BE ADVISED: On Saturday 9/20, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will host the USC vs. Michigan State football game. Kickoff is at 8 pm. This event will impact traffic, parking, and wayfinding in the area due to street closures. Please consider riding the Metro E (Expo) Line and exiting at USC/Expo station.

Meet the 2024 Marine Teens Cohort

Marine Teens wearing matching blue shirts with trees in the background

Back row, from left: Sebastian Cuellar, Fernando Chica, Francisco Vaquero, Salvador 'Chava' Chavarria

 

Front row, from left: Valeria Rosas, Yajaira Valverde, Jackie Aguirre, Shanell Rincon, Isa Soto, Brandon Chavez

Jackie Aguirre

Jackie Aguirre


I am currently a senior at MSTMA at Roosevelt High School. I enjoy exploring nature and gaining new experiences. In the fall, I plan to study at UCLA! This summer I'm looking forward to getting hands-on experiences in the field of Marine Biology!
 

Salvador Chavarria

Salvador ‘Chava’ Chavarria


My name is Salvador Chavarria and I am a rising senior at the Math, Science & Technology Magnet Academy at Roosevelt High School. I enjoy the overall environment of museums as they create a very enjoyable atmosphere to learn in. In this internship I’m looking forward to learning and getting familiar with the museum, and our trip to Catalina Island.
 

Brandon Chavez

Brandon Chavez


HI! I'm a current senior at Mendez High School. After graduating I plan on majoring in Political Science at UCSB. Something I look forward to in this internship is being able to socialize with museum visitors and sparking a potential life long interest. I want to make it memorable for myself and the people!
 

Fernanado Chica

Fernando Chica (2nd Year Peer Mentor)


My name is Fernando and I’m a senior at the Math, Science & Technology Magnet Academy (MSTMA). I love taking advantage of fun new experiences such as traveling and getting to meet new people. In the fall I will be pursuing my passion for marine science by continuing to study it in college.
 

Sebastian Cuellar

Sebastian Cuellar


Hello there! My name is Sebastian and I attend the MSTMA program at Theodore Roosevelt High School! Very soon, I’ll be graduating and heading over to Cal State LA so I can broaden my horizons. I hold such a genuine love and passion for museums of all kinds, and when I learned there was an internship I leapt at the opportunity! Ever since I was a baby, going to museums to learn never felt boring; there’s not a single thing that isn’t interesting. Along with this, marine science and the ocean in general is undoubtedly fascinating. All these different lifeforms who learn to adapt, all their colors, and all their features–I simply wish to learn more, while also being able to teach others about the things I love.

Shanell Rincon

Shanell Rincon (2nd Year Peer Mentor)


My name is Shanell Rincon and I’m a current senior at Roosevelt High School. This fall I will be attending UC San Diego and majoring in electrical engineering. In my spare time I enjoy artmaking and exploring nature. Working with the 2023 Marine Teens cohort was a mesmerizing experience. I’m happy to return to the 2024 Marine Teens cohort as a Peer Mentor.

Valeria Rosas

Valeria Rosas


Hello! I am currently attending Mendez High School as a senior. I enjoy listening to music, as well as playing and singing it! I will be attending Occidental College in the fall and I will be studying psychology. I look forward to learning more about marine life and gaining this new experience.
 

Isa Soto

Isa Soto


My name is Isa Soto and I'm a senior at MSTMA at Roosevelt High School. I plan to attend UC Sunta Barbara in the fall to study aquatic biology. One of my favorite things about marine science is the vast amount of topics within this area of science. It can range from studying the patterns of the tide to observing the behaviors of animals. There's so much to learn in marine science and I can't wait to learn as much as possible.
 

Yajaira Valverde

Yajaira Valverde


My name is Yajaira and I'm a rising senior at MSTMA. In the future, I plan to major in environmental science. I am looking forward to giving kids the same amazing experience I enjoyed as a kid coming to the Natural History Museum, which fueled my love for science and exploration.
 

Francisco Vaquero

Francisco Vaquero


My name is Francisco Vaquero and I currently attend MSTMA at Roosevelt. My favorite thing about museums is the learning experience and the stunning atmosphere. I am looking forward to presenting my Discovery Cart project to our guests.
 

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Back row, from left: Sebastian Cuellar, Fernando Chica, Francisco Vaquero, Salvador 'Chava' Chavarria

 

Front row, from left: Valeria Rosas, Yajaira Valverde, Jackie Aguirre, Shanell Rincon, Isa Soto, Brandon Chavez

Jackie Aguirre


I am currently a senior at MSTMA at Roosevelt High School. I enjoy exploring nature and gaining new experiences. In the fall, I plan to study at UCLA! This summer I'm looking forward to getting hands-on experiences in the field of Marine Biology!
 

Salvador ‘Chava’ Chavarria


My name is Salvador Chavarria and I am a rising senior at the Math, Science & Technology Magnet Academy at Roosevelt High School. I enjoy the overall environment of museums as they create a very enjoyable atmosphere to learn in. In this internship I’m looking forward to learning and getting familiar with the museum, and our trip to Catalina Island.
 

Brandon Chavez


HI! I'm a current senior at Mendez High School. After graduating I plan on majoring in Political Science at UCSB. Something I look forward to in this internship is being able to socialize with museum visitors and sparking a potential life long interest. I want to make it memorable for myself and the people!
 

Fernando Chica (2nd Year Peer Mentor)


My name is Fernando and I’m a senior at the Math, Science & Technology Magnet Academy (MSTMA). I love taking advantage of fun new experiences such as traveling and getting to meet new people. In the fall I will be pursuing my passion for marine science by continuing to study it in college.
 

Sebastian Cuellar


Hello there! My name is Sebastian and I attend the MSTMA program at Theodore Roosevelt High School! Very soon, I’ll be graduating and heading over to Cal State LA so I can broaden my horizons. I hold such a genuine love and passion for museums of all kinds, and when I learned there was an internship I leapt at the opportunity! Ever since I was a baby, going to museums to learn never felt boring; there’s not a single thing that isn’t interesting. Along with this, marine science and the ocean in general is undoubtedly fascinating. All these different lifeforms who learn to adapt, all their colors, and all their features–I simply wish to learn more, while also being able to teach others about the things I love.

Shanell Rincon (2nd Year Peer Mentor)


My name is Shanell Rincon and I’m a current senior at Roosevelt High School. This fall I will be attending UC San Diego and majoring in electrical engineering. In my spare time I enjoy artmaking and exploring nature. Working with the 2023 Marine Teens cohort was a mesmerizing experience. I’m happy to return to the 2024 Marine Teens cohort as a Peer Mentor.

Valeria Rosas


Hello! I am currently attending Mendez High School as a senior. I enjoy listening to music, as well as playing and singing it! I will be attending Occidental College in the fall and I will be studying psychology. I look forward to learning more about marine life and gaining this new experience.
 

Isa Soto


My name is Isa Soto and I'm a senior at MSTMA at Roosevelt High School. I plan to attend UC Sunta Barbara in the fall to study aquatic biology. One of my favorite things about marine science is the vast amount of topics within this area of science. It can range from studying the patterns of the tide to observing the behaviors of animals. There's so much to learn in marine science and I can't wait to learn as much as possible.
 

Yajaira Valverde


My name is Yajaira and I'm a rising senior at MSTMA. In the future, I plan to major in environmental science. I am looking forward to giving kids the same amazing experience I enjoyed as a kid coming to the Natural History Museum, which fueled my love for science and exploration.
 

Francisco Vaquero


My name is Francisco Vaquero and I currently attend MSTMA at Roosevelt. My favorite thing about museums is the learning experience and the stunning atmosphere. I am looking forward to presenting my Discovery Cart project to our guests.