Sherly is a PhD student. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón with a Bachelor’s Degree in General Biology and also completed a Professional Certification in Biotechnology there in May of 2023. As an undergraduate, she worked on a research project concerning the genetic diversity of Eleutherodactylus frog species in Puerto Rico. As a graduate, until recently she worked on cloning plasmids to use for research on bacterial mediated oxidative stress responses in the Drosophila melanogaster model. In the Chiquillo Lab, she will be working on the evaluation of seagrass feeding preferences of the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus) in Laguna Condado, in association to the diversity of their intestinal microbiota. Her future goals are to explore opportunities in outreach to raise awareness on the conservation of marine wildlife and to pursue a postdoc in marine microbiome research. She also looks forward to promoting a supportive environment for science. 

"I chose the Chiquillo Lab because Dr. Chiquillo’s interests in the mechanisms driving successful invasiveness in seagrasses are directly in line with my interests on how an invasive species, such as Halophila stipulacea, relates to the manatee diet and their microbiome."

Mineris is a master's student in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras. She is passionate about studying seagrasses, especially Thalassia testudinum. Her research explores how urban structures affect the health of these vital marine plants by comparing gene expression in seagrasses from two nearby sites—one shaded by a building and one in full sunlight. Understanding these impacts is important to her because it can help protect and preserve seagrass ecosystems that are crucial for marine life.  

"I chose Dr. Kelcie Chiquillo's lab because it offers a unique combination of molecular and field experience in studying marine environments, particularly marine ecology, which aligns perfectly with my passion for understanding and conserving our oceans."

Katherine graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management. Her research interests span coastal ecosystems, wetland ecology, microbial interactions, plant-fungal dynamics, genomics, and ecology. During her master’s, she is excited to shift her focus toward molecular ecology, particularly using environmental DNA to explore biodiversity within floating Sargassum patches. Her ultimate goal is to become a well-rounded ecologist, skilled in both fieldwork and laboratory techniques, so she can contribute to ecosystem conservation and education in ways that truly make a difference. She is passionate about protecting our coastal ecosystems and am committed to making science accessible and engaging for everyone. 

Sofía graduated from the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras in Fall 2024 with a Bachelor's degree in Integrative Biology. She joined the Chiquillo Lab after receiving a seed fund grant from Isla Mar to investigate the phytoremediation potential of a local vine known as bejuco de caro to remove heavy metals from the Quebrada Juan Mendez, a local creek impacted by pollution and urbanization. However, she has been key in assisting with other research projects within the lab, passionate about ocean conservation and field work. In Fall 2025, she will move on to a Master of Environmental Management Program at Duke University, with a special focus on Coastal and Marine Systems, as well as Community Engagement and Environmental Justice. 

Monica is an ecologist interested in invasive ecology and conservation. She received her bachelor's from UCLA in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society.  After UCLA, she worked in conservation in the Boston area for three years, protecting open space, restoring habitat, and fostering community engagement with the outdoors. She hopes to not only contribute to preserving biodiversity in nature but also to make green spaces accessible to more people and inspire others to love science. At UPRRP she oversees sample collection, assists with experiments, and mentors students.