Merced, California, United States
Led experimental design and coordinated timelines for lab and field research involving molecular workflows (NGS, RNA/DNA extraction, metabolomics). Managed multi-phase research projects on host-microbe dynamics Collaborated across departments and external institutions, including Smithsonian, for data sharing and study replication. Oversaw purchasing and execution on long term research priorities (2 yrs+) Oversaw lab personnel and mentored undergraduate researchers on experimental protocols and data analysis.
Conducted international fieldwork and built collaborative partnerships with research institutions and managed biological specimen collection and documentation for systematics and microbial studies.
Designed and executed a federally funded dissertation project on jellyfish systematics, and microbiome interactions. Facilitated transition to new animal model and oversaw lab expansion into symbiosis research Secured over $100K in competitive fellowships and grants. Taught and redesigned curricula for molecular biology, genetics, and invertebrate zoology courses. Supervised 12+ undergraduate researchers, integrating mentorship with project planning and data quality assurance.
Collaborated on long term research priorities and outreach events within the Invertebrate Zoology Department