A SEA OF SHELLS
EXPERIENCE
Aug 2022 - ongoing
Graduate Student Researcher, SFSU/EOS Cohen Lab
Conducting independent research on topics developed in collaboration with advisor, Sarah Cohen. Developing various genetics and field methods, as well as further developing computational and benchwork skills. Training in BSL-1 lab procedures, autoclave clearance, and GTAC facility use. Monitoring Cohen Lab water quality and animal tanks.
Aug 2022 - ongoing
Graduate Teaching Assistant, SFSU
Preparing and teaching a lab section of BIOL 240, focused on taxonomy, ecological concepts, and conservation. Grading and management of student work, as well as offering office hours for students and organizing lab activities.
Jan 2021 - Dec 2021
Biotechnology Intern and Lab Assistant, UCSF Agard Lab
Investigated protein interactions for various Hsp90 proteins and chaperone clients through biochemistry and computational methods. Prepared proteins for various assays; flowthrough included primer design, cloning, overexpression, and protein purification. Produced atomic models and studied protein dynamics using NNAMD and MDFF simulations.
Feb 2020 - April 2020
Biology Intern, Exploratorium
Trained to work in a biology lab and set up the Living Systems gallery. Monitored living organisms kept in the lab and greenhouse. Managed lab areas and zebrafish tanks. Cancelled early due to COVID-19.
Feb 2019 - Jul 2019
Student Intern, Hofstra Forensic Linguistics Capital Case Innocence Project
Transcribed documents to sort information and determine a timeline. Worked with a team of interns and attorneys to compare conflicting statements and develop "known" and "questioned" profiles. Compiled linguistic patterns to gather information as support for official reports. Trained in threat analysis and forensic computing, as well as trace evidence and pattern analysis.
AWARDS
Fall 2023 - Spring 2024
James C. Kelley Scholarship
Supports students in the College of Science and Engineering who show excellent promise in marine or environmental science and demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
May 18th, 2023
International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions XI 2023 Second Place Poster Presentation
Sponsored by Maryland Sea Grant, the Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Invasive Species, the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, and the Biodiversity Heritage Library.
Title: Impact of severe winter storms on a coastal invader, Didemnum vexillum, in the rocky intertidal of California
May 2023
Dr. Kenneth H. Coale Graduate Scholar Award
Interaction and dynamics of immune recognition in invasive colonial tunicate Didemnum vexillum, concerning its microbiome, fusion capabilities, and susceptibility to storm energy.
Apr 2023
Dr. Earl H. Myers & Ethel M. Myers Oceanographic & Marine Biology Trust
Interaction and dynamics of immune recognition in invasive colonial tunicate Didemnum vexillum, concerning its microbiome and fusion capabilities.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Aug 2022 - ongoing
Master of Science - Interdisciplinary Marine & Estuarine Sciences
San Francisco State University, Estuary & Ocean Science Center
Jul 2022 - Aug 2022
Ecology of Infectious Marine Diseases
University of Washington, Friday Harbor Laboratories
Aug 2019 - May 2021
Associate of Science - Biotechnology, Biology
City College of San Francisco
Aug 2019 - May 2021
Bachelor of Arts - Linguistics, Forensics
Hofstra University
