Research

Advised by Virginia Weis

The coral reef crisis due to elevated ocean temperatures has serious cultural, ecological, and economic consequences worldwide. Underpinning this coral reef crisis is the intimate partnership between corals and microscopic algae that live inside coral cells. I believe that understanding the basic biology of this partnership is fundamental to rescuing corals. Broadly, I am interested in the cellular, molecular, and metabolic mechanisms in corals and how these mechanisms influence their partnership with algae. My thesis work encompasses the cruces of coral-algal symbiosis: metabolic exchange and immunity interactions. I am investigating the role of NADPH oxidase in the maintenance and breakdown of this partnership. In addition, I am using volatilomics to reveal volatile metabolites specific to symbiotic state in the sea anemone, Aiptasia. Also, I am examining how the volatilome changes during heat stress and the subsequent loss of partnership.

Teaching

My teaching focuses on using evidence-based teaching practices, including active learning, and integrative approaches to student experiences and course content. By making teaching and research synergistic activities through course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), I have found research to be an essential complement to my teaching. Also, I found myself especially interested in contributing to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community through education.

Classes Taught

• BI 211 - Principles of Biology Lab (Life & Energy)
• BI 212 - Principles of Biology Lab (Cells & Physiology)
• BI 213 - Principles of Biology Lab (Genetics, Evolution, & Ecology)
• BI 241 - Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab (Skeletal & Muscular Systems)
• BI 242 - Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab (Nervous, Endocrine, & Reproductive Systems)
• BI 243 - Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab (Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Urinary & Digestive Systems)
• BI 341 - Advanced Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab (Skeletal & Muscular Systems)
• BI 342 - Advanced Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab (Nervous, Endocrine, & Reproductive Systems)
• BI 343 - Advanced Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab (Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Urinary & Digestive Systems)
• BI 362 - Marine Invertebrate Lab
• BI 451 - Functional Anatomy of the Human Muscular System (Human Donor Dissection - Summer 2023)

Education

Graduate Certificate in College and University Teaching (GCCUT), Oregon State University, 2022

M.S., Biology, University of Guam, 2017

B.S., Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 2012

Research areas