Astarte is currently pursuing a bachelor of science degree in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and a minor in Sustainability Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). As a student, she has fostered her love for wildlife conservation through various volunteer and internship opportunities conducting field research with marine mammals. In addition, as a biracial African American woman, Astarte has followed her passion of increasing diversity and inclusion in the sciences through peer mentoring and as a member of the UCSC STEM Diversity program. Astarte hopes that throughout her career she can combine her three passions: hands-on fieldwork, conserving wildlife, and creating an equitable community in the conservation field.