Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology
Research Interests: I am broadly interested in wildlife disease ecology and am studying how the environment interacts with a fungus responsible for a catastrophic amphibian disease (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). To understand disease transmission, it is important to identify how this disease-causing fungus persists in the ecosystem and how extreme climate events may affect the disease dynamics. I am investigating potential amphibian disease reservoirs (aquatic bugs and soil) in frog ponds and how extreme weather events, like extreme drought and rain events, may alter disease risk in amphibians in California.
Mentoring Experiences: Introducing students to ecological research is incredibly rewarding and fun. I have prioritized incorporating research opportunities for mentees throughout each aspect of my work. My research includes fieldwork, such as environmental surveys and catching and sampling frogs and bugs, and lab work, such as DNA extraction and quantification. This variety allows me to train researchers in many techniques and provides mentees with hands-on experiences in different aspects of ecological research, which allows them to learn what aspects of research they are most passionate about. I also encourage and support my mentees in developing their own independent research projects. Through these experiences, I have learned alongside them about environmental DNA methodology, fluorescent microscopy, aquatic macroinvertebrate anatomy, and more. Assisting students through the research process, from developing a hypothesis to data collection, synthesis, and presentation, is one of my greatest joys. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with passionate and hard-working undergraduates at UCSB as a graduate student mentor.
Meaning of the Awards: This award is deeply meaningful to me as it acknowledges the dedication and passion I have invested in mentoring undergraduate researchers. My own journey as an undergraduate researcher was transformative, helping me build confidence and a sense of belonging in the scientific community. I aim to emulate my previous mentors and foster a similar environment and opportunities for my mentees as a graduate student at UCSB. I look forward to continuing to mentor students throughout my career and seeing all of the extraordinary accomplishments of my mentees as they move forward in their careers.