As an evolutionary ecologist I’m interested in studying how marine species’ traits, demography, and microevolutionary mechanisms together shape the spatial and temporal distribution of genomic diversity. I am particularly interested in using multi-year ecological and genetic monitoring to capture species’ short-term evolutionary responses to ecological and environmental change and better mitigate anthropogenic impacts.

Currently, I’m studying the conservation genomics of the sunflower sea star, Pycnopodia helianthoides with the Sunflower Star Laboratory and working as faculty at Clovis Community College. Prior to this, I worked as a project scientist at UC Merced (studying ecological genomics of sea stars) and a postdoctoral researcher at UC Davis (studying the ecological genomics of the eelgrass, Zostera marina). I earned my PhD at UC Merced in Mike Dawson’s lab.

I am also a first generation college student and I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the great mentors who influenced my career trajectory. (Thank you!) Thanks to them, I was exposed to areas of study I didn’t know existed or didn’t think were within my reach. Now, I study evolutionary ecology in marine systems and aim to provide opportunities for students from all backgrounds! Contact me if you might have an interest in getting involved in research, or if you have questions about taking that step!

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