Principal Investigator

Becker Circle

Bonnie J Becker

Professional larval shellfish tracker
Passionate, authentic educator
Collaborative, student-focused administrator

To learn more about me and my background, check out my LinkedIn page.

Follow me on Twitter (@pisastero).

Lab Technicians

Ashley Benson

B.S. in Biomedical Sciences, Minor in Criminal Justice, 2020

I am a University of Washington Tacoma Alumni with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. I joined the Becker Lab my senior year at UWT as an undergraduate researcher, then upon graduation I started working as one of the Bonnie’s Lab Techs. Being a part of the Becker Lab has allowed me to explore my love for marine biology and discover my passion for the field work side of science. Since joining the lab, I’ve been able to be a part of the Olympic Oyster restoration project in partnership with Harbor WildWatch, and contribute to the larval Dungeness Crab research project in collaboration with PCRG. In addition to working for the Becker Lab, I also work fulltime as a Research Associate at Sana Biotechnology. At Sana, my focus is in T Cell Therapeutics working towards engineering cells for cancer treatment. When I’m not working at either job, I like to spend my free time outside with my two dogs, going paddle boarding, or making ceramics.

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Francesca Marvin

B.A. in Environmental Sustainability, 2019

I am a University of Washington Alumni, graduating in 2019 with my Bachelors in Environmental Sustainability, heavily focused on lab and field courses. I have always been connected to the natural world growing up camping, hiking and gardening. But I think my love for the ocean came from going out crabbing, fishing and boat trips to the San Juans, experiencing orcas rub against our boat. After my first environmental course I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to healing and protecting our sacred lands, waters and all that resides in them. Before starting my work with the Becker Lab I worked as a Marine Biologist for Highline’s Marine Science and Technology Center. Before that, as an undergraduate I conducted research on the aquaculture of jellyfish. Since joining the Becker Lab I have aided in research with our partners Harbor Wildwatch on Olympic Oyster restoration and PCRG on larval Dungeness Crab research. Through these projects I have found a deep calling and fulfillment for working in marine research and plan to get my research masters in it as my next step! In my free time, I love scuba diving in the Puget Sound. I am a certified SSI Dive Master and run a PNW women’s diving group.

Undergraduate Researchers

Lindsay Flynt

B.S. in Environmental Science, 2023

Tyler Hall

B.S. in Environmental Science, Conservation Biology and Ecology, 2024

I served in the Army as a medic for 10 years, and have had a diverse set of experiences all around the world. I am now retired from the military, and look forward to serving our country in a different way by protecting and conserving our wildlife and natural resources. Right now I am particularly interested in conducting research on squid here in the Puget sound. I spend my free time hiking, camping and exploring the PNW with my wife and 5 year old daughter. I also spend lots of time volunteering with the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. I am a state certified sawyer, PADI certified diver, and have my WA boating certification. I am so excited to be a part of Becker Labs, and look forward to gaining new skills, and knowledge from my peers.

Jessica Linkemyer

B.S. in Environmental Science: Geoscience, expected 2024

I am currently a senior at University of Washington Tacoma majoring in environmental science with a emphasis in geoscience. After I graduate I plan to become a park ranger. This is my first year in the Becker Lab but I am very excited to do hands on field work with marine life. For my future career I will have to know many fishing and crabbing laws, so it will be very fascinating to learn about the early life forms of dungeness crab

Hozoji Matheson-Margullis

BioDiver with Puyallup Tribe Shellfish Department

I have just begun my journey into the academic side of my love for the Puget Sound. I have worked the last 8 years as a diver with the Puyallup Tribe Shellfish Department. My love for the dark life below began as a geoduck harvester on a boat called the Nishga Gang. It evolved from there and led me to working with the biology department at the tribe counting geoducks instead of killing them. My goal is to gain the knowledge and experience required to eventually work more thoroughly with the tribe in protecting and rehabilitating our precious resource.

Readmore about Hozoji in an article by Motherboard, The Geoduck Diver. To contact through email, use form below.

 Chloe Mau

Bellarmine Preparatory School

I am currently a senior attending Bellarmine Preparatory School. Completely new to the scene of ecological conservation research, I am ecstatic to be a part of the Becker Lab and their ongoing dungeness larval research study. Having just begun my journey of in-depth field and lab work, I am grateful for the talented individuals I’ve met, the skills I’ve acquired, and the deeper appreciation for the biological diversity of the Puget Sound! In my free time, you can find me outdoors bouldering or snowboarding, as well as trying out new foods all over the place!

Talia Patel

Bellarmine Preparatory School

Arthur Weisberg

University of Washington Tacoma

Contact the Becker Lab