GG Scholar Spotlight

What aspect of genetics and/or genomics most interests you?

I am most interested in understanding what makes some organisms more resistant and resilient than others – whether it be their own genetics, their microbiome/symbiotic relationships, or a combination of factors. In particular, my research focuses on coral resistance and resilience to climate change and human-impacts as co-stressors. Our lab uses experiments in an attempt to mimic the natural world in a lab setting as well as environmental sampling to get an understanding of the current state of corals.

What (or Who) influenced you to go into your field of study?

I fell into my field after a trip to San Salvador Island, Bahamas in 2016 while in high school. There I fell in love with our oceans and had to learn more about them. Before that, I knew I loved science, but honestly wasn’t really sure with what part of science. I grew up watching shows like Zoboomafoo and then moved onto David Attenborough nature documentaries. Once in school, I was continually influenced by my mentors like Chris Langdon and Ana Palacio-Castro to fall more in love with my work and passion.

Who or what do you hope benefits from your research?

I want my research to reach everyone that it can. Our marine ecosystems and organisms have influence around the globe – even in places or on systems you might not expect. Our oceans are separated by imaginary boundaries, when in reality they are what connect every corner of the planet. What happens here in the Atlantic influences what happens in the Arctic and so on vice versa. I have made it a mission of mine that while I am here in the US and have a focus on spreading our message of importance to those in the states from the Texas Gulf Coast to here in Raleigh, NC, at some point I hope that my research and message get to spread even beyond our borders.

How can your research be used to inform decision makers (e.g. policy makers, resource managers, health practitioners, K12 educators, etc etc)?

My research can help decision makers create better action plans for restoration and conservation efforts of coral reefs. We can develop new coral probiotics, discover genes/genotypes capable of handling various stressors, and create better models to understand locations for restoration or to focus conservation efforts, as some starting points.

What do you think is the most pressing issue or problem in your field of study?

I believe the most pressing issue in my field is two-fold – a lack of time and a need to untangle vast complexities of microbiomes. Coral reefs are in a race against time right now as marine heatwaves become worse and the oceans become more acidic. This means our research has serious time-constraints. At the same time, we know that corals are incredibly complex, and there is a need to further understand what the specific members of their microbiome do. Most of the research on corals has been in relation to their algal symbionts, but people are realizing that more specific research into their other microbiome members could elucidate even better results for conservation and restoration efforts.

How do you expect the GG Scholars program to impact your work?

Being a part of the cohort has allowed me to learn about tons of research outside of my usual field. The longer I’ve spent in research, the smaller my field has gotten, and it’s been revealing to see what other people do and how they do it too!

How would you describe your research interests to a 3rd grader?

To a third grader, I would tell them that I am a marine biologist who studies how corals and their microbes are affected by us and the climate. I use experiments and field work to study how corals are doing now and how they may be in the future.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to be a professor with my own lab & students who I can mentor and teach. I believe that one of the most important things I can do as a scientist is to inform the public of what I find, teach, & inspire others to care. Science is often very difficult to understand, and I plan on being a bridge between the public, academia, and students.

What advice do you have for the next generation of scientists?

If I could give one piece of advice to the next generation of scientists, I would tell them to be open and willing to learn anything and everything. This may seem super basic, but I truly believe that expanding outside of your comfort zone is the place where real growth happens. When I was in undergrad, I double majored in Marine Science and Biology, but at the same time I had a “cognate” (U of Miami’s version of Gen Ed classes that are essentially one class short of a minor) in Documentary Ideas and Practice. This allowed me to develop skills outside of my comfort zone. I became better at presenting my work in public and generally better versed in outreach and communication methods in our new social world. Now, I work to incorporate public outreach wherever and whenever I can. I believe that if the people who your science truly impacts the most cannot understand your work, then it is not being maximized to its fullest.