My passion for environmental science is rooted in a deep belief that people and the environment are inherently interconnected, and that science should strengthen this relationship. I am particularly drawn to the idea of reciprocal relationships with the natural world—where understanding ecosystems also carries a responsibility to protect and give back to them.
My scientific research journey started at Ursinus College, under the advisement of Dr. Kate Goddard, where I studied how the coral, Astrangia poculata, responded to environmental stressors such as increased temperature and decreased salinity. Through this work, I developed strong skills in experimental design and gained insight into the intricate relationship between corals and their symbiotic algae. After 3 years in her lab, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in ocean science with a focus on coral science. I was accepted to the Summer Student Fellowship at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution through an NSF funded REU under the advisement of Dr. Amy Apprill. We investigated how an invasive alga, Ramicrusta textilis, impacts coral larvae survival. It was during this time that I developed my love for field work through scuba diving and snorkeling. These experiences deepened my commitment to studying coral resilience in the face of climate change.
After graduation, I worked to publish the results from my research at WHOI and was invited to the Association for the Sciences in Limnology and Oceanography Minority Program to present the work in Spain. At this conference I was connected with my current advisor Dr. Fiorella Prada, who was starting to build her lab, the Benthic Ecology and Research Lab (BECORAL) at Rutgers. In my first year at Rutgers, I worked as a lab assistant and together we worked to build the lab up from scratch. Now I am a 2nd year Ph.D
As a whole, our lab focuses on how benthic marine calcifiers are impacted by a variety of environmental conditions. My interests are focused on coral resilience to climate change. Specifically, my research is based in Costa Rica where we investigate a local upwelling system as a potential refuge for coral reefs. During my time at Rutgers, we have gone on two expeditions to Costa Rica. Our first expedition was focused on collecting observational data to understand a snapshot of environmental, biological, and ecological conditions in the Gulf of Papagayo (upwelling site) and Sámara (non-upwelling site) while establishing a baseline of coral health. Our second expedition was focused on exploring thermotolerance of endemic corals in both locations to understand if the upwelling system creates more favorable conditions for the corals to withstand more stressful variability in temperature, like marine heatwaves. This work has motivated me to pursue certification in scuba diving, working to earn my Advanced Open Water, Rescue, and Scientific Diving Certification. In addition, I work with our undergraduate students in the lab to study the mechanical properties of surf clam shells with efforts to understand trends in calcification across species and distribution. I plan to earn my master’s degree en route to my Ph.D. and ultimately become a professor, integrating research, education, and art to promote environmental stewardship and reconnect people with the natural world.
When I am not in the lab or scuba diving, I plan events as the vice president for the Rutgers Chapter of the Society of Women in Marine Science (SWMS) where we empower and promote the visibility of women and gender-expansive people who are in marine science. In my personal life I enjoy traveling to explore new cultures, cooking, matcha, and exploring cities. In addition, I own a small wedding photography business where I focus on capturing queer weddings and love stories. It is a dream of mine to combine my love of travel, the ocean, and photography together one day to inspire creativity and curiosity through inclusive educational content.