Troubie is One of 12 Selected for STEMSEAS Program

Siena Marois ‘24, a freshman at UC Davis and a double-major in electrical and computer engineering, is no stranger to challenges and accomplishments. This spring, Siena’s passion for engineering and her drive to make a meaningful impact led her to an extraordinary opportunity—she was one of only 12 students chosen nationwide to participate in STEMSEAS (Student Experience Aboard Ships), a prestigious, ship-based, six-day exploration experience that takes undergraduates aboard an NSF-funded research ship to engage in hands-on activities in geoscience, oceanography, and marine technology.

Offshore near Honolulu, Siena had a rare opportunity to observe and shadow marine technicians as they worked with state-of-the-art technologies to study marine wildlife. She was excited to see firsthand the application of robotics in marine science—technology she became interested in during her time at St. Francis.

“St. Francis helped me see that I could be both an engineer and someone who makes a real-world impact. Now, I want to inspire others to think about how they can use their skills to help the planet and its creatures. The work we do today can have a huge impact on the future, and I’m excited to be part of that change.”

“The chance to work with marine wildlife, see dolphins up close, and learn from professionals in the field was a dream come true,” said Siena. “It’s surreal to think I was on a research ship using cutting-edge technology to help protect marine life.”

Siena’s first exposure to robotics came as a freshman at St. Francis, where she quickly became an active member of the school’s robotics club. Her contributions helped propel the team to national recognition, including the title of world champion pilot two years ago and placing in the top-five in the world last year. It was during these formative years at St. Francis that Siena realized her passion for engineering and problem-solving. 

“I credit the Robotics team and coach Marcus Grindstaff for introducing me to underwater robotics, which opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities,” Siena says. “It inspired me to keep learning and to think about how I could apply technology to solve important problems, like protecting our oceans.”

Siena returned to St. Francis as an assistant coach for the Robotics program and now has the opportunity to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of Troubies. Her dedication to the club, and her desire to see others succeed, reflects the values she embraced during her time at St. Francis—a place that encouraged her to pursue her passions and make a difference in the world.

In addition to her work with robotics, Siena is also a co-founder of a startup designed to help protect marine life. This company focuses on using technology to safeguard whale populations, specifically through developing solutions for whale disentanglement. As she continues to work on projects like these, Siena is building a future where she can blend her engineering expertise with a deep commitment to environmental conservation.

“St. Francis helped me see that I could be both an engineer and someone who makes a real-world impact,” she says. “Now, I want to inspire others to think about how they can use their skills to help the planet and its creatures. The work we do today can have a huge impact on the future, and I’m excited to be part of that change.”