Current Graduate Students (in alphabetic order)

Kaden Coty
Kaden’s research interests focus on applied shorebird conservation, with an emphasis on the federally threatened western snowy plover. As a biologist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, he has contributed to snowy plover nest monitoring, population surveys, and chick banding efforts. Recently, he was awarded a grant by the Pacific County Marine Resource Committee to develop a snapshot database of banded plover sightings (2020–2024) in Recovery Unit 1 (WA/OR). Looking ahead, Kaden aims to leverage his field experience and future training in the ShAPE Lab to pursue leadership roles within governmental conservation organizations, where he can design and implement large-scale strategies to protect native species. Outside of work, he enjoys wildlife photography, surfing, and honing his American Sign Language skills through advocacy and engagement with the Deaf community.
 
M.Sc. Student, Ecology and Evolution, expected graduation 2027
B.S. in Biology, University of Washington, 2022
Email: conservationcoty@gmail.com / kaden.coty@sjsu.edu
 

Sam Loving

Sam’s research interests center around spatial ecology, wildlife climate adaptation, and exploring further applications for seabird tracking data. Sam has previously worked on avian research projects in southwest Montana with the Bureau of Land Management, San Diego with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and Kings Canyon National Park with the National Park Service. Sam hopes to use the knowledge and experience he gains while a part of the ShAPE lab to advance ocean conservation initiatives and advocate for the preservation of biodiversity. In his free time, Sam enjoys exploring new places, snorkeling, surfing, diving (basically any ocean activity), and growing his own food!

M.Sc. Student, Ecology and Evolution, expected graduation 2027

B. Sc. in Environmental Studies, U.C. Santa Barbara

Email: sam.loving@sjsu.edu

Masha Maskell

Masha’s research interests include avian ecology and conservation biology.  Her master’s thesis project will investigate California gull spatial use in relation to landfills in San Francisco Bay.  Masha previously worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  She has over three years of experience as a wildlife biologist and has worked with a variety of taxa, including birds, fish, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.  In her free time, Masha enjoys running and backpacking.


M.Sc. Student, Ecology and Evolution, expected graduation 2026

B.A. in Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, 2020

Email: masha.maskell@sjsu.edu

Katherine Palomino

My research interests include wildlife conservation, physiological responses to climate change and changing environments, and habitat restoration. I’m still refining my research project but am interested in exploring plastic ingestion in seabirds. I have research and field experiences in animal behavior, avian physiology, geese management, and molecular studies along with work in wildlife rehabilitation and in-vivo laboratory studies. This includes assisting field research at Año Nuevo Island and Southeast Farallon Islands off San Francisco. In my free time I enjoy traveling, crocheting, and spending time outdoors.

 

M.Sc. Student, Ecology and Evolution, expected graduation 2027

B.Sc. in Ecology and Evolution, San Jose State University, 2024

Email: Katherine.palomino@sjsu.edu