Theodora thinks that being a marine biologist will be glamorous - swimming in pristine blue oceans with charismatic megafauna. But, the reality is quite different. In this silly story about the trials and tribulations of underwater exploration, a budding scientists comes to embrace the uncomfortable and serendipitously meets her research subjects during a yearly orgy.

Theodora Mautz is a graduate student in marine biology at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD. On evenings and weekends, she moonlights as an 80 year old with hobbies such as classical singing, knitting, and watching old movies.

This story was performed at the Stage Room for the June 11th, 2025 SASSY show with the theme "Adaptation".

In this heartfelt story, a Kalle shares how a small companion helped her navigate the challenges of grad school, heartbreak, and illness. With the unexpected loss of her pal, Kalle must navigate grief the only way she knows how, with science.

Kalle Liimatta is a 5th year grad student in the Biomedical Sciences program at UCSD.

This story was performed at the Stage Room for the June 11th, 2025 SASSY show with the theme "Adaptation".

Justin was just hitting his stride. Excelling in classes, conducting exciting research. But then, everything stopped. Justin's story is about how roadblocks can sometimes turn in to opportunities to adapt and come out stronger than before.

Justin Meyer is a Professor in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution at UCSD.

This story was performed at the Stage Room for the June 11th, 2025 SASSY show with the theme "Adaptation".