"Disciplina praesidium civitatis" - Cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy.
Biographical Sketch

Education:
2021 - PhD in Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago
2013 - M.S. in Geological Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
2010 - B.A. in Anthropology, The University of Texas at Austin
Appointments:
2022-Present - Postdoctoral Fellow, Stony Brook University
2021-2022 - Postdoctoral Fellow, Seattle Children's Research Institute
I am a first-gen Tejano scholar, from a blue collar familial background. These traits shape my attitude towards teaching, research, and broader outreach. My background allows me to recognize that the motivations of many people are as diverse as their backgrounds. I seek to understand and engage with both to enhance and promote minority participation within academia and biology/geology in general. I focus my interest on working with undergraduates and early-career graduate students, from all backgrounds, by providing guidance and support for working through the process of becoming a professional scientist and academic.
I am also a big fan of The Beatles, auto racing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, detective novels, the Dallas Mavericks, and Texas Longhorns Football.
2021 - PhD in Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago
2013 - M.S. in Geological Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
2010 - B.A. in Anthropology, The University of Texas at Austin
Appointments:
2022-Present - Postdoctoral Fellow, Stony Brook University
2021-2022 - Postdoctoral Fellow, Seattle Children's Research Institute
I am a first-gen Tejano scholar, from a blue collar familial background. These traits shape my attitude towards teaching, research, and broader outreach. My background allows me to recognize that the motivations of many people are as diverse as their backgrounds. I seek to understand and engage with both to enhance and promote minority participation within academia and biology/geology in general. I focus my interest on working with undergraduates and early-career graduate students, from all backgrounds, by providing guidance and support for working through the process of becoming a professional scientist and academic.
I am also a big fan of The Beatles, auto racing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, detective novels, the Dallas Mavericks, and Texas Longhorns Football.