NOAA-EPP LMRCSC Graduate Fellow
M.S., Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Litzia Galvan graduated with a B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz in June 2022. She participated in the California Ecology and Conservation Program in 2021, where she designed and conducted independent research projects in diverse ecosystems across California, including Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center and Blue Oak Ranch Reserve.
Litzia began studying for her M.S. in Marine Estuarine and Environmental Sciences (MEES) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in August 2025, where she joined the NOAA LMRCSC. Her faculty mentors include Dr. Stephen Tomasetti and other collaborating NOAA scientists. Her research focuses on the reproductive studies of bay scallop species (Argopecten irradians), and it examines the changes in heartbeat frequencies during various environmental stressors and spawning events across estuarine habitats. Her dissertation investigates the physiological responses of bay scallops, specifically analyzing how environmental stressors such as temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels influence their cardiac activity and reproductive output, with the goal of understanding their resilience and adaptability in changing estuarine ecosystems.
Post-graduation, Litzia aims to pursue a Ph.D. focused on marine conservation biology, with the long-term goal of conducting research that supports sustainable fisheries and ecosystem health while working with universities and NOAA Fisheries.
Research Theme: Climate & Ecosystems
NOAA LMRCSC Fellows attain the NOAA Core Competencies detailed in this rubric.
NERTO Project Title: TBA
NOAA Mentor: TBA
Academic Advisor: Dr. Stephen Tomasetti
Publications:
Cung, K.; Galvan, L.; Osborne, H.; & Spiegel, S. (2021). The effects of sunlight and slope on the lichen community of the Sweeney Granite Mountains Reserve. California Ecology and Conservation Research, Vol. 5 (Issue 2). https://doi.org/10.21973/N3066N
NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Lead Institution)
(410) 651-7870
Award numbers: FY 2021 Award #NA21SEC4810005
Funding Agency: NOAA Educational Partnership Program (EPP/MSI)
