WHO WE ARE
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS
Associate Professor, Department of Biology, San Francisco State University
Research Associate-Fellow, California Academy of Sciences [email protected] |
Curator of Ornithology and Mammals, California Academy of Sciences
Faculty, Department of Biology, San Francisco State University [email protected] |
GRADUATE STUDENTS (current)Daniela Sanchez
Hola, I'm Daniela. I received my B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Zoology in 2020 from SFSU where I first became interested in ornithology, conservation, evolution, and parasitology. My current research goals focus on the exploration of nematode ecology and evolution found on Barred and Spotted Owls. As an NIH-RISE fellow, my work focuses in describing this species of nematode and design molecular probes as a diagnostic tool. I love bird watching, hiking, and learning about different cultures than my own through their cuisine.
Adan Deeb
Hello! I am interested in animal adaptations with respect to anthropogenic climate change, and my research will include morphology, field work, and museum collection analysis.
In my spare time, I like to go on long hikes, spend time with friends and family, and drink copious amounts of coffee. Raquel Reyes
I received my B.S. in Biology with an emphasis in Zoology at SFSU, and then continued to do an internship as a wildlife biologist with Marin County Parks. As a Genentech Scholar I incorporate traditional fieldwork data collection with modern molecular analysis to study skin microbiome of salamander species found in California. Aside from turning over logs and rocks to see who’s living under there, I keep myself entertained by taking my dog on river trips, playing in punk bands, and reading post apocalyptic science fiction.
Chelsea Connor
Bonjour, I'm Chelsea. I am a birder, herpetologist and artist from the Commonwealth of Dominica in the Caribbean. At Midwestern State University I got my BS working on the diet overlap between the native and invasive species of anoles on Dominica. Currently, I am working on the phylogeography of Lesser Antillean reptiles and their dispersal from the neighboring mainland continents. I love doing sciences communication and talking about random papers I read for fun.
GRADUATE STUDENTS (PAST)Pooneh Kalhori
Hi, I’m Pooneh! I obtained my Master's in 2023 in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology. I graduated from UCLA in 2020 with a B.S. in Microbiology and Ecology, where I became involved in conservation genetics research. I am interested in using genetic and geographic data to look at how habitat changes affect genetic diversity and selection of certain traits in populations. Some of my hobbies include swimming, baking, and watching nature documentaries with my family. I am currently a PhD student at UCBerkeley.
Ezra Mendales
Hi, I’m Ezra! I got my Masters' in 2023 in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology. I work on the origin and evolution of the Lava Heron on the Galapagos islands and on developing a genus level phylogenetic assessment of the genus Butorides (Striated, Green, and Lava Herons). I am currently a PhD student at the University of Montana.
Lorena Benitez
I am Lorena, originally from El Salvador. I am co-advised by Pleuni Pennings, and my work focuses on soil microbiome assembly on the Galapagos Islands. I work with samples collected by local farmers, guides, and fishermen in collaboration with students and post-docs from Ecuador at Universidad San Francisco de Quito. I got my Masters's in 2023.
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UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTSJessica Martin
Senior student at San Francisco State University, graduating in Spring 2024. I have been working with soil microbiome and physic-chemical variables from samples obtained in the Galapagos islands. I will be joining the Galapagos Research Lab as a graduate student in the Fall 2024.
Jaden Mccaffrey
Senior student at San Francisco State University, graduating in Spring 2024. My passion are birds and I am currently exploring the genomic basis of plumage coloration in the endemic Galapagos Lava Heron. I will be joining the Galapagos Research Lab as a graduate student in the Fall 2024.
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COLLABORATORSAthena Lam
Director of the Center for Comparative Genomics Lab at California Academy of Sciences
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