Education
PhD Student, Plant Biology Aug. 2021 – Present
University of Georgia, Athens
Post-baccalaureate training Aug. 2020 – June 2021
Success in Graduate Education (SiGuE) Program
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Advisor: Dr. Erich Grotewold
Bachelor of Science Sept. 2015 – May 2020
Biology major with Botany Subplan
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
GPA: 3.89/4.00
Academic Fellowships
National Science Foundation Sept. 2021
Graduate Research Fellowship
Science Educational Enhancement Services Sept. 2016 – May 2020
Mentor and Program Participant
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Minority Biomedical Research Support- June 2017 – May 2019
Research Initiative for Student Enhancement
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Summer Research Early Identification Program June 2018 – Aug. 2018
Leadership Alliance
Achieve Scholars Sept. 2016 – June 2018
Mentor and program participant
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Louis Stoke Alliance for Minority Participation Feb. 2016 – June 2017
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Honors & Awards
Dr. Paul C. Hiemenz Award
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Woody Ornamental Identification 1st Place
National Collegiate Landscape Competition,
Colorado State University
Harold Lint Memorial Scholarship
Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Cal Poly Pomona College of Science Dr. Wu Scholarship
Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Marilu Johnson Scholarship
San Diego Flower and Plant Society, San Diego, CA
Cut Flower & Foliage Identification 1st Place
National Collegiate Landscape Competition,
Alamance Community College, NC
Celebration of Teaching Future Teacher Nominee
College of Education and Integrative Studies, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
American Florists’ Exchange Scholarship
American Floral Endowment, Los Angeles, CA
Minority Affairs Committee Travel Grant Recipient
American Society of Plant Biologists, Honolulu, HI
Program Recognizing Outstanding Undergraduate Distinction Scholar
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Research Experience
Ball Horticultural Company Summer Intern
West Chicago, IL
Advisors: Dr. Todd Cavins and Dr. Will Healy
Objective: To evaluate the effect of mist duration on rooting speed and uniformity using a variety of propagation substrates
Skills developed: Greenhouse propagation, Greenhouse management, Nutrient and pest management
Harvard University Summer Research Intern
Cambridge, MA
Advisor: Dr. Elena Kramer;
Post-doc mentor: Stephanie Conway
Objective: To develop protocols specific to A. coerulea to replicate a published pollen-based transformation technique
Skills developed: Pollen culture, Fluorescence microscopy
Cal Poly Pomona Undergraduate Researcher
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Advisor: Dr. Bharti Sharma
Objective: To understand floral organ shedding in agriculturally important Delphinium species
Skills Developed: Histology, Microscopy
Presentations
Pollen Magnetofection: Developing a Novel Transformation Technique in Aquilegia coerulea
Aug. 2018
Creative Activities and Research Symposium,
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Techniques to Understand Floral Organ Abscission in Delphinium Species
Aug. 2017
Summer Research Symposium,
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Poster Presentations
Pollen Magnetofection: Developing a Novel Transformation Technique in Aquilegia coerulea
July 2018
Leadership Alliance National Symposium, Hartford, CT.
Morphological Studies to Understand Transition to Flowering in Aquilegia coerulea
June 2017
American Society of Plant Biologists Conference, Honolulu, HI
Studies to Understand Floral Transition and Inflorescence Patterning in Aquilegia coerulea
Nov. 2016
Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research,
University of California, Riverside
Development of Tissue Culture and Transformation Protocols for Aquilegia and Nigella
March 2016
4th Annual CPP Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Conference, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Community & Academic Outreach
Ernest Prete Jr. K-12 STEM Education Mentor
Aug. 2019 – Dec 2019
Center for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA
·Communicated program goals and expectations between program directors, instructors, and fellows
·Conducted one-on-one advising meetings with fellows throughout the semester
·Coordinated with program mentors to lead training workshops for fellows
Ernest Prete Jr. K-12 STEM Education Fellow.
Sept. 2018 – May 2019
Center for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA
·Provided tutoring support in a K-3 Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders classroom at Kellogg Polytechnic Elementary School in Pomona, CA
·Attended workshops on tutoring, lesson planning, and classroom instruction
·Co-planned and taught a plant life cycle lesson according to the Next Generation Science Standards
Social Justice Leader
Aug. 2019 – May 2020
Pride Center, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
·Maintained community lounge cleanliness and engaged with community members
·Participated on LGBTQ+ student panels to provide ally education to students and faculty
·Promoted Pride Center and Cultural Center resources/events to students
Voices of Color Student Support Group Leader
Dec. 2018 – May 2020
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA
·Founded group (of 3 student leaders) that coordinate events to support students, faculty, and staff of color in the College of Science
·Organized and lead two 2-hour meetings each semester with ~20 attendees including students, faculty, and staff to educate and connect community members
·Met monthly with the Dean and Associate Deans of the College of Science to communicate program goals and address student concerns discussed at each meeting
Rose Float Decorations Chair
Jan. 2018 – Dec. 2019
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA
·Determined floral material used to create color, texture, and theme for the Cal Poly Universities student-built entry in the 2019 Rose Parade, “Far Out Frequencies”
·Coordinated with the California Cut Flower Commission to procure floral material donations
·Supervised student leaders working with over 1000+ volunteers during Decorations Week
·Awarded the Extraordinaire Award for the most extraordinary float
Rose Float Decorations Assistant Chair
Jan. 2017 – Dec. 2018
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA
·Determined floral material used to create color, texture, and theme for the Cal Poly Universities student- built entry in the 2018 Rose Parade, “Dreams Take Flight”
·Supported the Decorations Chair in organizing priorities and meeting deadlines
·Awarded the Past President’s Award for most outstanding innovation in the use of floral and non-floral materials
Grow Native Nursery Volunteer
June 2015 – Aug. 2015
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont, CA
·Propagated California native plants for retail nursery production and restoration purposes