Kayla Souza

Kayla Souza has a diverse work experience in various roles. Kayla started their career as a Veterinary Technician at Romie Lane Pet Hospital in 2009, where they gained experience in sterilization, anesthesia, and pre-surgical preparation.

In 2015, Kayla interned at the NOAA, where they contributed to cleaning and monitoring aquarium laboratory facilities, feeding and monitoring laboratory specimens, and conducting dissections and data collection.

Following their internship, they worked as a Tutor at Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services, providing personalized tutoring sessions and recommending learning materials.

Kayla then took on the role of Fisheries Biologist at Saltwater Inc. in 2016, where they observed and monitored commercial fishing vessels to sustain local fisheries. Kayla also worked in challenging weather and terrain conditions.

In 2018, they became a Forester/Refusal Specialist at Davey Resource Group, Inc, where they worked with a major gas/electric utility system to assess vegetation along rights of way and enter data into a client-based collection platform.

From 2019 to 2021, they worked as a Biologist at Sequoia Ecological Consulting, conducting special-status species surveys and providing environmental training to construction crews.

In 2020, Kayla became a Graduate Research Fellow at The Schmidt Family Foundation, where they researched groundwater recharge aptitude and groundwater policy systems to advance the wiser use of energy and natural resources.

Currently, they are working as a Staff Biologist at SWCA Environmental Consultants, conducting biological surveys, collecting observational and spatial data, and assisting in permitting processes and impact assessment.

Overall, Kayla has gained expertise in biological surveying, environmental consulting, tutoring, and veterinary work throughout their career.

Kayla Souza completed their Master of Science degree in Environmental Management: Water Resources from the University of San Francisco from 2020 to 2022. Prior to that, they earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz between 2010 and 2013. Kayla started their higher education journey at Hartnell College, where they studied Molecular Biology from 2007 to 2010. Kayla completed their high school education at Salinas High School before entering college in 2007.