate and sense what’s around them. Any time I see them, I’m just drawn to them!
What are you studying at CSUSM?
I’m majoring in Biological Science. I’ve always loved exploring how living things connect and adapt, and I’m especially interested in learning more about marine life and conservation. Being here [at Birch Aquarium] has helped me a lot with figuring out what I want to do next as well. There are so many different jobs here and ways to work with animals!
How did you get connected to Birch Aquarium?
I heard about Birch Aquarium through opportunities shared with CSUSM students by Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH). I was really drawn to how the aquarium combines science, education and community engagement, and I wanted to be part of a place that makes ocean knowledge accessible and inspiring to people of all ages.
What projects are you working on as part of your internship?
I’m working on research and content related to Indigenous ocean knowledge and how it connects to Southern California’s coast and the Birch Aquarium experience. My focus is on learning and highlighting the perspectives of the Kumeyaay people and other coastal tribes and their relationship to the ocean. I am also helping plan Indigenous Ocean Day with Nan Renner and Priscilla Ortiz.
Has anything surprised you or been particularly exciting since you’ve started?
I’ve been surprised by how much community collaboration goes into creating experiences at Birch Aquarium. It’s been exciting to see how science, culture and storytelling all come together in meaningful ways. Everyone is so sweet and always has a smile on their face.
What do you hope to accomplish or gain from this experience?
I hope to deepen my understanding of ocean knowledge, especially through Indigenous perspectives, while also developing skills in research, writing and community engagement. I also want to carry forward the importance of connecting culture and science into future work I do.
Anything else you want to highlight?
I’m really grateful for this opportunity and for the welcoming environment at Birch Aquarium. Nan Renner has been a great mentor and has really helped me figure out what I want to do with my degree. She’s so sweet, and I’m incredibly grateful that she took me under her wing!
Thanks to Lanise Luna for taking the time to chat with us. Join us for Indigenous Ocean Day on November 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an event that centers and celebrates Indigenous people and Indigenous ocean knowledge with the original peoples of Southern California, Baja California and from across Turtle Island. Indigenous Ocean Day is open to the public and all activities are included with aquarium admission.