Alexus Cazares-Nuesser
Hi, I’m Alexus Cazares-Nuesser—a PhD researcher, content creator, and lifelong learner. Currently, I’m in the final year of my PhD in Biological Oceanography at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. I study zooplankton ecology in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean, particularly in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, an area at risk of deep-sea mining.
My Research
I study mesozooplankton ecology in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, focusing on the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a remote deep-sea region threatened by deep-sea mining. Zooplankton—small, drifting animals—are essential to marine food webs, supporting global fisheries and playing a key role in carbon cycling. My research examines their biomass, diversity, and community structure across depth gradients to understand how environmental factors shape their distributions in this understudied ecosystem.
As an NSF GRFP Fellow, I conduct novel research that advances our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and informs discussions on the ecological impact of deep-sea resource exploitation. I have spent over 100 days at sea, deploying MOCNESS tows to sample zooplankton across depth layers and using CTDs to collect environmental data. My work has been published in peer-reviewed journalsand presented at international conferences, where I engage with experts in oceanography and zooplankton ecology. Ultimately, my goal is to deepen our understanding of marine ecosystems and contribute to the protection of deep-sea biodiversity.
Beyond research, I am passionate about mentoringundergraduate and early-career researchers, offering guidance on research methods, graduate applications, and securing funding. I am also committed to science communication, making marine science accessible through public speaking and digital outreach.
YouTube Channel
Inspired by creators like Simon Clark and Ali Abdaal, I started my YouTube channel to share my PhD journey, offering an authentic look into the life of a graduate student in Hawaiʻi. What began as a solo project has since grown into a creative partnership with my wife, Michaela, as we document our experiences together. Our content covers:
- Demystifying the PhD process – from applications to daily life as a researcher.
- Tips & advice – helping prospective and current graduate students navigate academia.
- Life in Hawaiʻi – balancing research with adventure in one of the world’s most beautiful locations.
- Being an international LGBT couple – sharing our experiences on love, diversity, and life abroad.
Blending science communication with personal storytelling, we aim to make academia more accessible, inspire curiosity, and share insights on productivity and work-life balance.
My Mission
My mission is to break down barriers to higher education and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM — all while embracing authenticity and inspiring the next generation, especially women and underrepresented minorities.
As a first-generation Latina and LGBT scientist, I know what it’s like to navigate academia without clear guidance or role models who share your experience. I’m here to help without gatekeeping — supporting people like my younger self who’ve had to figure it out on their own, face obstacles, and sometimes wonder if they belong.
Through mentorship, advocacy, and honest storytelling, I work to foster an academic community where researchers from all backgrounds feel recognized, supported, and equipped to thrive — not only in their careers but also in building fulfilling lives beyond academia.
I believe in lifelong learning and the power of small, consistent growth — becoming just 1% better every day. My goal is to help others become the people they aspire to be and build lives they truly love, both inside and outside the lab.