Highlighting the Profiled Student at Scripps: Justin Funa
Justin Funa, a traveler, diver, surfer, and student at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is pursuing his passion for marine biodiversity and conservation in the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) program in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (MBC) at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego).
Born and raised in Mindanao, Philippines, Funa's journey to Scripps was not a straightforward one. After studying information technology at Ateneo de Davao University, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he honed his skills in cartography and survival training. He later earned an associate's degree in human resource management from the Community College of the Air Force and completed classes at the University of Phoenix to earn his bachelor's degree in information technology with advanced cybersecurity.
Funa's current research at Scripps is focused on mapping the distribution of endangered sharks, skates, and rays in the Pacific Ocean, primarily in the Philippines. He is also mapping human infrastructure's impact on marine mammals, specifically focusing on the effects of oil rigs and shipping lanes on Rice's whales in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography, established in 1960, is one of the top 15 research universities in the world and a centre of global earth science research and education. Operating a fleet of four oceanographic research vessels and home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps, which welcomes 500,000 visitors each year, Scripps is dedicated to understanding and protecting the planet, and investigating oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to environmental challenges.
Funa's work at Scripps is particularly exciting as he utilises Geographic Information System (GIS) and R, a programming language, in his research. Funa faces challenges in balancing school work and maintaining a quality of life outside of school, as well as the accelerated nature of the one-year program and the financial strain of being a student. However, he is mentored by Scripps MAS MBC program director Samantha Murray, J.D., and several mentors from his previous career in the U.S. Air Force, including Seth Ehlrich, Garrett Riley, LaKeith Manson, David Landrum, and Kristy Hill.
Post-Scripps, Funa's dream is to use GIS mapping to communicate the importance of species distribution to policymakers and to continue educating himself in laws and policies regarding marine conservation. He can be found on Instagram at @justinfuna.
UC San Diego embraces a culture of exploration and experimentation, driving innovation and change to advance society, propel economic growth, and make the world a better place. Scripps offers unparalleled education and training for the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders through its undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs.
- Justin Funa, currently in the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) program at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, focuses on oceanographic research, mapping the distribution of endangered sharks, skates, and rays in the Pacific Ocean.
- Funa's research also includes marine conservation, specifically investigating the impact of human infrastructure, such as oil rigs and shipping lanes, on marine mammals like Rice's whales in the Gulf of Mexico.
- At Scripps, education and self-development play a significant role, with Funa learning skills in Geographic Information System (GIS) and R, a programming language, to further his marine biodiversity and conservation work.
- In the pursuit of personal and career development, Funa aims to use his GIS mapping skills to educate policymakers about species distribution and continue his learning in marine conservation laws and policies after graduation.
- Beyond his academic pursuits, Funa values fitness and exercise, health-and-wellness, and learning, demonstrating these commitments through his Instagram account, @justinfuna.
