Welcome to my website!

I’m Tawny, a biological scientist with a strong foundation in cellular and molecular biology and specialized expertise in microbial ecology. I’m a first-generation immigrant, born and raised in the Philippines, before moving to California, USA. I recently earned my M.S. in Biological Sciences from California State University, Chico, where my research focused on the ecological roles of foliar fungal endophytes and their influence on leaf litter decomposition.

My work integrates molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics, with field-based ecological research to answer complex questions about microbial community assembly and ecosystem function. I am highly proficient in R-based statistical analysis, experimental design, microscopy, microbial culturing, and molecular data interpretation, with experience presenting at national scientific conferences and earning multiple research awards.

Beyond the lab, I bring a record of leadership, science communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration, honed through competitive fellowships, university service, and community engagement. I am passionate about applying my expertise to advance biological understanding, support environmental stewardship, and contribute to innovative solutions in academia, research, industry, and applied science.