Every summer, the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory (BML) offers classes to undergraduate students interested in coastal and marine sciences. After hearing about the summer sessions from his friends, Michael Brito, a fourth-year majoring in marine and coastal sciences, knew he had to check them out. From tide pooling in nearby Horseshoe Cove to exploring the importance of marine protected areas, Brito and other UC Davis undergraduates spent the summer learning from top scientists in the field at a first-class research facility. And the experience was life-changing.

"You get the chance to learn about the ocean with the ocean as your backyard," said Brito, a first-generation college student.

Before coming to UC Davis, Brito had a hard time seeing himself as a scientist.

"I feel like BML has given me the chance to kind of have the tools to do what I want and kind of show that I'm passionate about marine science," said Brito. "As an aspiring scientist, I would say that I do have the evidence now to prove to myself that I do belong here."

This year, Brito is acting as BML's recruiter. Students interested in learning about the summer sessions can contact him at mrbrito@ucdavis.edu. He's also holding office hours this quarter on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Storer 1347.

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