Quote: “I’ve been told over and over that my research is unconventional. You know what else was unconventional? The first Pokédex. They never told Professor Oak to tone it down.”

Full Name: Rosalind “Rosie” Hawthorn

Age: 24

Year at the Institute: Fourth

Favorite Color: Pastel Pink (#F8C8DC)

Thesis Subject: Investigating Emotional Resonance as a Functional Mechanism in Fairy-Type Pokémon

Appearance: Rosie is 5’4” with a soft, curvy frame and warm rosy skin complexion. Her pastel-pink hair is styled in twin buns or a low ponytail, often adorned with sparkly barrettes shaped like stars, hearts, and other cutesy imagery. She wears a lavender lab coat lined with faux fur at the collar and custom embroidery of stars, hearts, and other cutesy symbols. Underneath, she favors cute blouses, high-waisted skirts, and tights in soft colors. She wears pink glasses, and calls her aesthetic magical girl meets academia.

Personlity: Rosie is cheerful, expressive, and often underestimated. She’s passionate about validating the emotional side of Pokémon research and has learned to embrace her feminine aesthetic as part of her identity, not in spite of her intelligence, but alongside it. However, beneath the sweetness lies someone who’s had to fight to be heard. Rosie has been underestimated her entire life. Dismissed for being “too girly,” “too emotional,” or “not academic enough”

Rosie is deeply empathetic, both in her personal life and her research. She believes that emotional intelligence is not just valuable, but essential to understanding Pokémon. While some see her warmth and pink aesthetic as frivolous, Rosie uses it as motivation to prove the haters wrong. She has a playful sense of humor, is fiercely loyal to her friends, and has a knack for seeing the potential in people before they see it in themselves.

She hates being underestimated, and often obsesses over proving herself. She is a perfectionist and works very hard without allowing herself to rest or be wrong, fearing ridicule if she lets her guard down for a second. She can also be unintentionally condescending toward researchers who are purely logic-driven or who don’t express their feelings as easily as she does. Ironically becoming the very type of academic snob she resents.

Bio: Rosie grew up in Hearthome City, where her mother worked as a caretaker at Amity Square, guiding visitors through safe and meaningful interactions with partner Pokémon. Her father was a university professor. Spending her childhood among emotionally responsive Pokémon, Rosie became fascinated by how Fairy-types seemed to sense and soothe emotions in ways other types didn’t.

Her defining moment came when she bonded with an abandoned Eevee who evolved into Sylveon, without any stones or battles, just love. That experience sparked a question that never left her: What if emotional connection wasn’t just poetic, it was scientific?

She applied to the Laventon Institute with a controversial thesis about emotional resonance in Fairy-types. Initially dismissed for being too “sentimental,” Rosie resubmitted with a mountain of data, earning her place in the institute. Her current research has revealed measurable aura fluctuations tied to emotional states, making a strong case that Fairy-types function through bio-empathic mechanisms.

She’s faced sexism and academic snobbery throughout her time at the Institute, but she never stopped wearing pink, never stopped caring, and never stopped proving people wrong. Now in her final year, Rosie is poised to become a pioneer in empathy based Pokémon science.



Quirks: She keeps emergency snacks and aromatherapy sprays in her lab coat.

When she’s stressed, she bakes.

Full Name: Tyson Redwood

Age: 25

Year at the Institute: Fourth Year

Favorite Color: Red

Thesis Subject: From Shadows to the Light of Mega Evolution: The Bonds Between People and Pokémon

Appearance: Hailing from the oven that is the Orre region, Tyson isn't one for layers. He rarely wears his Institute-issued labcoat unless it's required (I.e. Attending Class). He does his best to put up a polished and professional front for his fellow students, but his chaotically messy side usually comes through. His two most treasured possessions are his Pokémon HQ Lab jacket and his Mega Ring which he keeps on his person at all times.

Personlity: To the outside observer, Tyson epitomizes the word "slacker". He struggles to be on time, his notes are a mess, and he sometimes forgets key details when presenting to his professors or fellow students. In spite of this, Tyson has managed to stay near the top of his class for most of his tenure at the Laventon Institute! Even though he struggles in a classroom environment, Tyson shines when it comes to fieldwork. Whether he's on a research trip, practicing on the Institute's battle court, or just out interacting with Pokémon, it's hard not to notice Tyson's passion and hard work. Even the hardest teachers at the Institute have admitted Tyson is one of the more talented individuals to attend the Laventon Institute in recent years. If only he'd put the same level of effort into his class assignments...

Bio: Tyson grew up on the streets of Pyrite Town in the Orre Region. Despite criminal organizations like Team Snagem and Cipher having been kicked out ages ago, Pyrite was still a rough place to grow up. In the wake of Cipher's heist of the S.S. Libra cargo ship, Pyrite had become flooded with black market shadow Pokémon. A young Tyson overheard a passing conversation between two thugs about a "rare Shadow Pokémon" that had escaped transport and taken up residence in the nearby cave Poke-Spot. Determined to claim it for himself, Tyson ventured alone into the cave armed with Poké Balls and bait. It didn't take long before a pair of glowing red eyes appeared in the darkness. The dim light revealed a tiny shark-like creature: a Gible!

The little dragon was covered in various injuries. Initially, Tyson attempted to bait it out, only to encounter a Dragon Rage for his troubles. After a struggle—and several bite marks—Tyson managed to capture the Gible. He quickly presented it to Pyrite's mayor, Duking, demanding a way to help his new Pokémon. Duking took the boy to the Pokémon HQ Lab, where, after a few days in the purification chamber, Gible was cleansed of the shadow. The head of the lab, Professor Krane, expressed interest in Tyson's skills after observing how dedicated he was to seeing Gible's recovery. He offered Tyson a spot as a research fellow at the lab, which the youth quickly accepted.

Over the next several years, Tyson and Ace—his nickname for Gible—became an inseparable duo. They would work together in the lab during the day and climb the ranks of Mt. Battle at night. Things took a turn when a stranger showed up to Mt. Battle with an odd-looking bracelet. Tyson watched as the stranger's Ampharos was transformed before his eyes! Tyson had just experienced Mega Evolution.

The idea that Pokemon could become even stronger consumed Tyson. He poured himself into learning everything he could about this new phenomenon. It wasn't long before Professor Krane suggested Tyson attend the Laventon Institute in Sinnoh to further his study. He already had a mountain of data on bonds between trainers and Pokemon thanks to his research into Shadow Pokemon. Tyson quickly put his thesis together and applied to the Institute. He was shocked when the acceptance letter arrived at the Pokemon HQ Lab.

In the years since arriving at the Laventon Institute, Tyson has been able to travel, discover Pokemon, and have experiences he'd never dreamed of if he stayed in Orre. He's even gotten the chance to travel to the Kalos Region and study Mega Evolution under Professor Sycamore! Tyson believes Mega Evolution may be the key to permanently unlocking a Pokémon's heart and prevent Shadow Pokémon from ever occurring again.



Quirks:
- When Tyson really needs to focus, he'll often yell that he's "locking in". This was his battle cry on Mt. Battle and it reminds him of home.
- Tyson has a slight crush on Sinnoh's Champion Cynthia. Ace likewise has a crush on Cynthia's own Garchomp. The two will usually hog the TV if her battles are being broadcast.
- It took the Laventon Institute a year and a half before finally trusting Tyson with a Mega Ring AND a Garchompite for his research. He's currently awaiting new mega stones for the rest of his team.

Full Name: Himari Katsura (Katsura is a Japanese tree!)

Age: 26

Year at the Institute: Third

Favorite Color: Purple (MediumPurple #9370DB)

Thesis Subject: Forks in the Road: The Origin and Proliferation of Regional Pokémon Forms

Appearance: Himari stands at a tallish 5'9", has a lanky yet curvy frame, and has fair, pale skin. She typically dresses with a mix of coziness and style, and is never seen without classy jewelry on her ears and wrists. Even in her standard white fitted lab coat, her bright hair and purple eyes ensure she is easily identifiable in a crowd.

Personality: Himari is kind, sweet, and generally soft-spoken. She is easily fascinated by the world around her, and finds joy in every corner. She tends to light up a room just by being there, making everywhere she goes just a little bit sunnier. She is ambiverted, being quite social yet also cherishing time alone. She still harbors cautiousness around people she doesn't know, but she tries to see the good in everyone. She maintains a constant state of wanderlust, always wanting to get out and go discover more of the world. Yet she also feels very connected to the city life, and loves the vibrance of Jubilife City.

Bio:

Himari was born in Goldenrod City in Johto. Her parents were lazy and neglectful, and as a child she quickly found an escape in nature. She spent a lot of time in the nearby National Park by way of Route 36, and often walked Route 34 to watch the Pokémon in the Pokémon Day Care. It made her want a Pokémon of her own, but she knew her parents wouldn't care. Over months and years the Day Care staff grew to know Himari as a regular visitor, and were always friendly to her, inviting her in and giving her little candies. It was her happy place and she felt more at home there than in her actual home, but she still dreamed of having her own Pokémon.

One day, she strolled up to the Day Care, and after watching the Pokémon play for awhile, the staff saw her and invited her in like usual. But this day would be a special one. A few days before, a heartless trainer had dropped off a baby Vulpix at the Day Care center and told them he didn't want it. It was small and timid, and was afraid of most people that came in and most of the other Pokémon in the center. It had clearly had a rough beginning to its life. But as Himari sat in the lobby watching the Pokémon play as she always did, the little Vulpix noticed her and cautiously walked up to her. The staff were shocked to see the Vulpix willingly approach someone, and they asked if Himari wanted to try holding it. She nodded, and they gingerly picked up the little Vulpix and put it in her lap. Rather than jump off and run away, the Vulpix curled itself up and made itself at home on Himari's lap. The staff knew that this Vulpix had chosen its Trainer. Although Himari was younger than most beginning trainers, the staff knew how much it would mean to both her and the Vulpix, and saw the two of them as kindred spirits, bonded by the unfortunate hands they had been dealt. Himari later walked out of the Day Care, Poké Ball in hand, with tears of joy streaming down her face and the biggest smile she'd ever made.

From that day forward, Himari and her Vulpix (who she named Ichika) were inseparable. As she got older, Himari ventured further and further out from her home in Goldenrod City on her travels, and her love for nature, travel, and Pokémon only grew stronger. Eventually the Day Care staff she loved so dearly retired and moved away, and Himari realized there was nothing left for her in Johto. So as soon as she was legally able to, she left home and set out to start a new life for herself and Ichika. Before she settled down, she used the money she had saved up working odd jobs for anyone who would hire someone her age to travel the world. She visited quite a few regions, backpacking and exploring everything she could find.

On her stay at Alola, she decided to catch a Pokémon companion for Ichika. After encountering many different types of Pokémon, Himari was shocked to encounter a Vulpix that looked very different than Ichika. She was fascinated, and ended up catching an Alolan Vulpix that she named Fuyuko. Fuyuko became fast friends with both Himari and Ichika, and Himari and her two sisters (as she called them) continued their journey together.

Himari later visited Kanto, being sure to visit the Celadon Department Store to buy a Fire Stone and an Ice Stone. Soon after, she gave them to Ichika and Fuyuko, who both evolved into Ninetales.

The last region Himari visited was Sinnoh, and while it was not the last region on her itinerary, she cut her journey short as she had fallen completely in love with Sinnoh. She knew this is where she belonged, and a short while later had a lease in Jubilife City. While there she worked various day jobs, and took any time she had left to travel and research Pokémon. Over the years her love for travel and Pokémon only increased, and eventually her friends encouraged her to apply to the Laventon Institute. Himari figured it was worth a shot, and though she wasn't confident in her chances, to her surprise she was accepted!

Since she first enrolled at LI, Himari has continued to travel, but now under the school's dime. She feels like Pokémon research is her life's calling, and that becoming a Professor would be perfect for her.



Quirks:

Himari is friends with Fantina, the Hearthome City Gym Leader, and visits Hearthome often. A chance encounter on Route 208 led to their friendship, and Fantina helped Himari develop her own style in both fashion and life. Himari considers Fantina and Cynthia to be her role models.

Himari is an avid gamer, and plays a few games competitively. She sometimes streams for fun, and figures that if she can't make it as a Pokémon researcher she can always try her hand at professional streaming or e-sports. She can often be seen on campus with a portable game console in hand.

Quote:
"The ocean is a grand library of life's transitions, and with each wave, a new chapter of adaptation unfolds. My greatest satisfaction lies not just in reading these stories, but in understanding how the very depths shape their narratives."

Full Name:
Silas Mangrove

Age:
23

Year at the Institute:
Third

Favorite Color:
Light Blue

Thesis Subject:
Benthic-Pelagic Habitat Transitions in Aquatic Pokémon: Investigating the evolutionary shifts of Pokémon between seafloor (benthic) and open water (pelagic) habitats, and the associated convergent phenotypes and diversification patterns.

Personality:
Silas is a calm and observant individual, known for his patient demeanor and deep appreciation for the complexities of aquatic ecosystems. He approaches his research with a genuine sense of wonder and respect for the diverse adaptations of Water-type Pokémon. He can sometimes get lost in thought, appearing distant as he ponders the intricate currents of nature, but is genuinely friendly and approachable once engaged in conversation, especially if the topic is his research or the wonders of the sea. While methodical and meticulous in his studies, he also possesses a deep sense of adventure, always eager to explore new coastlines and uncover the secrets hidden beneath the waves.

Bio:
Silas grew up in a vibrant seaside town along the Sinnoh coast, where the rhythmic crashing of waves was the constant soundtrack of his childhood. From an early age, he was captivated by the sheer diversity of life thriving in the ocean – the graceful movements of Finneon, the intricate social structures of Corphish, and the raw power of the larger marine Pokémon. Unlike other children who dreamed of battling powerful trainers, Silas spent his days observing the intricate dance of life beneath the surface, trying to understand how these Pokémon thrived in such a dynamic environment. His parents, both involved in maritime research (his father studied ocean currents, his mother marine botany), instilled in him a deep respect for the ocean's delicate balance and the importance of scientific inquiry. They encouraged his curiosity, providing him with field guides and basic equipment, and his childhood was filled with explorations of tidal pools and snorkeling adventures along the shore.

As Silas entered his teenage years, his fascination with Water-type Pokémon evolved into a focused scientific pursuit. He began documenting their various adaptations, studying the effects of different water temperatures and currents on their behavior, and even experimenting with sustainable ways to protect vulnerable marine habitats. He realized that the world of Water-type Pokémon was a vast and largely unexplored territory, full of mysteries waiting to be unraveled. He yearned to contribute to the understanding of these amazing creatures and their crucial role in the global ecosystem.

This unwavering passion led him to apply to the Laventon Institute. He submitted a compelling paper outlining his interest in the adaptive behaviors of Water-type Pokémon and the influence of their aquatic environments on their development and abilities. The Institute, known for its rigorous standards and dedication to fostering groundbreaking research, recognized the potential in Silas's specialized focus and accepted him. He knew this was the place where he could immerse himself in his passion, utilize the Institute's resources, and make a meaningful impact on the understanding and conservation of Water-type Pokémon. Silas's thesis specifically delves into the evolutionary transitions of aquatic Pokémon between benthic (seafloor) and pelagic (open water) habitats. This involves examining how species shift between these environments, the similar characteristics they develop (convergent phenotypes), and how these habitat transitions influence the emergence of new species and their diversification patterns.

Pokémon:


Quirks:
• Silas can spend hours staring at the ocean, mesmerized by the ebb and flow of the tides, and often makes analogies to the ocean's currents when explaining complex theories.
• He has a collection of unique seashells and smooth pebbles from every coastline he's visited for his research.
• He's surprisingly adept at knot-tying, a skill he picked up from local fishermen during his coastal upbringing.