Hi! I am Feresa, an evolutionary biologist investigating the molecular and cellular innovations that enable biological systems to persist, adapt, and diversify.
I received my PhD at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in the Algal Biodiversity Lab (Sherwood Lab), where I studied how algae adapt across steep ecological gradients, from shallow to the mesophotic ecosystems. Using comparative genomics, I focused on signatures of adaptation, including organelle evolution and the role of repetitive elements, such as introns, in genome expansion.
I received my PhD at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in the Algal Biodiversity Lab (Sherwood Lab), where I studied how algae adapt across steep ecological gradients, from shallow to the mesophotic ecosystems. Using comparative genomics, I focused on signatures of adaptation, including organelle evolution and the role of repetitive elements, such as introns, in genome expansion.
📌 As a current postdoctoral researcher at University of California, Santa Cruz in the CnidoLab (Macias-Muñoz Lab), I investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable cnidarians to regenerate tissues and sustain stable symbiotic partnerships, focusing on the moon jellyfish, Aurelia labiata and upside-down jellyfish, Cassiopea andromeda. By dissecting how these animals coordinate wound healing and regulate symbiosis, I aim to identify conserved and unique pathways that could be leveraged to enhance resilience in other systems, including reef-building corals and human tissues.
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Ongoing research includes:
Extreme Biology in the Ocean’s Twilight Zone
uncovering the molecular basis of adaptation in mesophotic/ midwater ecosystems.
uncovering the molecular basis of adaptation in mesophotic/ midwater ecosystems.
Phylogenomics and Integrative Systematics
leveraging genomic and taxonomic approaches to characterize and monitor marine biodiversity.
leveraging genomic and taxonomic approaches to characterize and monitor marine biodiversity.
Regeneration and Symbiosis
using jellyfish Cassiopea for regeneration and cnidarian–algal symbiosis studies.
Evolutionary Neurobiology
establishing the rhopalial nervous system of the moon jellyfish (Aurelia) as a model for neuroregeneration
using jellyfish Cassiopea for regeneration and cnidarian–algal symbiosis studies.
Evolutionary Neurobiology
establishing the rhopalial nervous system of the moon jellyfish (Aurelia) as a model for neuroregeneration
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