Meet 2025-2026 Jo Little Memorial Scholarship Recipients
Ava Jolly '26 (CCS Biology) and Robin Odega ‘26 (L&S Environmental Studies) awarded for their academic commitment and community spirit
The 2025-2026 Jo Little Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Ava Jolly '26 (CCS Biology) and Robin Odega ‘26 (L&S Environmental Studies) for academic achievement and commitment to community service. Established in 2019, this scholarship honors the legacy of Mary “Jo” Little (1954–2017), a dedicated UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) staff member with over 25 years of service to undergraduate education, including as Assistant Dean for College of Creative Studies (CCS) from 2013 to 2017 and various roles within the Letters & Science (L&S) Environmental Studies Program. Jo was also a leader for the UCSB Shoreliners (now UCSB Affiliates), a volunteer organization dedicated to building and celebrating connections between UCSB and the greater Santa Barbara community. To commemorate this spirit, CCS and Environmental Studies annually each select one student who demonstrates scholarly merit and acts of community service.
Meet 2025-2026 Jo Little Memorial Scholarship Recipients
Ava Jolly '26 (CCS Biology)
Ava is a fourth year biology major in the College of Creative Studies with a passion for plant ecology and a commitment to making science accessible to all. Ava’s journey in Biology began after a spontaneous job as an Interpretive Student Aide sparked an interest in teaching science to diverse communities, including through “All Abilities Day” and elementary school field trips. She brought this passion to UCSB, where she leads independent research on Datura wrightii phytochemistry in the Oono Lab and drought adaptation in the Mazer Lab. Beyond the lab, Ava designed and taught her own 10-week UCSB course, Macabre Botany, to introduce students across all majors to evolutionary chemistry. Her extensive community advocacy includes rare plant conservation at the UCSB Greenhouse, volunteering with SciTrek, and teaching free botany classes to low-income youth. Ava plans to pursue a Ph.D. in plant chemical ecology, aiming for an academic career that balances research with community environmental education.
"In my application, I wrote about how a good scientist should be committed to the development of social systems that spark curiosity and create the next generation of passionate scientists,” Ava said. “Receiving this award affirms that I have what it takes to be one of these scientists, championing for accessibility within the discipline that completely revolutionized my life."
Robin Odega '26 (L&S Environmental Studies)
Robin is a fourth year environmental studies major with a minor in game studies, celebrated by the selection committee for her profound academic resilience. Throughout her undergraduate career in the College of Letters & Science, Robin has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to her education while carving out a distinct academic niche in environmental studies, media, and game studies. After exploring multiple academic pathways and overcoming personal challenges, she found a home in L&S Environmental Studies where she continues to thrive. Advisors describe Robin as a particularly gifted writer with a talent for critical thinking and persuasive communication.
"My journey at this university has taught me that there are many avenues to success available here, and if one gets blocked, there are others that are still open for you that can lead you closer to your goals,” Robin said. “This award is proof that I am on the right path."
2026 Jo Little Memorial Campus Walk
Jo’s profound impact on the campus environment was honored on May 14, 2026 with the annual Jo Little Memorial Campus Walk. Led by UCSB Paleobotanist and CCS Dean Emeritus Bruce H. Tiffney and hosted by the UCSB Affiliates, the walk invites community members to explore the unique campus flora that Jo played an instrumental role in shaping.
To honor her life and spirit, Jo’s family established the Jo Little Memorial Scholarship to support undergraduates in environmental studies and/or CCS who excel academically and give back to their community. Gifts at all levels in loving memory of Jo can be made to the Jo Little Memorial Fund online or by contacting Venilde Jeronimo (venilde@ucsb.edu).