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Our People

We are an interdisciplinary group of scientists and community leaders. Our team includes the Tribal Marine Consultant for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, a PhD in Marine Biology specializing in kelp forest ecology, an outdoor instructor in tribal community programming, and a scientist who specializes in genetic techniques. By combining scientific research with active conservation, our program fosters collaborations among marine scientists, conservationists, and local communities to protect critical underwater ecosystems.

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Director of Science; DSO; Co-Founder

Selena Smith, PhD

631-746-0990

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Cultural Advisor; Board President; Co-Founder

Eva Pagaling

805-245-0978

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Project Scientist; Co-Founder

Jesse Altemus

480-309-6367

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Outdoor Instructor and Facilitator; Co-Founder

Josh Cocker

971-386-7129

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Mr. Poppy

Dive Support & Ball Management

© 2026 by Ocean Origins ORG

501(c)(3)   EIN: 93-4860377

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