Bio
Hello! I am a recent graduate from the University of California, Merced, earning my PhD in Quantitative & Systems Biology. My graduate research work focused on characterizing immune responses to Valley fever, a respiratory fungal disease endemic to the California Central Valley. My research work provided me with invaluable opportunities to work with local community members and policymakers to better promote disease education and advocacy.
Outside of the lab, I'm a strong supporter of union advocacy and worker rights. As a queer, immigrant scholar, I've seen the power of collective organizing and know how much of a difference unions make for the rights of marginalized, vulnerable workers. I had the honor of serving as an elected officer for UAW 2865 and then helped organize the newly formed Student Researchers United. My ongoing career goal is to improve health education for all, remove access barriers to science, and support workers' rights and unions.
