Soma Elefánti

From a young age, I was captivated by the natural world. Whenever my family went on hikes, I would eagerly pick up every animal I encountered, marveling at the diversity of life and their unique adaptations. Growing up in Hungary, a landlocked country, I found myself increasingly drawn to the mysteries of the ocean. Every vacation became an opportunity to visit local aquariums, and by the time I learned about taxonomy in primary school, I knew I had found my calling.

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My passion for marine biology only deepened as I pursued my studies at the University of Florida, where I am currently working towards a Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences. From the moment I arrived, I sought out opportunities to immerse myself in the field. I began volunteering at the Florida Museum of Natural History, specifically in the Invertebrate Zoology Department, where I had the chance to explore the vast collections and engage in hands-on research.

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One of my earliest projects involved studying crab larvae, an experience that taught me invaluable skills in genetic work and phylogenetic analysis. This early success, combined with my relentless curiosity, fueled my desire to dive deeper into the world of marine invertebrates. Outside the classroom, I also earned my scientific diver certification, a step that prepared me for one of the most formative experiences of my academic journey: a fieldwork expedition in Saudi Arabian waters. There, I honed my skills in underwater specimen collection and processing, solidifying my passion for studying planktonic invertebrates.

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As I continue my studies, I am excited to be working on a project that examines ceriantharian larval biodiversity through a combination of genetic and morphological analysis. Additionally, my interest in applying computational solutions to taxonomic problems has led me to explore how image classification programs can be trained on biological datasets. The intersection of biology and technology is a space I am eager to explore further.

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Beyond marine biology, I am also passionate about conservation in a broader sense, including linguistic and cultural preservation. This has driven me to pursue minors in Linguistics and Computer Science, with the goal of learning methods for documenting and revitalizing endangered languages. As an avid language learner, I believe that being able to communicate in multiple languages is essential, especially when working in diverse international environments during fieldwork.

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Looking forward, my goal is to contribute to the documentation and understanding of global biodiversity, particularly the understudied microscopic invertebrates in the plankton. With my sights set on a PhD in Zoology and a career in taxonomy, I am eager to continue my research, always integrating the diverse knowledge, perspectives, and lessons imparted by my mentors and experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. As I advance in my studies, I will constantly draw upon the insights and values shaped by those who have guided and inspired me along the way.

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Through my academic journey, I have developed a deep commitment to both scientific discovery and community engagement. I am always eager to connect with others who share my passions, whether through research collaborations, mentorship, or simply exchanging ideas.