Current Research

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Attack of the Clones! 

        This research is the focus of my Thesis. Leveraging the use of RNA-sequence data and comparative transcriptomics to investigate the modification of gene expression of invasive and native populations of the highly invasive species Carpobrotus edulis. Similar to how we use DNA sequencing to determine our ancestral backgrounds by comparing sample DNA to that of larger populations. RNA sequencing allows us to take a snapshot of genes in the DNA. This snapshot can tell us what genes may be present, what those genes are doing, and to what extent they are doing it. Comparative transcriptomics allows scientists to compare how two individuals' DNA is being expressed. In my research, I am hoping to determine what evolutionary changes have occurred between invasive and native populations of Carpobrotus edulis that might help explain its highly invasive behavior.

California State University, San Bernardino

Resistance is Not Futile! 

        This was the research I completed while earning my undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. The focus of this research involved the metabolic resistance to organophosphate pesticides in Culex quinquefasciatus Say via the overproduction of detoxifying carboxylic esterases. Investigating the genetic processes and evolutionary forces, such as founding population events, that affect those dynamics utilizing laboratory strains.

California State University San Bernardino 

        This was one of my first research experiences while Earning my Associate Degree in Chemistry and Biology. Identification of putative protein-coding and regulatory transcriptional regions in the DNA of multiple species of Drosophila utilizing comparative genomics and homology-based gene annotation. As part of the Drosophila Expanded F Element Project.    

College of the Desert, Genomics Education Partnership