How/Why Research? In high school, I gained an appreciation for research by assisting in projects to study residential area nutrient loading and coral restoration. I knew I wanted to get involved in coral research at UNC, and found the Castillo Lab’s work by searching the Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences website. By attending OUR informational sessions, setting up appointments with OUR staff, and taking IDST 194: Modes of Inquiry, I learned the best way to approach asking for a research assistant position. I emailed graduate students and professors connected to the Castillo Lab, and after a several conversations, I was offered an interview and started my work in the lab shortly after.
Research Experience: My research focuses on the symbiotic relationship between corals and their endosymbiotic algae. This relationship is vital for coral survival, providing up to 95% of nutrients to the coral animal, but is highly vulnerable to climate change. When ocean temperatures rise, the coral-algal symbiosis breaks down in a process known as coral bleaching, leaving corals at greater risk of death. I study the relationship between corals and their algae through a molecular lens, focusing on genes involved in the establishment/breakdown of symbiosis and ways to enhance the heat tolerance of this relationship. Regularly, my work consists of processing coral samples using cellular biology techniques, SCUBA diving at UNC’s Institute for Marine Sciences to set up experiments, and manipulating corals and algae in a lab setting.
Student Organizations/Clubs: Biology Ambassadors, Buckley Public Service Scholars, Handmade by Heels, Carolina Jump Rope
Also Happy to Chat about: Summer opportunities, applying to fellowships/scholarships, graduate school, making the most of a research opportunity
Random Fun Fact: I am an award-winning pickler!