As a marine biology M.Sc. student at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, I am interested in coral holobiont response to elevated temperature and nutrient levels in Kāneʻohe Bay, Hawaiʻi. Kāneʻohe Bay is a historically disturbed environment with significant sedimentation, nutrient loading, and pollution; however, some species of corals have shown resiliency in the face of these stressors. Understanding why some corals thrive while others are in decline is pertinent to local and global efforts in reef conservation and restoration.

My previous research experience includes coral reef biology and ecology in Florida, evolutionary changes of marine fishes in the Philippines, and tracing pollutants usinghydrogeological approaches in Mexico and Texas.

I also strongly believe that science and communication go hand in hand. I obtained a minor in technical and professional writing during my undergraduate degree and also write freelance articles for various science news publications.