Welcome

Hello!

I am first-generation, Mexican-American scholar broadly interested in ecology and evolutionary biology! 

I completed my undergraduate work at California State University, Monterey Bay. 

• • B.S. Environmental Science, Technology, & Policy with a concentration in Applied Ecology, and a minor in Biology. 

During my time at CSUMB, I participated in several course-based and independent research projects that have broadened my understanding of research in the biological and natural sciences. 

• • In 2020, I was accepted into the CSU-LSAMP program at CSUMB through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) participating in multiple research programs. 

  • As a UROC Researcher working in Dr. Liz Alter's Marine Evolutionary and Ecological Genetics lab, I studied the evolutionary history of African freshwater species of Chelaethiops fishes found in the Lower Congo Rivers.

  • In addition to research, I was an Instructional Student Writing Assistant for the CSUMB Cooperative Learning Center, and a UROC Writing Fellow supporting several undergraduate researchers with applying to REU programs, nationally recognized scholarships, and developing curriculum vitae's. 

I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of California, Davis in the Graduate Group in Ecology program. 

• • In Dr. Dietmar Kültz's lab, I study the physiological adaptations of Botryllus schlosseri under severe hyposalinity stress. I hypothesize that their ability to rapidly adapt over a few generations is based on a conserved set of molecular pathways, resulting in specific proteome signatures that reflect the responses to acute and chronic transgenerational hyposalinity stress. 

  • Using molecular and omics techniques, along with my background in environmental science and applied ecology, I hope to better understand the mechanisms of Stress-Induced Evolution (SIE). In other words, how organisms accelerate successful adaptation to novel environments under severe stress. 

  • The invasive marine invertebrate, B. schlosseri, is of particular interest due to its widespread invasions and because they belong to the subphylum Urochordata, meaning they are the closest invertebrate relative to humans!

During my free time, I enjoy watching shows, movies, & YouTube with my family and friends. I also like to take photos of wildlife, hiking and listening to music.