Daniel Ellis

Graduate Student Researcher
Daniel is a 2nd year PhD student in the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Marine Science (IGPMS) and Geography Department. He received his B.S. in Applied Physics from UC Santa Cruz in 2012. Daniel’s undergraduate thesis was titled “The Influence of Vertical Migration on Larval Dispersion along the California Coast.” This research focused on the use of the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) to study dispersion of passive particles in the California Current System. Daniel’s graduate research focuses on coastal physical oceanography using observational rather than modeled data. Some current projects include the examination of poleward propagating flows from the Southern California Bight to north of Pt. Conception as a response to a relaxation of upwelling-favorable winds. The acceleration of these flows is driven by a pressure gradient north and east of Pt. Conception. A major asset in this study, as well as others, is the use of autonomous underwater vehicles to collect profiles of the water column both nearshore (25 meter water depth) and offshore (100 meter water depth). Daniel has also examined the effectiveness of these ocean gliders compared to conventional mooring. Additionally, he studies some possible mechanisms of regional variability of ocean pH within the SBC LTER study site. Daniel has also worked as a teaching assistant for multiple UCSB classes including Geography 104, EEMB 153/253 and Geography 3A. In his spare time, he enjoys ultimate frisbee, basketball, softball, and reading.

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UCSB Marine Science Institute Bldg 520 Rm 4002 Fl 4L Santa Barbara, CA 93106-6150 United States