Student Highlight at Scripps College: Jessica Sportelli
Jessica Sportelli: Researching Killer Whale Bioacoustics in the Arctic
Jessica Sportelli, a researcher at the Marine Physical Laboratory at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, is making waves in the field of marine biology. Her research primarily focuses on understanding the acoustics of killer whales, particularly in the North Atlantic and Eastern Canadian Arctic.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Sportelli's passion for the ocean began during her high school years when she became scuba certified. This initial encounter with the underwater world ignited a curiosity that led her to pursue a career in marine biology.
Sportelli's office is located in Ritter Hall at Scripps, and her days are filled with lab meetings, where she hears about the ongoing projects of her lab mates. Her research aims to uncover the dialect and migration patterns of a specific pod of killer whales, providing groundwork for future projects.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Sportelli's research is its potential impact on Indigenous communities in the Canadian Arctic. The discovery of killer whales in the Eastern Canadian Arctic is a concern due to their potential impact on the native Inuit people who hunt narwhals for food. This discovery was sparked by the recording of killer whale calls in recordings of narwhals in the same region.
Sportelli's research also has implications for the conservation of marine mammals. She plans to continue her work on marine mammal communities in the North Atlantic/Arctic region, with the ultimate goal of contributing to conservation laws and practices.
Jessica Sportelli's zoology professor Jana Johnson at Moorpark College has been a significant role model for her. Her journey is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of following one's passion.
When she's not in the lab, Sportelli can be found at Pinpoint Cafe, sipping on a vanilla latte and enjoying a chorizo breakfast burrito.
For precise and up-to-date details about her current projects and research interests, it would be best to refer directly to the Marine Physical Laboratory or Scripps Institution of Oceanography's official resources or her professional profile.
