Background and interests:
My research interests involve the interplay of evolution and genomics. I received my BA and MS in biology at California State University, Northridge. My MS thesis was entitled “Inferring the Evolutionary History of Lycalopex Foxes”. During my master’s thesis, I investigated the evolutionary history of the South American canid genus Lycalopex by integrating both modern and ancient genomic data. Through the analysis of whole-genome data, I was able to reconstruct the demographic history of the Pampas fox, evaluate genomic evidence of introgression, and identify regions of their genome consistent with local adaptation. Canids are a remarkable example of rapid radiation, with evidence of cross-genera hybridization and introgression between several canid species. I aim to continue canid research, understanding the different evolutionary forces that shape their present-day genetic diversity can inform conservation policy, including how populations are managed and protected.