Ian Ridge

Biography

Ian Ridge is an undergraduate researcher in the Hofmann Lab at UCSB's Marine Science Institute, where he studies the impacts of marine heatwaves on sea urchins and giant kelp. A San Diego native and Aquatic Biology major, Ian developed a lifelong connection to the ocean through water polo, surfing, and freediving, which cultivated a deep fascination with the ecology and interconnectivity of marine systems. This passion for understanding how species interact within the biotic environment drives his work in the lab, where he explores how two of California's most ecologically significant coastal species respond to a rapidly changing ocean. His goal is to pursue a career in marine research or fisheries science following graduation.