I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area in an incredibly supportive family that nurtured my love of the ocean from day one. My family includes both English and Spanish speakers, so learning to communicate effectively has always been important to me. For over a decade I was heavily involved in Boy Scouts and served as the leader of a seventy-person troop for multiple years. I gained great experience in informal education and leadership on my way to earning my Eagle Scout award.
I graduated Cum Laude in 2024 with a Bachelor's of Science in Commerce and a minor in biology. I met so many wonderful people and built strong friendships during my years in "claradise." My time studying there was split in half by the Covid-19 pandemic, during which I took a gap year to support my family. I had such a positive experience with the biology department that I decided to study marine science right after graduating.
I couldn't be happier with all the incredible marine science opportunities available here in Monterey. As a transfer student, I knew I had to hit the ground running if I wanted to succeed. After only two semesters here, I've gained so many new skills and built great connections. I'm an undergraduate researcher in a marine evolutionary genetics lab, an NIH NHGRI GREAT scholar, and involved in CSUMB's research SCUBA diving program.
Whenever I'm overwhelmed by work or school I always feel better after some time in the gym. I enjoy powerlifting training and now running as well. I put the spreadsheet skills I developed in business school to good use by creating and maintaining training plans for myself and friends.
When I was a kid the idea of 3D printing was as far-fetched as flying cars. Now, I'm experienced in both FDM and SLA 3D printing. I also enjoy painting miniatures that I print, especially models of marine life. I'm currently learning how to sculpt my own digital 3D models so that I can create any animal I like.
All the hard work I've done thus far has been to give my three adopted children a brighter future. Their names are Gazpacho (orange), Tilly (grey), and Maurice (black). I couldn't have accomplished any of this without their support.