Business Office of CMBB (Central Michigan Board of Business)

Biology Section at Scripps Institution of Oceanography Strengthens Marine Research and Education

The Biology Section at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), University of California San Diego, is a hub for advancing research and education in biological oceanography and marine sciences. Comprising three main components – the Integrative Oceanography Division (IOD), the Marine Biology Research Division, and the Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine (CMBB) – this section plays a crucial role in furthering our understanding of ocean biology and developing biotechnological applications.

Integrative Oceanography Division (IOD): The IOD serves to integrate biological, chemical, and physical oceanographic research, fostering a comprehensive understanding of ocean systems through interdisciplinary approaches. By connecting biology with broader oceanographic processes at SIO, it supports integrative studies that drive groundbreaking discoveries.

The Marine Biology Research Division focuses on marine biodiversity, ecology, and conservation, conducting fundamental and applied research on marine organisms and ecosystems. This division also supports degrees and graduate studies, including programs in Marine Biology and Marine Biodiversity and Conservation offered under SIO’s umbrella.

The Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine (CMBB) specializes in the application of molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology to marine organisms for both ecological insights and biomedicine innovation. CMBB's research at the interface of biology and biotechnology aims to develop new marine-derived biochemical products and therapeutic agents.

These units within the Biology Section contribute extensive expertise and infrastructure to Scripps’ mission, supporting both research and education in marine sciences at UC San Diego.

To ensure smooth operations, the Biology Section is served by a dedicated team of professionals. Kelsey Coughlin is an HR/Fiscal/Facilities Assistant, while Pilar Alarcon and Amy Hsiao also hold these roles. Andrea Heraz, Ayla Nejad, Josh Schmidt, Kevin DelMastro, Lailani Aguila, Jen Clark, Leslie Bennett, Cindy Svacina, and Adrielle Wai are Research Administrators, each contactable via email or phone. Annamarie "Anna" Bryson serves as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and Georgette Handal is the Academic HR Manager. Nadine Ferguson is a Payroll Coordinator/HR Assistant, and Michelle Villarreal is an HR Assistant.

The Biology Section Business Office provides support in human resources, payroll, finance, and facilities management. Becky Uhl is a Finance Manager, Grace Cayanan is the Academic HR Analyst, Annie Huang is an HR Generalist, and Michelle Jared is the Staff HR Manager. [email protected] website is the contact for facility issues, keys, Bio Section room/vehicle reservations, and shipping. Dejan Ristic is a Facilities Specialist and can be reached via email or phone.

Inquiries regarding HR matters, including hires, separations, benefits, visas, and leave of absences, can be directed to bio-hr-g@our website. For Ecotime, paycheck, and leave balance inquiries, contact bio-payroll@our website. Purchasing, travel/personal reimbursements, and P-Card inquiries should be addressed to bio-fiscal-g@our website.

Together, these units within the Biology Section integrate foundational and applied marine biology through the IOD, Marine Biology Research Division, and CMBB, complementing each other to cover ecological, interdisciplinary ocean studies and biotechnology fields within the institution.

[1] Biology Section at SIO

[2] Integrative Oceanography Division, Marine Biology Research Division, Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine

[1] The Biology Section at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) facilitates oceanographic research, marine biology, and education by integrating the Intergrative Oceanography Division, the Marine Biology Research Division, and the Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine.

[2] The Integrative Oceanography Division (IOD) advances our understanding of ocean systems by connecting biology with broader oceanographic processes, while the Marine Biology Research Division focuses on marine biodiversity, ecology, and conservation. The Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine (CMBB) applies molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology to marine organisms for ecological insights and biomedicine innovation.