California State University, Chico

Focus: Microbial Ecology

2023-2025

With Distinction, GPA: 3.9

California State University, Chico

Cellular and Molecular Biology Option

2020-2022

Dean’s Honor List, GPA: 3.8

Cuesta College

Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum

2018-2020

Honors, GPA: 3.7

June 2023 - August 2025

Led a two-year molecular ecology project investigating the ecological roles of foliar endophytic fungi in decomposition dynamics using Quercus lobata (valley oak) leaf litter as a model system.

Designed and executed a 36-week field experiment with controlled fungal colonization treatments to assess priority effects in fungal community assembly and litter decomposition.

Applied high-throughput sequencing of fungal DNA, analyzing community composition, and functional guilds using advanced bioinformatics and R-based statistical tools.

Demonstrated strong technical proficiency in DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and reagent preparation, maintaining strict laboratory protocols to ensure reproducibility and data quality.

Earned multiple poster awards for excellence in scientific communication and was nationally recognized by the NSF ACCESS program for research contributions and leadership in microbial ecology.

U.S. National Science Foundation ACCESS: Hidden Helpers Among the Leaves

HPC Wire: ACCESS Supercomputing Aids Chico State Research on Fungi’s Role in Carbon Cycling

Chico State Today: National Honor Awarded to Chico State Program That Advances the Number of Latinx Students Earning Graduate Degrees

California State University News: Setting an Excellent Example

December 2023 - March 2025, Agricultural Research Institute NEXTGEN Fellowship

Earned selection into a competitive USDA-funded fellowship supporting research and leadership in food, agriculture, and natural resources.

Executed a mentored research project integrating critical thinking, data analysis, and applied problem-solving, contributing to sustainable solutions in agriculture and natural resource management.

Delivered a peer-reviewed style report synthesizing project findings for academic researchers, agricultural professionals, and policymakers, strengthening the connection between research and practice.

Enhanced science communication and leadership skills through participation in intensive workshops on Communicating Science and Leadership, applying strategies to effectively engage diverse audiences.

Contributed program feedback through surveys and evaluations, directly supporting the continuous improvement and impact assessment of the ARI NextGen Fellowship.

July - August 2023

Selected for a highly competitive workshop hosted by the University of California, Davis in collaboration with the Advanced Imaging Center (HHMI Janelia Research), focused on advanced microscopy techniques and quantitative imaging analysis.

Executed imaging-based experiments to investigate complex biological questions, applying cutting-edge microscopy tools to generate high-resolution data.

Trained in experimental design, image acquisition, and quantitative analysis methods, building proficiency in planning, troubleshooting, and interpreting microscopy workflows.

Strengthened technical expertise in microscopy and imaging analysis, applying skills directly relevant to molecular and cellular biology research.

Summer 2023 and Summer 2024

Conducted laboratory-based research focused on molecular biology and microbiology.

Performed DNA extractions, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and microbial culturing to investigate genetic and microbial samples.

Maintained detailed lab notebooks, followed safety protocols, and collaborated closely with faculty mentors and fellow researchers.

Presented research findings at university-sponsored symposiums, communicating complex scientific concepts to technical and general audiences.

July 2022 - June 2023

Maintained a sterile and efficient clinical environment by preparing endoscopy suites and ensuring strict compliance with safety and quality control protocols.

Collected and labeled patient specimens with precision and adherence to safety protocols.

Assisted physicians during endoscopic procedures and coordinated operating room functions, contributing to accurate, timely, and safe patient outcomes.

Streamlined clinical workflows by assembling, inspecting, and providing fully functional instruments, equipment, and supplies, reducing delays and ensuring procedural readiness.

Collaborated with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to adapt resources and procedures to individual patient and physician requirements, reinforcing a culture of compliance, precision, and teamwork.

January - May 2022

Contributed to a double-blind preclinical trial assessing the efficacy of various compounds, including stem cell conditioned media (CM), prostaglandin PGE2, minoxidil, and redensyl on murine models of androgenetic alopecia.

Conducted daily topical treatments and monitored murine hair regrowth under controlled experimental conditions, supporting a study aimed at evaluating CM’s regenerative properties in hair follicle cycling.

Collected and analyzed morphological and growth data to assess treatment response; findings indicated synergistic effects from combined factor applications.

Supported research investigating stem cell-based therapeutic potential for common hair loss disorders, contributing to early-stage biomedical product validation in partnership with FACTORFIVE Skincare.

August 2021 - April 2022

Conducted wastewater-based epidemiology research as one of eight student researchers supporting COVID-19 surveillance across nine campus dormitories.

Performed RNA extractions and quantitative PCR (qPCR) to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, enabling early identification of infection trends and asymptomatic spread.

Contributed to data interpretation and communicated findings to university leadership to inform public health response and safety protocols.

Maintained rigorous lab safety and data integrity under high-throughput, time-sensitive conditions.

This work demonstrated wastewater surveillance as a predictive, equitable tool for monitoring viral transmission and was integral to the university's pandemic mitigation strategy.

Action News Now: Students working to stop spread of COVID-19 with new project

Chico State Today: Poop Sleuths: Student Researchers Track COVID-19 in Residence Halls

November 2020 - May 2022

Conducted field and laboratory research on foliar fungal endophytes and their ecological roles in leaf litter decomposition, with a focus on Quercus chrysolepis (canyon live oak).

Performed fungal culturing, DNA extractions, PCR, and gel electrophoresis to isolate and identify fungal communities from living and decaying leaves.

Applied high-throughput amplicon sequencing and used R to analyze microbial community diversity, revealing a partial overlap between endophyte and decay fungal communities.

Contributed to a deeper understanding of how early fungal colonizers influence leaf litter decomposition and microbial succession, advancing knowledge in fungal ecology and plant–microbe interactions.

Adelante: A Journal of Student Research and Creative Work, Vol. 3, Issue 1

California State University, Chico.