Lucia holds an MS degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences from Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt), and a BA degree from San Diego State University. She has done varying research and field work projects in both Northern and Southern California, along with Baja California and Ecuador.

Most recently Lucia worked on an NSF funded research grant examining climate change and resilience of commercial fishermen. Her thesis work was in conjuncture with her former position as a lead field researcher for the North Coast Baseline MPA Socioeconomic Monitoring project.

Lucia enjoys surfing, fermented foods, and reading a good book on a rainy day, and looks forward to getting to know the VO team.