Rooted in my identity as a child of the Pacific descended from a long line of Visayan fisherfolk, my scientific work explores the evolutionary innovations of the ocean ecosystems that shaped me. I am driven to understand the molecular and cellular rules of life: how systems develop, regenerate, and give rise to new forms through deep time.
📌 I’m currently searching for faculty positions with the hope of launching my own research lab.
Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) at the University of California, Santa Cruz (2025-2026 Academic Year)
PhD Student, School of Life Sciences at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (conferred 2024)
💡
Ongoing research includes:
Extreme Biology in the Ocean’s Twilight Zone
uncovering the molecular basis of adaptation in deep photic ecosystems.
uncovering the molecular basis of adaptation in deep photic ecosystems.
Phylogenomics and Integrative Systematics
leveraging phylogenomic screens and taxonomic approaches to characterize and monitor marine divverrsity
leveraging phylogenomic screens and taxonomic approaches to characterize and monitor marine divverrsity
Evolutionary Neurobiology
establishing the rhopalial nervous system of the moon jellyfish (Aurelia) as a model for nervous system regeneration.
establishing the rhopalial nervous system of the moon jellyfish (Aurelia) as a model for nervous system regeneration.
Regeneration and Symbiosis
using jellyfish Cassiopea for regeneration and cnidarian–algal symbiosis studies.
using jellyfish Cassiopea for regeneration and cnidarian–algal symbiosis studies.
At the heart of my work is a commitment to nourishing collective action toward deeper responsibilities with our oceans and with each other— ecologies of thought rooted in sustainability, care, and flourishing futures. Let's connect if you are interested in all things algae, cnidarians, and EvoDevoReg!
Contact
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of California Santa Cruz
130 McAllister Way, CBB Rm 167, Santa Cruz, CA 95060