Mikaela Rapp

Mikaela joined The Bay Foundation in March 2026 as an Ocean Resilience Program Coordinator. Her work focuses on supporting the restoration of kelp forests, eelgrass, and , white abalone populations. Mikaela received her BA/BS from the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied Archaeology and Conservation Resource Studies. After graduating, she moved home to San Diego, where she joined Matt Edwards’ lab at San Diego State University. There, Mikaela conducted her master’s research in partnership with Hubbs, utilizing an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture system with White seabass and three seaweed species. In addition, she also worked in the Edwards lab as a field technician, assisting with the kelp restoration efforts on Catalina Island. Mikaela’s personal passion for kelp ecology stems from the Point Loma kelp beds, which play an integral role in local livelihood, the health of the ocean, as well as surfing. Growing up in San Diego and working on these projects solidified her passion for kelp ecology and aquaculture, which makes her extremely excited to work with TBF. In her free time, she loves to surf, backpack, knit, look for abalone shells, and make art.