Passionate and driven growing up, I had a deep-rooted fascination for reptiles and amphibians. Hailing from Miami and nurtured in the vibrant landscape of South Florida, my early encounters with these captivating creatures ignited a lifelong pursuit of understanding their adaptations.

Fueling my passion, I embarked on a transformative journey at Oregon State University, where I pursued a zoology degree. It was there that my curiosity took a turn, leading me to develop an interest in the intricate workings of animal physiology.

In 2021, my dedication and perseverance were rewarded as I proudly received my Ph.D. from the University of North Texas, specializing in the field of biology. Throughout my doctoral research, I dedicated my efforts to unraveling the mysteries of reptile physiology. This experience broadened my horizons, deepening my understanding of the diverse adaptations that enable animals to thrive in extreme environments.

To further expand my expertise, I was honored to be awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. This recognition propelled me to the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where I now study hibernation and temperature regulation in mammals. Exploring the intricate interplay between these remarkable animals and their environments, I gained invaluable insights into their unique strategies for survival.

Through my encounters with a multitude of animal models, I discovered a profound truth—these adaptations not only hold evolutionary significance but also bear immense potential for understanding and addressing human pathological conditions. Inspired by Nobel Laureate August Krogh's words, “For such a large number of problems there will be an animal of choice or a few such animals on which it can be most conveniently studied.” I resolved to push the boundaries of scientific understanding.

This fall I will embark on the next chapter of my journey as a postdoc at UC Berkeley. Guided by an unwavering commitment to scientific excellence, I aspire to shape my own research program, delving deep into the mechanisms by which unique mammals evade the consequences of ischemia/reperfusion injury. By unraveling nature's solutions, I aim to shed light on innovative strategies that can pave the way for improved human health and well-being.