Cami

Cami

Geography Ph.D. Student at UCLA. Biogeographer. Interested in urban forests, spatial ecology and remote sensing.

Courses

Introductory GIS, Teaching Assistant - University of California, Los Angeles (Spring 2025)

People and Earth’s Ecosystems, Teaching Assistant - University of California, Los Angeles (Winter 2025)

Invasive Species, Teaching Assistant - University of California, Los Angeles (Fall 2024)

Advanced GIS, Teaching Assistant - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Spring 2023)

Field Botany, Teaching Assistant - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Spring 2023)

Introductory Botany, Lab Instructor - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Fall 2022)

Introductory Ecology and Evolution, Lab Instructor - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Spring 2022)

Mentoring

My passion for urban trees is deeply rooted in a curiosity that was nurtured through research and mentorship. With the guidance of my mentors, I learned to critically engage with the natural world, ask meaningful scientific questions, and design data-driven research projects. I believe that fostering inclusive mentorship and supporting students from diverse backgrounds is one of the most effective ways to promote equity in STEM and cultivate the next generation of scientists.

My teaching and mentoring philosophy is centered on inspiring curiosity, encouraging independent inquiry, and equipping students with the skills to apply the scientific process both in their careers and everyday lives. I strive to create an environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to take ownership of their learning. Through clear expectations and consistent guidance, I help them develop confidence in technical skills and research methodologies.

Ultimately, my goal is for students leaving my lab or classroom to not only gain expertise but also a deeper appreciation for scientific exploration. For a detailed overview of the students I have mentored and the research projects I have advised, please refer to my CV.

Interested in getting involved in research? Please send me an email: camipawlak @ g.ucla.edu