Hi there!
I'm a PhD Candidate in the Murillo lab
studying the community assembly of forensically important flies.
I was introduced to the world of entomology when I started working with flies that help solve murders. While navigating the world of academic research, I developed an interest in science communication and art. Explore some of my work below!
CV
EducatioN
University of California, Riverside
Entomology, Ph.D.
Expected Grad: 2025
John Jay College of Criminal Justice - CUNY
Forensic Science, B.S. | conc. molecular biology
minor: Mathematics
2015 - 2019, Summa cum laude
Research
University of California, Riverside | Ph.D.
Oct.2021 - present
Community and molecular ecology of southern California blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Jul.2019 - Oct.2021
Characterization of insect hormone transporters
AWARDS & HONORS
NAFEA Best PhD Presentation, North American Forensic Entomology Association, 2023
NAFEA Travel Award, North American Forensic Entomology Association, 2023
Lauren and Mildred Anderson Immature Insects Award, UCR Entomology Department, 2023
California Institute of Biodiversity Student Research Grant, 2023
MUVE Student Travel Award, Entomological Society of America, 2022
First Place Riverside Insect Fair Booth, City of Riverside, 2022
Carl Strom/Western Exterminator Scholarship, Western Exterminator, 2022, 2023
Graduate Student Research Grant Program, Joshua Tree National Park Association, 2022
Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), National Science Foundation, 2021
Exceptional Remote Teaching Award, UCR Entomology Department, 2021
Presidential Membership Award, Genetics Society of America, 2021
Lauren and Mildred Anderson Immature Insects Award, UCR Entomology Department, 2020
Jonas E. Salk Scholarship, City University of New York, 2019-2023
Honors Program Scholarship, John Jay College, 2015-2019
Hecht Scholarship, John Jay College, 2015-2019
Presidential Scholarship, John Jay College, 2015-2019
Best Inquiry-Based Research Project, John Jay College English Department, 2016
Art / commissions
COMMISSIONS OPEN
Are you looking for a cool print of your study organism? Maybe you're looking to spruce up your organization with a new logo?
My commissioned projects have included logos, flyers, portraits, coloring books, and scientific prints! Take a look below for some of my previously commissioned work, and if you're interested in commissioning anything, click the contact me button!