Welcome to the UCI School of Physical Sciences: Chloe Selby

It’s a new academic year at UC Irvine, and we at the UCI School of Physical Sciences couldn’t be more excited to see all the new faces around campus and around our school. Life as a new anteater can be exciting – but it can also be tricky to find your way in these early days. That’s why the UCI Physical Sciences Office of Communications caught up with a few upperclass undergraduates and asked them about their UCI story and some of the lessons they’ve learned along the way. 

Lucas Van Wyk Joel: Tell me a bit about yourself. 

Chloe Selby: My name is Chloe Selby and I am a third-year Earth System Science (B.S.) and Environmental Science & Policy (B.A.) double-major. I’m from Irvine, and I’m interested in a career in oceanography research and conservation work. At UCI I’m a Peer Academic Advisor for the School of Physical Sciences, the founding Vice President for UCI’s first Food Recovery Network organization and the Academic Coordinator for the Sustainability Resource Center. I’ve also worked as a mentor with UCI COSMOS and UCI’s EmpowHER program.

LVWJ: What's a favorite memory of yours from your time at UCI Physical Sciences?

CS: A favorite memory during my time at UCI Physical Sciences has been working as a Peer Academic Advisor and helping incoming undergraduate students figure out their class schedules. I’m very organized and I love putting together schedules, so advising these students and sharing my tips has been very fulfilling. Another favorite has been working in a research lab and analyzing sea-floor sediment samples with paleoceanography expert Dr. Patrick Rafter. We are interested in determining the water quality and historic conditions of the ocean by carbon dating microscopic forams sampled from across the world.

LVWJ: What's one top thing you wish you'd known when you were just starting out? 

CS: One thing I wish I had known when I was just starting out my undergraduate pathway was that it’s okay to not know exactly what you want to do yet. The classes you take and the people you meet at UCI will inspire your career interests. For example, I was inspired to pursue oceanography in my Ocean Biogeochemistry (ESS 53) class with Professor Keith Moore.

LVWJ: What might you say to a new student who's concerned about finding their way at UCI and at Physical Sciences? 

CS: I would say to every new student that it’s okay to feel nervous about college – everyone around you is feeling the same way so it’s the perfect time to make friends! Just be confident in yourself and focus on your academic studies, everything else will fall into place. Join clubs and organizations that interest you, go to office hours, and stay involved through research, volunteering and/or employment on campus.

LVWJ: What's your favorite spot on campus to study?

CS: My favorite spot on campus to study is the Science Library. It’s nice to study there in between classes with friends on the collaboration floors and to study alone at night on the quiet floors. There’s a space in the Science Library for any and every need! I recommend trying a new study spot each week until you find your favorite ones.